Dentist reveals the EIGHT things patients do that leave them horrified trends now

Going to the dentist is a necessity that most people dread. 

But for all your dental-related horror stories, you can bet your dentist has seen worse. 

MailOnline heard from two dentists about the things their patients do that leave them horrified, and some will really make your skin crawl.

From licking the dentist's fingers, to leaving toenails in your mouth, here are the grossest things patients do. 

So are you guilty of any of them? 

Mouth numbing is necessary for some procedures, like teeth removal or fillings. 

But with numbing comes a lack of control.

Cosmetic dentist Sam Jethwa, of Bespoke Smile — a clinical dentist in Marlow, says

and Dr Jethwa says one of his pet hates is when patients miss the bowl while spitting out fluid.

He said: 'Obviously losing control of the mouth as a result means when we go to have a rinse and spit, we might miss the bowl. 

'A lengthy cleaning process ensues for our assistants but it's always a head in hands moment. For everyone.'  

Licking the dentist's fingers 

You read that right, another revolting thing patients do is lick the dentist's fingers, according to Dr Jethwa.

The dentist, who is also vice president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, said: 'The non-latex gloves we use are soft compared to traditional old fashioned ones, but they aren't for licking.

'It's always comical when a patient has an inquisitive tongue and goes in for a lick of the fingers.' 

Have you ever forgotten your toothbrush and used your partner's?   

Well, Dr Jethwa says that's a big 'no, no'.  

He said: 'Our gum specialist helps people with gum disease and tries to stop them losing their teeth and save them. 

'Obviously part of that is to discuss existing cleaning habits. 

'A few times he has recollected patients mentioning they share a toothbrush with their partner. 

'As much as we might love them - that's a no no' 

Dr Ben Atkins, Dentist and Trustee of the Oral Health Foundation previously said that brushing can make your gum bleed, so by sharing a toothbrush you could be sharing blood.

He added: 'Brushing sometimes causes the gums to bleed, which exposes everyone you share your toothbrush with to blood stream diseases. 

'There are many hundreds of different bacteria and viruses in our mouths and people sharing a toothbrush could be passing these on to others.