Aesthetically speaking, a smile just makes you look happier and more attractive, but there are so many other things that a smile says about you personally both economically and sociologically. Now that masks are off, it is time to reveal the real you underneath. If you’ve put off dental care due to COVID, now is the time to get back on track! So, what exactly does a smile say about you? How do people interpret your smile, and why is it important to take care of it for more than just health reasons? These are all the facts regarding what your smile is likely saying about you!
Sociologically and Economically
The sad reality is that not everyone can afford dental care. A great majority of Americans and people around the globe don’t have access to dentistry due to economic and accessibility issues. According to the latest statistics, over 37 million people in the US alone don’t have dental coverage. That means that only the upper echelon can afford basic dental care, much less cosmetic care. If you have broken, stained, or missing teeth, people assume that you simply don’t have access to care, which is an indication of your socioeconomic standing.
Missing Teeth Can Alter the Rest of Your Smile
Not many people realize that teeth can’t simply stand alone. The pressure they place upon one another is what keeps them in line throughout your lifetime. If you lose one, then your teeth will naturally shift to fill the missing gaps and spaces. So when you lose a tooth due to decay or damage, your smile will inevitably alter. That’s why it is important to consider how every tooth is important; if you lose just one, your smile will never be the same if you don’t address the issue.
Missing Teeth Can Also Lead to Poor Oral Health
Your teeth are designed to chew food so that you can digest it. They are aligned this way by design. When you lose, crack, or chip a tooth, the structure of your chew will change. Over time, the different ways that your teeth hit can lead to problems with your oral health and hasten oral disease, like gingivitis and periodontal disease. It is important to keep stock of the integrity of all your teeth individually and know how they will affect the whole of your smile.
Teeth Whitening Options
Nothing presents better than a bright white smile, but not all teeth staining or discoloration can be corrected by simply brushing your teeth. People have different shades of white genetically, so if you weren’t blessed with the brightest white, there are many options. Also, certaIn exposures can change your teeth from pearly-white to darker. But again, thanks to the many treatments for whitening available, anyone can have the smile they desire! Dr. Tatum offers Zoom whitening, teeth trays, and bonding, depending on the severity of the staining and what is the best fix. The good news is that it is fixable!
Crooked Teeth
While many people have access to dental care, fewer have access to orthodontic care. Invisalign really changed the face of orthodontics, making it both more accessible and affordable to the average person. A straight smile not only looks better; it helps to enhance your dental health and reduce periodontal disease and tooth decay!
As we head into summer, masks are off and people have something to smile about. We all smile daily without giving much thought about what our smile says to the world around us. A smile is a wonderful thing, so make sure to maximize yours by scheduling regular dental exams, addressing tooth damage, and checking out our painless and non-invasive cosmetic and dental procedures. Schedule your appointment today!