Cheerful people are happier, and those who smile confidently are rated more favorably by others. This is the finding of a research study published in the journal Brain Sciences, in which researchers set out to examine the power of a happy face. But what happens when someone isn’t confident in their smile or doesn’t take care of their teeth as well as they could? They most likely won’t put forth a cheerful face or a nice smile, which could be costing them more than they realize.
“Most people don’t realize just how deeply oral health impacts overall wellbeing and confidence,” says Jennifer Moran-Kobes, DDS. “Smile health is a form of self-care, and the confidence it creates is a gift that lasts far beyond Valentine’s Day.”
Those who have issues with their oral health and smile know all too well how it impacts their confidence. They don’t want to smile in front of others; they put their hand over their mouth when they laugh; they don’t want to be in pictures, etc. It’s an issue that lingers and keeps them feeling less confident. While the confidence level is a major reason to address it, poor oral health can also lead to health issues, further underscoring the need to improve.
Here are three areas to be aware of when it comes to one’s smile and oral health:
- Confidence. According to research published in the journal Healthcare, dental aesthetics, influenced by factors like tooth color, form, and alignment, significantly impact psychological well-being and self-confidence, and lead to social anxiety. Dental aesthetics can have a big impact on one’s self-esteem. The good news is that improving one’s smile and oral hygiene is possible. By working with a cosmetic dental specialist, people can have the smile they want.
- Habits. The habits we have regarding our oral health can go a long way toward ensuring we have a healthy mouth, or not. There are some common oral health mistakes that people make, and improving on them can make a big difference. Some of the most common ones include not brushing and flossing regularly (or doing so improperly), not keeping up with regular dental checkups and cleanings, and ignoring issues that need to be addressed.
- Wellness. Self-esteem aside, our oral health is important to our overall health and wellness. Oral health is essential to general health and well-being. According to the National Institutes of Health, scientists have found a connection between oral disease and such conditions as diabetes, dementia, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Taking care of one’s oral health leads to better overall health.
“Nobody ever regrets making their smile look great or improving their oral health,” said Dr. Jen Moran-Kobes. “I’ve helped so many people address issues and get the beautiful smile they want, leading them to the confidence they crave. Smile health is an act of self-care, and when you make it a priority, it’s truly life-changing!”
Dr. Jen Moran-Kobes offers a variety of options to help people improve their oral health and smile, including a smile makeover, veneers, ceramic crowns, micro enhancements, and more. She sees patients at Water Tower Dental Care in downtown Chicago and Hinsdale Dentistry in the western suburbs, offering tailored smile rejuvenation grounded in artistry, comfort, and clinical excellence. To book a consultation, visit https://drjenmorankobes.com .
