Dental health is essential not just for our oral health but for our overall well-being as well. Yet, surprisingly, many people don’t realize this and take their dental health for granted. This can lead to several problems down the road, including low self-esteem.
The Oxford Dictionary defines self-esteem as “a person’s opinion of their worth.” It was coined by Psychologist Morris Rosenberg in 1965 and has been the subject of many studies over the years. So why is self-esteem so important? Because it impacts everything we do.
One of the things related to self-esteem is dental health. In this article, we’ll explore five reasons dental health is tied to self-esteem. We’ll also discuss ways to improve your dental health and boost your self-esteem simultaneously. Let’s get started!
It Affects The Way We Look
First and foremost, dental health is tied to self-esteem because it affects how people look.
People care about the way they look for a variety of reasons. For example, some people care about their appearance because they think it will help them get ahead. Others care about their appearance because they want to feel attractive and desired. And still, others care about their appearance because they want to feel good about themselves.
But one of the main reasons people care about their appearance is because they know how it affects their self-esteem. When people look in the mirror and don’t like what they see, it lowers their self-esteem. And when their self-esteem is low, it affects everything they do.
It’s why dental health is so important. Unfortunately, people often associate poor dental health with poor physical health, which can lead to decreased self-esteem. It can also make them feel powerless about life.
For example, a person with crooked teeth can feel that they were born into such a situation. However, people with Invisalign braces can feel empowered because they know they are doing something about their situation. The act of getting braces adds to your overall locus of control, which can then improve your general self-esteem, and your looks.
It Affects The Way We Feel
Not only does dental health affect the way we look, but it also affects the way we feel.
When people’s teeth are healthy, they feel good. They have more energy and feel like they can take on the world. On the other hand, when their teeth are unhealthy, they can feel sluggish and lethargic. They may not want to go out in public or interact with people because they’re self-conscious about their appearance.
This is why it’s so important to take care of your teeth. When you feel good about your teeth, you’ll be more likely to interact with others and put yourself out there. This, in turn, will lead to more opportunities and experiences, which can then boost your self-esteem even further.
It Gives Us A Sense Of Control
Another reason dental health is tied to self-esteem is because it gives us a sense of control.
When people control their dental health, they feel good about themselves. They know they are doing something to improve their appearance and overall health. On the other hand, when people are not in control of their dental health, they can feel helpless and hopeless, as stated earlier.
It’s why taking charge of your dental health is essential. You’ll feel better about yourself when you are proactive about your oral hygiene and see the dentist regularly.
It Can Help Us Avoid Embarrassment
Another reason dental health is tied to self-esteem is because it can help us avoid embarrassment.
Embarrassment is a common fear that people share. And one of the most common things people are embarrassed about is their teeth.
This is why it’s so important to have healthy teeth. When you have healthy teeth, you won’t have to worry about being embarrassed in social situations. Instead, you’ll be able to smile confidently and interact with others without feeling self-conscious.
It Can Help Us Feel Good About Ourselves
Finally, dental health is tied to self-esteem because it can help us feel good about ourselves.
The way people look, feel, and act is connected to their self-esteem. For example, when people have healthy teeth, they tend to feel better about themselves. On the other hand, when people have unhealthy teeth, they can feel self-conscious and down about themselves. So they become lonely and depressed and take on all sorts of mental illnesses.
This is why it’s so important to take care of your teeth. When you have healthy teeth, you’ll feel good about yourself. You’ll be able to interact with others confidently and put your best foot forward. Moreover, you can live life to the fullest!
