Nobody is perfect, and we all feel awkward about something, and for over half of people involved in a recent survey that includes being self-conscious about their teeth. In the survey, this discomfort was ranked above issues with height, eyewear and ranked just below weight issues and hairstyle. We like smiling, and if we have problems with our teeth, we tend to hide ourselves from others and find excuses to participate less in activities that spotlight the things that make us feel bad about our teeth.
So, when you encounter people who have great teeth and never complain of excessive dental work or any other issues with reaching that goal, it can make you wonder if it’s possible to have the mythical perfect smile. Well, let’s have a look at the factors that lead to those perfect smiles and some things you can do to get one of your own.
If you live in the Woodridge, Illinois area and are embarrassed by the look of your teeth, Dr. Hannah Baek and her team at Healthy Smile Dental can help you look your best.
The smile that some people have that others seem to covet comes from a combination of factors:
Who we are as people comes down to our inherited traits and biological building blocks from our parents and their predecessors, so if you see someone with great healthy teeth, there’s a strong chance their children will have great healthy teeth, too. This doesn’t mean they can’t struggle with many of the same problems we do; it just means they naturally look amazing.
Having great teeth doesn’t make someone immune to dental problems, and those who maintain their perfect smile also likely brush and floss regularly and get routine checkups. There’s simply no substitute for taking care of your teeth.
Those same people are also prone to avoid habits children develop that can create teeth problems as they grow, including thumb sucking, baby bottle tooth decay (too many sweets as teeth are developing), tongue thrusting, lip sucking, and premature tooth loss.
Since not everyone has the genetics for the perfect smile, we have to work at getting the smile we want the old fashioned way, which means:
This means practicing regular and proper dental hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, drinking more water, using mouthwash, and eating foods that keep teeth healthy.
Obvious bad habits like avoiding brushing and flossing can clearly harm teeth, but lifestyle choices like smoking can damage them over time, and diets high in sugary food and drink can erode the enamel on your teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
Even if you’re taking good care of your teeth, going to the dentist on a regular basis will help you keep up with your dental health and stay ahead of any possible issues down the road. Seeing your dentist twice a year can make a big difference in how healthy your teeth are and how pleasant your smile is.
You may not have been born with the perfect smile, but those who do must take care of their teeth just like you do. If you’re looking to get a better smile and boost your self esteem, make an appointment with Dr. Baek at Healthy Smile Dental today.
