How Can Your Smile Affect Your Lifestyle?

A person’s smile affects their life in a variety of ways. It impacts their confidence and self-esteem and even plays a role in their overall health. Their appearance is determined in large part by their smile, and a person might find they are held back in their job if their oral health is lacking. 

For these reasons and more, getting dental work done needs to be a priority. Doing so could alter a person’s appearance, speech, accent, and more. What are some other ways a smile can impact a person’s life? 

Social Life

A person might find they avoid social situations because they have problems with their teeth. In fact, a third of young adults today admit they socialize less than they did in the past because they are embarrassed by their teeth.

They might avoid looking for a new job or shy away from meeting new people because they aren’t happy with their smiles. They may even cover their mouth when meeting new people so people won’t see their teeth. Having dental work done will improve their smile and allow them to interact comfortably with other people once again. 

General Health

Research shows plaque buildup in the mouth negatively affects the heart, kidneys, and more. Periodontal disease is linked to a range of health conditions, including diabetes, low birth weight, heart disease, and more. People need to care for their teeth and gums to live happy and healthy lives. They are less likely to develop an autoimmune disorder, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, and other conditions if their teeth and gums are healthy.

Employment Opportunities

People who smile frequently appear friendlier and more approachable. As companies want employees who present a good first impression, they look for happy people who smile a lot. When a person has problems with their teeth, they may find this holds them back in their career. Poor oral health may also lead to bad breath.

Sadly, employers often judge a person based on their oral health. If they have stained, missing, or crooked teeth, an employer might assume they lack intelligence, skills, or positive personality traits. While an employer shouldn’t make this assumption, a person can ensure they don’t by having dental work done in a timely manner. 

Mental Health 

Poor oral health leads to low self-confidence. It also brings about other mental health issues. A person who has gum disease is more at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. As there is no cure for this condition, a person needs to protect their oral health and reduce their risk of developing it in the future. 

Individuals who struggle with mental health issues often put oral health on the back burner. In addition, a person who is anxious or depressed releases more of the cortisol hormone. This puts the more at risk of oral health issues. A person needs to see a dentist regularly to reduce their risk of mental health problems and protect their overall health if they are already struggling in this area. 

Thanks to advances in dentistry, any person can have a beautiful smile today. With the help of crowns, dental implants, veneers, and more, a dentist can remake a person’s smile in one or more visits. Learn more today about a smile makeover and its many benefits. Those who do so find they have their dream smile in little time.