Why good teeth matter for health and confidence, and how to get a ‘million-dollar smile’
- Poor oral health is linked to higher risks of acquiring diseases such as dementia, diabetes and respiratory infections
- Experts explain why dental care is important especially as we age, for our health and self-confidence
A wide, bright smile affords instant attraction, making a person appear warm, welcoming, engaging and engaged.
You will fondly remember a first meeting with a person who greets you with a broad smile.
“Teeth are one of the first things people notice about someone when meeting them for the first time,” Hong Kong-based dentist Dr John Bertrand Chen says. “A smile has a great effect on first impressions and what people perceive about you. Many surveys have shown that people correlate a great smile with success and confidence.”
As we get older and our teeth yellow with age, lengthen with gum recession or even fall out, we may be less inclined to smile. “Bad” teeth – “which often goes hand in hand with bad breath” – are just not attractive, Chen notes.
Good teeth aren’t just important for a winning smile. As we age, good teeth are often an indicator of good health and – in turn – good oral health promotes good overall health.