For as long as I can remember, I struggled with dental issues that not only caused physical discomfort and social embarrassment but also took a toll on my confidence and self-esteem. There were times when I would purposely avoid large gatherings or shy away from smiling in photos only because I was overly self-conscious about the way my teeth looked and how they ruined my facial appearance. It all made me feel very downcast.
I’m going to be honest and admit that growing up, I didn’t pay much attention to my dental health. Occasional toothbrushing and rarely ever flossing seemed sufficient at the time. However, as I entered adulthood, I began noticing the consequences of my neglect: tooth discoloration, lots of cavities, and sore, bleeding gums. My teeth were also misaligned, and that really bothered me.
What Has Changed
In the fast-paced world of today, where everyone is busy and occupied with one thing or another, paying attention to your teeth and gums may not seem so important or significant enough. The significance of the correlation between oral and systemic health has long been overlooked and underappreciated. This, however, needs to change if you want to look and feel good and live your best life, disease-free.
You might be surprised to know that the benefits of maintaining good dental health can extend far beyond the mouth; they play a crucial role in our overall health, well-being, and quality of life. On the other hand, compromised oral health can lead to a myriad of problems, from gum disease and tooth decay to more serious systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. And that’s not all. It is no secret that the state of our teeth and gums can have a drastic impact on our self-esteem and negatively affect our mental health. Numerous research studies support the notion that individuals with poor dental health are more likely to experience anxiety, stress, depression, and social withdrawal.
As someone who has experienced this change to be absolutely transformative, I want to share my story of how dental well-being restored my long-lost confidence, happiness, and feelings of self-worth.
The Courage to Make a Change
Recognising the need for change, I decided to seek professional help. I started by plucking up all the courage I had and scheduling a dental check-up at Zental. This decision marked the beginning of my transformation.
On my first visit to the dental practice, I was relieved to find that the dentists there were non-judgemental and extremely empathetic. My dentist, in particular, was thorough and compassionate and took the time to explain all the various treatments available. After taking a detailed medical and dental history, they conducted a comprehensive dental exam.
This was followed by the creation of a personalised treatment plan specifically tailored to my needs and personal preferences. This plan included deep cleaning sessions, cavity fillings, and, eventually, orthodontic treatment to correct the misalignment of my teeth.
To help me improve my mental health, the doctors at Zental also encouraged me to think in braider terms about my dental health. They educated me on the many ways my well-being plays a major role in my oral health. From exercising to practicing mindfulness and connecting with others, they guided me through it all. It was a gradual process, but with time, I began to notice improvements in my overall health and, to my surprise, my confidence.
The Transformative Process
Here is a breakdown of the treatments that transformed my confidence:
1. Professional Cleaning and Whitening:
The first step involved professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Getting my teeth cleaned professionally felt like a dental health reset. My teeth were scrubbed, scraped, and polished to perfection, leaving them gleaming and sparkly.
This basic procedure had an effect on my self-confidence that wasn’t basic at all. It was drastic. I found myself feeling less shy and more positive, eager to engage in conversations and show up to events.
2. Addressing Tooth Decay (Cavities):
Next, the dentist treated my tooth decay with fillings that perfectly matched my tooth shade. Regular check-ups ensured that my dental health was consistently monitored and maintained.
Getting my tooth decay treated relieved me of the pain and discomfort I had endured for a long time. I could finally chew better and use all my teeth for mastication without worrying about applying too much force in a specific area. Now, I incorporated more food groups into my diet which I had previously missed out on because of tooth pain. I was eating healthier, better, and feeling amazing!
3. Orthodontic Treatment:
To address tooth alignment issues, I got braces from an orthodontist, a dentist who specialises in orthodontic treatment. The gradual realignment of my teeth worked wonders to improve my smile, my bite, and my overall dental health.
Previously, my crooked teeth made it hard for me to reach and clean some areas, but getting them straightened helped solve this problem and enabled me to clean all surfaces of my teeth effectively. This significantly reduced the buildup of plaque and food debris around my teeth and gums, which, in turn, improved my gum health and helped me get rid of gum inflammation.
