Impact of dental disorder and its influence on self esteem
BY READERS DIGEST
28th Oct 2021 Wellbeing
We live in a society where people are becoming increasingly aware of their bodies. While this can be a very positive development, it also comes with some disadvantages.
For instance, people's confidence is more affected today when they realize that they fall below the beauty standards they set for their bodies. This could trigger some physical insecurities and deal heavy blows to these people's self-esteem. There are many body parts that people are often not too proud to show off for one defect or another, but one of the most affected parts is the teeth.
Often, people who suffer one or more dental defects (like stained, crooked, or misaligned teeth) find it challenging to maintain healthy confidence levels, especially in public places. Consequently, avoiding public interactions becomes a reoccurring habit for these people. Thankfully, however, some of these people have realized the effectiveness of cosmetic dental procedures in correcting their oral defaults and restoring their confidence. This is why dental health professionals, like cosmetic dentist Dr. Kassam, are getting booked for dental appointments more regularly these days.
This article will study the relationship between dental health and self-esteem. We will also consider some adverse effects of dental disorders on human confidence and top ways to boost your esteem through good oral care practices. Read on to discover more.
What is the relationship between your teeth and self-esteem?
When you step into a public place with a smile, one of the first things that people notice is the condition of your teeth and how it fits societal standards for what a beautiful set of teeth should look like. While a good set of teeth and a beautiful smile can be one hell of a confidence booster for you, a dental default can equally be catastrophic. You will not feel confident enough to smile or expose your teeth to people in the space, and you might feel uncomfortable throughout the event.
The state of our dental health can also play a significant role in affecting our confidence levels, even in personal relationships. For instance, a person with a mouth odor or other related dental disorders might not be confident enough to kiss their love partners or the person they are dating. This could be quite telling on such a person's self-confidence, affecting how he perceives himself.
Effects of dental disorders on a person's confidence
As discussed earlier, the state of a person's dental health can directly affect their confidence levels. Here are some of the ways dental disorders can affect your self-esteem:
- Subconscious Sign of being Unhealthy: when you look into your mirror and notice some irregularities in your teeth, you are likely to get a subconscious trigger that everything is not okay with your health. This could be bad for your selfesteem and confidence.
- Unwillingness to Smile: realizing that something is wrong with your teeth and that you do not have the perfect smile can be pretty damning to your confidence levels. Consequently, you might find it challenging to smile or show your teeth, especially in public places.
- Becoming too Conscious around People: suffering dental disorders can also cause you to become too selfconscious around people because you do not want them to see the defects in your teeth. This is especially true if you are meeting them for the first time or in a public place.
How to Boost Your Self Confidence through Adequate Oral Care Practices
Having considered the adverse effects of inadequate oral health on people’s self-esteem, we must discuss how to boost your confidence by practicing healthy oral care. Here are some tips to help you:
Find out the cause of the problem
One of the first things to do when you notice that your confidence is being affected by some defects in your teeth is to find out what the cause of the problem is. Doing this will help you to know how best to tackle it. You can book an appointment with your dentist for proper diagnosis, consultations, and prescriptions.
Go for a dental cleaning
In cases where your teeth are stained, and you can not smile or speak in public because you are ashamed of them, a dental cleaning might be the solution you need. The procedure will help you to remove all the plaque and other impurities that have gathered in your teeth over the years. This is so that you can have a confident and sparkling smile again.
Consider tooth replacement
In cases where you have one or more missing teeth, a tooth replacement could be an ideal solution for you. Discuss with your dentist how best to fill the space in your teeth to know the next suitable action.
Conclusion
There are many other options for treating dental defects and regaining your self-confidence. It is best to consult dental professionals before taking any action.
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