Cosmetic Dentist Helps Patients Stay Healthy

Most people know that taking care of their teeth is important to staying healthy, but not many know that a cosmetic dentist is part of that equation. Yes, it's true that cosmetic dentists are focused on making their patients look as attractive as possible, but they also help with overall well being. This is especially true when smiles are crooked, have gaps or teeth are missing. Here are some things to think about:

- Overall physical health: When teeth are overcrowded or don't mesh properly, this is a recipe for trouble. Swollen, red gums can occur because it's difficult to brush and floss properly. When the molars don't align properly, it's hard to chew food with ease. Gaps may result in weakened oral structures and tooth loss. Tooth loss can mean difficulty in eating certain types of healthy foods that require grinding and chewing. Too often, patients who've lost oral structures make dietary choices that are less than stellar. Over-processed foods lack the nutrient content of fresh fruits, veggies and lean meats. Malnutrition can lead to serious health problems.

- Emotional and mental wellbeing: Having an attractive smile through cosmetic dentistry also plays a part in a patient's emotional and mental wellbeing. If a person is embarrassed about their mouth's appearance, they often become withdrawn and suffer low self esteem. This can lead to depression, anxiety and relationship troubles. It can even have an impact on a person's financial situation. Studies have shown that individuals who are more attractive land better jobs and make more money. Being financially comfortable and having high self esteem are both wonderful for the immune system. Feeling stressed out by poverty or an unsightly appearance is very detrimental to the functioning of the immune system.

- What procedures can help: There are several procedures that can be done to correct misalignment, gaps and missing structures. Traditional orthodontia offers braces to straighten teeth and can also close up problematic gaps. Invisalign is another more modern way to get rid of overbites, underbites, crossbites, overcrowding and spaces. Bonding and veneers are other ways to make the smile appear more aligned and gap-free. In order to replace a lost tooth or two, dental implants can be placed for a natural and nearly permanent attachment. Instead of old-fashioned bridges and dentures that must be cemented in, dental implants are attached to the jawbone with a titanium screw. This method offers a remarkably strong attachment and was discovered by a European doctor who was doing bone research a couple of decades ago.

The way a person's smile looks says a lot about their overall wellbeing. If their teeth are well taken care of, they are likely to be healthier because it shows they care about their pearly whites and body. Untreated dental decay can lead to an array of problems such as chronic infection, diabetes complication, strokes, heart disease, premature birth, and even pneumonia. Living with untreated infections causes the body to be under stress and the immune response hampered. By seeing a cosmetic dentist, a patient can be more attractive and healthier.