When you look at your teeth in the mirror, you might think they make your smile look good. While they give you an aesthetic grin, they do plenty more for your oral and overall health as well. Several of their functions may surprise you, but they can extend to tooth replacements as well! Here are five that you should remember so you know why it’s important to take care of your grin.
1.) Helps with Your Pronunciation
As you talk, your teeth, tongue, and lips work together to achieve clear pronunciation. You can more easily sound out “s”, “f,” “v,” and “th” sounds as they require precise contact on your teeth. However, if you are missing structures or if they are damaged or misaligned, you might notice you have trouble articulating words with them.
2.) Preserves Your Facial Structure
Your tooth roots extend into your jawbone and help stimulate the bone. Every time you bite and chew, that pressure gets sent into your jaw. This tells your body to keep sending the necessary nutrients needed to keep it strong and healthy. That way, your face continues to stay full.
If not, then the bone can weaken and cause facial collapse, like sunken cheeks or additional wrinkles. If you are missing teeth, then tooth replacements like dental implants can help you avoid this from happening as well!
3.) Aids Your Nutrition
This point might be one that you thought of immediately about the functionality of your smile. These structures bite and grind your food down; that way, your body has an easier time absorbing all the nutrients and vitamins in them. Those with tooth loss often have to avoid certain foods that are nutritious, like crunchy ones or some proteins, as they can’t eat them as effectively. This can potentially lead to poor nutrition.
4.) Protects Your Oral and Overall Health
You might be able to guess that your teeth are helpful in ensuring your oral health is in great shape. That’s because they keep saliva in your mouth, which washes away harmful bacteria.
Not only that, but your overall well-being can also benefit from a strong grin and gums. When they are free of problems, infection, and inflammation, your immune system will be able to use its resources to protect the rest of your body. Dental problems also have links to systemic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, so simply brush and floss to make sure you avoid any issues.
5.) Boosts Your Confidence
Last but not least, you may simply feel better about having a full set of teeth. Whether you got missing ones replaced or have all your natural ones still, you might be more confident about showing off your smile. It might seem small, but positive self-esteem can have ripples that radiate out to benefit relationships in your work, social, and love life. That way, you feel as great as you deserve to be.
About the Author
Dr. Dhiren Ahir earned his dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry. He now has over 20 years of experience that he uses to help the Denton community get stronger teeth and gums with preventive care. By being proactive, he can spot problems early and give you the reliable solutions you need if there is anything worrying. If you are due for your next checkup and cleaning, schedule an appointment or call his office at (940) 514-0333.