A healthy smile has two components: functionality and appearance. Your teeth must be strong, free of decay, and meet properly when you bite and chew. Your gum tissue must be healthy and supportive of your teeth. Lastly, you must have a smile that you are confident to show to the world. Unfortunately, many people do not have healthy smiles and suffer both physically and emotionally from their oral health problems.
Physical Benefits of a Healthy Smile
Unhealthy teeth and gums can cause a host of problems—not just in your mouth, but in your entire body. Untreated cavities that have advanced into the tooth dentin and pulp are painful and will cause you to avoid eating certain foods, which will affect your overall health. An inability to eat a balanced diet from all the food groups can lead to changes in body weight, malnutrition, and a lowered immune system. Gum disease can also affect your general health. Painful, swollen gums can prevent you from eating properly, causing the same general health problems as tooth decay. Periodontal disease has also been linked to serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and pregnancy complications.
Emotional Benefits of a Healthy Smile
If your teeth and gums are unhealthy and unattractive, you are more likely to experience depression. You may avoid social situations in which you must look your best or eat in front of others. If your oral health issues are so advanced that they are causing pain or chronic health problems, you may not have the energy or the desire to put yourself out into the world. Even if you have only cosmetic problems, such as stained or gapped teeth, you may still lack the confidence to socialize or explore new opportunities in life.
Correcting your oral health problems and enhancing the appearance of your smile will open you up to a new world of possibilities. Drs. Alex and Claudia Denes provide an array of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services to help improve your well being. Call Fresno Dental Studio today at (559) 297-1800 to schedule a consultation. We serve patients from Fresno, Clovis, Sanger, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.