The Physical and Psychological Effects Associated with a Dissatisfied Dental Appearance
If you’re not happy with your oral health and appearance, it can negatively impact your general quality of life, both physically and psychologically.
Physical Effects
Poor oral health can lead to dental cavities and gum disease, which can negatively impact your smile. Some of the symptoms of poor oral health that can lead to a dissatisfied dental appearance include:
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Dry mouth
- Jaw clicking
- Loose teeth
- Pain with chewing
- Receding gums
- Swelling of the face
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Toothache
- Ulcers, sores, or tender areas in the mouth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please don’t ignore them, or you may end up with dental disease, which can affect your appearance and speech.
Psychological Effects
If you’re unhappy with your appearance or speech caused by dental disease, you can experience stress, depression, and low self–esteem. There is also a social stigma associated with poor oral health, resulting in fewer opportunities for employment and personal relationships. In addition, poor oral health is linked to mood conditions like depression and loneliness. For example, you might feel embarrassed about your teeth or find it hard to eat or drink around other people.
The US Department of Health and Human Services notes the psychological impact of poor oral health includes: “a tendency to avoid social contact due to concerns over facial appearance… [and]… persistent pain has similar isolating and depressing effects”. Further: “given the importance of the mouth and teeth in verbal and non–verbal communication, diseases that disrupt their functions are likely to damage self–image and alter the ability to sustain and build social relationships.”
Don’t wait until you experience physical or emotional symptoms to visit your dentist. Visiting University Associates in Dentistry offices twice a year will usually allow our team time to catch a problem before you even notice any symptoms! We can help you maintain or restore a healthy, beautiful smile with the latest technology and dental treatments available. Please contact us at our dental office in downtown Chicago (222 N LaSalle) to schedule your next visit by clicking here or giving us a call (UAD phone number: 312-704-5511)
