In today's world, social media is an integral part of our lives and plays a huge role in the concept of the "ideal" body image. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that individuals are losing confidence and questioning their looks because they are seeing the world through a filter.
Our teeth are an important part of our looks and how we feel about them can affect confidence. Our mouths do a lot - they help us form words that we use to talk about our favorite shows, and house the teeth that help to give us that Instagram-worthy smile. This is why the condition of your teeth can greatly influence how you feel about yourself. Feeling self-conscious because you think your teeth are too crooked, stained, small, or big can hold you from truly enjoying certain moments.
Oral health and well-being
Researchers have compelling evidence that general well-being and oral health are related. Especially extensive tooth loss and gum disease which has been linked to increased risk of certain health conditions.
Dental health and how it affects all of us physiologically
Practicing good oral hygiene and having clean teeth can boost self-esteem. Our teeth can influence how we socialise, look, chew, taste, speak and eat. If you have great oral health, you are more likely to have better self-confidence.
Poor oral hygiene and mental health
Good-looking teeth can encourage a positive state of mind because they inspire confidence, as a result of wanting to smile more. People who suffer from mental health problems like depression are less likely to take oral health seriously and may contribute to self-image and emotional problems.
Depression can have a huge impact on an individual's oral hygiene - there is a reduction in concern for personal well-being and diet and exercise can be neglected. Healthy meal choices get replaced by comfort sugary foods that cause dental decay. Regular teeth cleaning might also be overlooked, which can lead to calm disease.
Missing teeth
Missing teeth can negatively influence an individual's sense of self-worth. In addition, gaps in your mouth can affect oral health and overall well-being.
We often approach teeth as individual units but in fact, they are a part of a complete system. Teeth work together and issues occur when they don't. Having them in place will help improve appearance, restore smile and ensure that you speak normally.
Some of the treatments available for missing teeth are:
Dentures
This is often a solution for older adults. Dentures are removable teeth crafted to be fitted into space where teeth used to be. They are typically made from acrylic plastic and metal.
Plastic dentures (the more commonplace one) rest on gum, while the ones made with metal are supported by natural teeth that are left. Metal dentures (partial dentures) are used when natural teeth remain and, plastic dentures (complete dentures) are used when all teeth are missing.
Bridges
A bridge consists of fillings that are attached to 2 adjacent crowns. The region is then bonded into the molds.
Dental implants
These are permanent replacements for missing or failing teeth roots. This is the only method available for replacing a whole tooth. To achieve this, titanium support replacement teeth like dentures, bridges, and crown in place of roots. Dental implants can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple lost teeth.
What are the dangers of not going to the dentist?
If you don’t opt for good dental care regularly, your neglected teeth will be more prone to heart infections, tooth decay, and gum disease. This could result in difficulty in speaking and eating, chronic bad breath, continuous pain, embarrassment and make social anxiety worse. In addition, poor dental health has been linked to a higher risk of stroke and heart attack.
This is why maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping the health of your mouth is good. Although practicing good oral hygiene is good for your health - visiting the dentist is like the icing on the cake. In addition, if you have already developed a dental health issue, your dentist can provide a course of treatment to get your oral health back on track.