Who doesn’t love the look of a straight, bright, and beautiful smile? A genuine smile is a show of acceptance and encourages friendship. It tells the world that we are okay and is a tool we use to win the approval of others.
We need a great-looking smile to put our best foot forward, whether it is to find love, make more money or get our voices heard. It is no wonder then that one research study has found that British adults fork out a fortune – a combined £4 billion a year – to pose for the “perfect profile picture”.
High beauty ideals, dating apps, and video conferencing calls are just some of the factors that pressure people to look good. The aforementioned study also found the lengths people will go to, to achieve the standout image: using image editing apps, opting for professional hair and beauty treatments, splurging on a new wardrobe, and travelling to exciting holiday destinations for that Instagram-worthy photo.
This focus on image may appear superficial, but there is a deeper significance to considering cosmetic dental treatments, like veneers Liverpool, to achieving a designer-like smile.
Dental practitioners can attest to the fact that patients who have undergone cosmetic dentistry treatments are far more likely to be proactive in protecting the attractiveness of their newly acquired smile. These patients pay more attention to all those dentist-approved oral hygiene recommendations like brushing, flossing, and keeping to scheduled dental checkups. Good oral health serves more than just oral health and function; it promotes overall wellbeing too.
Desirable effects of good dental health on wellbeing
At the most basic level, healthy and strong teeth are required to feed the body’s nutritional needs. Without teeth, we would not be able to bite and chew, which are the masticatory functions responsible for aiding the digestion and nutrient absorption processes. Decayed or misaligned teeth can interrupt these processes and be the cause of discomfort and pain.
Another benefit of good oral health for physical health is protecting the body from infections and serious health consequences. Poor dental health (bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease) is driven by the overwhelming presence of bad bacteria in the mouth. The prevalence of these dangerous microorganisms offer another concern too – they can find their way to vital organs like the heart and lungs through the bloodstream.
Psychosocial health is another winner that benefits from good dental health. When we feel happy and positive, we are more likely to live longer. As social beings, we need good quality relationships in our lives to thrive. We may not be aware of it, but we need good oral health to enjoy fulfilling relationships. When we experience dental pain, have decayed or missing teeth or have a less-than-desirable smile, we live in the shadows, excluding ourselves from engaging with others.
Being aware of all the ways that good oral health serves physical, mental, and social health helps to do those things that maintain strong and healthy teeth and gums. Any concerns about dental health should be addressed by a professional dental practitioner without delay.
