There are many factors that affect a person’s self-confidence. One of them is their oral health. Good oral or dental health contributes to a happy and healthier person. Poor self-esteem affects a person’s ability to socialize. We’ve listed the top 5 dental issues that lower self-confidence.
1. Bad breath
The tongue is the main source of bad breath (halitosis). The layers of bacteria that are embedded on it result in a foul smell. Other possible causes of bad breath are dry mouth (caused by a glandular condition), post-nasal drip, and certain foods like garlic and onion.
Daily brushing and tongue scraping are very important to maintain a fresh breath. Also, take prescribed antihistamines to treat your post-nasal drip.
2. Yellow teeth
This issue is usually cosmetic and is caused by the foods and beverages that you consume. Major culprits are red wine and coffee. But some teeth actually just come in with a yellowish undertone which is just normal.
There are many prescription and over-the-counter solutions to whiten yellow teeth. You can also talk to your dentist about laser whitening.
Bacteria in the mouth cause cavities. Bacteria feast on food remnants (starch) left between our teeth. From eating these carbohydrates, they will secrete an acid waste which dissolves the tooth enamel.
The key to prevention is good oral hygiene. Once you have cavities, your dentist will use a crown, filling, or root canal to treat the issue.
4. Gum (Periodontal) Disease
Periodontal disease or gum disease is often linked to heart attacks and strokes. Infection in the gums that surround the teeth causes gum disease. Gum disease is said to be the main cause of tooth loss in adults.
Make sure to have regular dental checkups, brush at least twice a day, and floss daily to prevent gum disease.
5. Diastema (Gap Between Teeth)
Diastema appears most often between the two upper front teeth, but gaps can occur between any two teeth. If the size of the teeth is too small for the jaw bone, this will result in spaces between teeth. Teeth spaces develop for a few other reasons. Missing or undersized teeth results to gaps. Certain habits like thumb sucking can also lead to gaps between the teeth.
Dentists can perform teeth alignment using various techniques. Straightening teeth can be performed at any age.
Oral health affects confidence and overall wellness. The good news is that several dental treatments and procedures are widely available for those who want to correct their dental issues and regain their self-confidence. Call your dentist in Mount Kisco at (914) 244-3900 to learn more about what we can do to protect and enhance your smile.