4. Adopting a Comprehensive Oral Care Regimen:
Alongside professional treatments, I was asked to incorporate a comprehensive oral care regimen into my daily routine at home. This included brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash occasionally. I would also sometimes use a water flosser to clean hard-to-reach areas in my mouth and keep them germ-free.
Now that I was cleaning my teeth exactly as my doctor instructed me to, I could get that ‘clean feel’ in my mouth every time I brushed and flossed. I also noticed that my breath smelled fresher and pleasant.
5. A Holistic Approach to Oral and Overall Health
The doctors at Zental encouraged me to practice mindfulness to help improve my mental health. As per my doctor’s recommendation, I started by paying close attention to the simple act of brushing my teeth. Instead of rushing through the process, I focused on the sensations—the feel of the toothbrush bristles against my teeth and gums, the taste of the toothpaste, and the sound of the brushing. This heightened awareness not only elevated the whole experience but also made me more thorough and effective in my brushing.
Flossing, once a tedious chore, also became a mindful ritual. I took my time, carefully cleaning between each tooth, appreciating the importance of this often-overlooked step in dental hygiene.
Embracing mindfulness in dental care made me realise that health is interconnected and small, mindful actions can have a ripple effect on our overall well-being. By caring for my teeth with this mindset, I not only improved my dental health but also cultivated a deeper awareness and appreciation for the connection between my body and mind.
During my treatment, the entire team at Zental was incredibly supportive and continuously encouraged me to keep up the good work. I always left the clinic deeply motivated to continue working to maintain good oral health.
The Psychological Impact
Within a few weeks, it was time to reap the rewards. The transformation was not merely physical but also emotional and vastly psychological. With each dental visit, I felt a tad bit closer to regaining my smile and, also, my confidence. The treatments turned out to be very effective, and my dental health started to improve significantly. I could see and feel the difference. My gums were healthier, my teeth were straighter, and the persistent pain and discomfort was gone.
What I was most grateful for was that I had begun to smile without hesitation and fear, engage in conversations without feeling self-conscious, and enjoy social interactions like I never had before. I was finally present in the now and not dreading it. This made me realise how I had always been submerged in my subconscious mind, always absent from the present moment. For the first time in my life, I was feeling more positive about my appearance. This was all new territory, and I loved it!
Knowing that I had begun to take control of my oral health empowered me, reducing my anxiety and enhancing my mood immensely. This newfound confidence penetrated through me like rays of sunshine, fostering a greater sense of happiness and self-assurance within me.
A New Perspective
Through this journey, I gained a new perspective on dental wellbeing. I realised that taking care of my teeth and gums was not just about maintaining a healthy mouth but also about nurturing my overall health and happiness.
Looking and feeling my best made me friendlier, more open, and more approachable. I was beginning to look forward to making new acquaintances. I was performing better at work. I was fearless. I could quite literally feel the power of a healthy and confident smile.
Regular dental check-ups, proper brushing and flossing techniques, and a healthy diet became integral parts of my routine. I learned that neglecting dental health could lead to serious consequences, but with the right care, it could significantly enhance my quality of life.
Tips for Maintaining Dental Wellbeing
The first step to good dental health is to understand the incentives. Whenever you eat or drink something, bits and pieces of food can be left clinging to your tooth surfaces and gums and hiding away in nooks and crannies between your teeth. The debris starts to accumulate bacteria and turns into a sticky film called plaque. If you don’t clear away the plaque by brushing and flossing, it hardens and calcifies into tartar. This tartar is known as calculus, and it can’t be removed with a toothbrush.
The calculus is teeming with bacteria that release acids that break down your tooth enamel, the outer protective layer of your teeth, encouraging tooth decay. Once the enamel wears down, it is easier for the bacteria to tunnel inside the tooth toward the nerve and jaw bone, causing infection if left untreated. From there, bacteria can travel to other parts of your body, including the brain, heart, and lungs.
