Choosing Dental
Health, Three Reasons Why It Is A Wise Choice
By Brian DesRoches, PhD
Most of us think that taking care of our teeth is about having a
great smile and avoiding the discomfort of a toothache. Although
these are valid and important reasons for maintaining a good oral
health program, there are three other equally strong reasons to
consider.
First of all, dental health is part
of your overall health. Second, choosing dental health is a wise
investment of your time and financial resources. Third, your
emotional well-being is influenced by how you think and feel about
yourself. Your smile is a big part of your image of yourself. Let's
examine each of these areas more thoroughly.
Your Physical Health
How easy it is to forget that our teeth, gums,
and mouth are essential parts of our physical body. Periodontal disease, bone
and gum loss, and infections all affect the overall picture of our physical
health. The ability to chew our food well helps digestion and reduces stress on
the gastrointestinal system.
Like any physical system, each part of the body
plays a role in the overall health of the system; taking care of your teeth and
gums is a part of an intentional plan for physical health. In collaboration with
your dental team, you can create a plan for your dental health that will
contribute to your overall health plan.
A Wise Investment
There are two important resources that you use
and allocate in your everyday life: your time and your money. When it comes to
your dental care, they are closely related. The time you take everyday to invest
in your dental health is also an investment in your financial health. When
treatment is necessary, the
new dentistry is also an investment in your
financial future.
Proper treatment today prevents more costly
complications and uncomfortable problems tomorrow. For those who seek to
maintain their dental health for life, it is a wise investment to get the most
value from the knowledge and skills your dentist and the
new dentistry offers
you.
Emotional Well-Being
How you feel and think about yourself is an important part of your emotional
well-being and a pleasant smile plays a big role in this. In addition, when you
take an active role in caring for yourself, it also contributes to your overall
sense of competence in managing your life and maintaining a positive lifestyle. The habit of dental self-care and regular hygiene examinations
reinforces taking positive steps for yourself in other areas of your life.
The
new dentistry also can provide you with innovative and effective ways to
create and maintain a pleasant smile that you feel good about. When it comes to
feeling good about yourself and your smile, the
new dentistry offers many
exciting and effective options.
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