We live in an exciting time when it comes to modern dental procedures and technology. Virtually anyone today can shine a beautiful smile, thanks to technology and techniques that correct many common dental problems.
The following infographic developed by Carrington.edu illustrates some of the most interesting and surprising findings about dental health. According to the research, attractive white teeth can make a person appear at least 20 percent more attractive and can shave off as much as five years from your apparent age.
Understanding the Possibilities
Both children and adults can benefit from correcting missing, misaligned or discolored teeth. However, achieving and maintaining that brilliant smile often represents a significant investment in time and money.
The infographic points out that a whopping 164 million work hours are spent by adults receiving dental care each year, and another 51 million school hours are required for the dental needs of children.
The dollar cost also represents a significant investment. A few of the more common procedures average:
- Braces – $5,000
- Veneers – $ 10,000 to $30,000 per set
- Dental implants – $2,000 to $4,000 per tooth
- Root canal – $1,000 per tooth
Of course, those costs are a minor consideration for a lifetime of healthy teeth and beautiful smiles. In the first place, dental health plays a very big role in your overall physical health. The highly regarded Mayo Clinic has identified many ways poor dental health may affect you, including aggravating several serious medical conditions.
The cosmetic value of a great smile cannot be overstated, either. A number of different surveys continue to document that the appearance of your teeth and smile is a major factor in your success and social acceptance. With this perspective, you can see why a reasonable investment in your dental health and appearance is extremely important.
Proactive Protection Is Essential
It is equally as important to protect your investment in a great smile by ensuring proper dental hygiene. For example, you can damage your teeth from poor dental habits such as frequent teeth grinding. If you feel this is a problem, check with your dentist for solutions, or take time to explore how it may be rooted in such factors as frustration and feelings of anxiety and anger.
You could also benefit from paying attention to what you eat and drink to better avoid staining and damaging your teeth. Certain foods and beverages have chemicals and acids that can stain and etch teeth very quickly. These include:
- Coffee
- Wine
- Colas
- Berries
- Tea
- Candies
If you drink these liquids, try to use a straw and always swallow as quickly as possible. Also, rinse with water as soon afterwards as possible. A beautiful smile is something everyone can aspire to, and could be well worth the investment. Be sure to regularly schedule dental checkups and maintain good oral hygiene.
