7 Random things your hygienist/dentist probably wishes you knew.

1- I do not get paid more when you floss. Actually, the reverse is true, if you don't floss, you have to come and see me more which gives me more job security so if it was about money I'd tell you to stop flossing and that toothbrushes are a joke!

2- Helping me doesn't actually help. I know you know how to floss and your tongue does too, trust that I, too, know how to floss and clean your teeth so let me do it. When you help you're actually in my way which makes it harder to see and a lot easier to gouge your lip, tongue, cheek, eye, etc... (not really the eye but who knows?)

3- Relax, I won't let you drown. Despite what you may think, drowning and death occurring at the dental office is pretty much un heard of. I know how to keep you safe and your nose works just as well to breathe as your mouth, unless you have respiratory problems in which case let me know. That suckerupagus thingy is actually there to help you and works quite well.

4- We're used to spit. Don't be embarrassed if you end up drooling, gleaking, etc... we're used to it and if I really can't handle saliva professionally, I obviously chose the wrong career path. At the same time, I don't necessarily love it so please, spit in the suction do not bring a napkin to spit into throughout your appointment for that will actually get to me.

5- You're probably not the worst I've seen. In school they make you find the absolute worst of the worst where you get to hold the teeth down as you clean them to prevent them from popping right out. Trust me, as bad as you think your teeth are... I've seen worse.

6- Open wider. 95% of the time patients aren't open wide enough, if it's hard for you to hold your mouth open, ask for a bite block. When you're not open, I can't see and if I can't see I can't do my job effectively or painlessly.

7- My finger is not a hot dog! It may sound strange, but this is a BIG one for me. Believe it or not, more people bite their dental professionals than probably realize. Once again, when I'm flossing or doing anything, don't try to help me by closing your mouth our pursing your lips. Chances are you're actually increasing your chance of getting hurt or chomping down on my fingers.