How Bad Teeth Affect Your Self Confidence

How Bad Teeth Affect Your Self Confidence : Not everyone with perfect pearly whites and that can take a blow to our self-esteem. And whether we like it or not, when we meet someone new, the first thing we notice is a person’s mouth.

But are bad teeth and self-confidence linked? Read on to find out and learn how to improve your smile.

Straight Teeth and Confidence

People who have crooked or missing teeth are more likely to hide them as much as they can. This means they’ll be more reserved in group settings as they won’t want to speak or smile and reveal their dental appearance.

Also, having bad teeth encourages people to make a false judgment about you without getting to know you first. And, unfortunately, first impressions last. Nearly one-third (29%) of Americans say the first aspect of someone’s face they notice is his or her teeth.

Many people even believe that nice teeth can improve your career.

A study contrasted images of men and women with straight and crooked teeth. Out of 1,047 participants, respondents were shown images of people with varying tooth issues and asked to give their honest opinion about them. It’s important to note that the participants were unaware they were comparing people with straight and crooked teeth.

Overall, the results showed that those with perfect teeth have more desirable qualities than those who don’t have a great smile. This includes attributes such as being happy, having a successful career and being loved.

Another benefit that comes with having a perfect smile is improved speech. This is also linked to your self-esteem as missing teeth or an incorrect bite may create a lisp or other speech impediment.

Not being able to articulate clearly can be a pain during job interviews and it could make you flustered or not want to speak at all. Yet it’s possible to treat problems that affect your speech patterns and boost your confidence to speak in public. For instance, you can fix that toothache at a Dentist in Harrisburg.

How to Improve Your Smile

Want to know how to get perfect teeth? Consider these following tips:

Make an Appointment with Your Dental Hygienist

The easiest way to get perfect smile teeth is by visiting a hygienist, yet one-third of adults have never seen one. Having routine cleanings every six months promotes good oral health and rewards you with a perfect smile.

Otherwise, you can suffer from a periodontal disease where you get swollen, receding, and bleeding gums. Many health conditions manifest themselves in your mouth, so your hygienist can make you aware of issues so you can follow up with your doctor.
Floss Daily

Flossing removes plaque between teeth and out from under your gumlines where toothbrushes can’t reach. If left alone, plaque and tartar can build up under the surface of the gumlines which can lead to bone destruction and tooth loss.

First, wrap the floss around your finger and insert it in the space between your teeth. Slide it up and down under the gumlines three times. If there’s bleeding, this is because of gingivitis or gum disease. Once you floss daily, the bleeding will eventually stop after two weeks.

Another option is an oral irrigator. This device sprays water to remove plaque and food between your teeth and below your gumline. Or, if you’re worried, keep flossing and consider trying some home remedies too.
Limit Your Coffee, Tea and Red Wine

Coffee, tea, and red wine are notorious for staining teeth. These can build up a superficial stain that your hygienist can polish off, but they can also cause internal staining of your tooth enamel.

To avoid this, drink through a straw to reduce staining and the risk of tooth decay. Also, rinse your mouth frequently with water so the dark liquid doesn’t stay in your teeth for a long time.
Choose Whitening Products Carefully

There is an abundance of whitening products on the market, from strips to gel pens. They each serve their own purpose. For example, whitening toothpaste is great for coffee drinkers while gel pens let you touch up small areas.
Buy a Quality Toothbrush

Electronic brushes are more efficient at removing plaque and can achieve healthier gums than manual ones. The toothbrush bodies can last for years while the heads must be swapped when they age.

You can even get toothbrushes with modes for tooth whitening and sensitive teeth. If you’d prefer a manual brush, get a soft-bristled one. Stiffer bristles, on the other hand, can wear the enamel away from the teeth and potentially cause gums to recede.
Drink Plenty of Water

Water flushes gunk from your teeth and discourages tooth decay. Tap water is the best option as it has the recommended dosage of fluoride.

A healthy level of fluoride promotes tooth health and discourages decay. But if you keep drinking sugary drinks, then it can increase decay rates dramatically.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

This is a given, but many people do need to be reminded. Brushing is important as it stops plaque from hardening into tartar and keeps your teeth whiter and healthier than those who brush less often.

To maximize your brushing, angle the bristles towards the gum line at a 45-degrees angle, with enough pressure to make the tissue a lighter color. Make small strokes and focus on one or two teeth at the time. This will keep your gums healthy and remove most of the plaque.

Now You Know Why Bad Teeth Are Linked to Low Self-Esteem

Bad teeth can stop you from feeling confident and expressing yourself freely. This can be a major problem if you’re in a job interview or meeting people for the first time. Luckily, there are many ways to get a perfect smile from visiting your hygienist every six months to flossing daily.

Did you find this article helpful? Check out more of our articles from oral health to improving your smile.