The harmful bacteria can also irritate and infect the gums, damaging the gum tissue and the ligaments that hold and support the teeth. Untreated gum disease will eventually destroy the jawbone underneath, resulting in tooth loss, the worst consequence of poor oral health.
To take good care of your oral hygiene, here are a few tips you might find useful:
Brush Properly:
A good toothbrush and the right brushing technique go surprisingly far in boosting your smile and health. Here are some tips for you to up your toothbrushing game and boost your overall health in the process.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush if you have sensitive gums. If your gums are normal and healthy, hard bristles are fine. Using fluoride-containing toothpaste has also been shown to be beneficial in preventing cavities. Brush for at least two minutes twice a day, making sure to cover all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t rush it–divide the time among the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right teeth and spend 30 seconds brushing each section.
Regardless of what kind of brush you choose, without the right brushing technique, you won’t be able to clean around your teeth and gums effectively. To brush effectively, start by holding your brush at an angle to the gumline. The bristles should be aimed toward the gums where they meet the teeth, a place where most of the plaque and tartar accumulate. Instead of holding the brush so the bristles are perpendicular to your teeth at a 90-degree angle, position it slightly slanted so they are angled at a 45-degree angle. Now, rotate the bristles, making a circle with them, in a gentle sweeping motion to help detach and remove debris that has collected at the gum line.
Remember to brush your tongue, as it is also laden with bacteria. You can use a brush or a tongue scraper to easily scrape the gunk off your tongue. Once you’re done, take a final peek at your gums. Gently pull your lips away from your teeth to check if you left any food particles around your teeth or gums. Your gums should not look red or swollen after brushing.
If you want to learn more about the correct brushing technique for your dental needs, talk to one of our dentists at Zental. We would be more than happy to help you take care of your teeth.
Clean between your teeth:
Use a floss or an interdental brush to clean between your teeth before or after you’ve brushed. This removes plaque and food particles from areas that a toothbrush can’t reach. Making this a daily habit will help pay dividends in the long run and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
To floss effectively, wrap the floss around the middle finger of each hand, leaving a section in the middle that’s several inches long. Using your thumbs and index fingers, hold that section and gently work the floss into the space between two teeth. Once it is there, press it against one of the teeth, creating a C-shape, sliding it up and down a few times. Next, repeat and press it against the other tooth, and slowly move to the next space. These repetitive motions efficiently lift away and remove the plaque from between the teeth. Make sure to move gently around the gums to avoid placing too much pressure on them, as it can be damaging.
Use a mouthwash:
Over-the-counter mouthwashes may be used to prevent tooth decay (fluoride rinses), bad breath, mouth sores, or gum disease. Prescription mouthwashes can help treat gum disease, dry mouth, mouth sores, or dry sockets (an infection that may develop after getting a tooth pulled).
Most mouthwashes prescribed for gum disease contain chlorhexidine, which is also present in lower concentrations in some over-the-counter mouthwashes. Talk to one of our dentists to determine which mouthwash is best for your individual needs.
Eat a Balanced and Healthy Diet:
To prevent tooth decay, it is important to limit sugary and acidic foods that can harm teeth. Instead, try to incorporate as many fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt as possible.
The harmful bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and acidic foods, producing acid as a by-product that damages the enamel, the outer protective shell of your tooth. Weakened enamel is more susceptible to developing tooth decay.
Chewing on sugar-free gum can also help boost the production of saliva in your mouth, which, in turn, can help flush away leftover food particles from your mouth.
If you have a sweet tooth, try eating sugary foods with meals. Your mouth produces more saliva during meals, which helps to reduce the effect of acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.
- Another helpful tip is to limit snacking in between meals. If you crave a snack, choose something nutritious. Afterward, you can always chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow and wash out food and acid.
Stay Hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water is an excellent mouth cleaner as it helps wash away leftover food particles that the bad bacteria in your mouth love to feed on, causing tooth decay. It also dilutes the acid produced by the harmful bacteria, reducing the chances of developing tooth decay.
In addition, drinking lots of water keeps your mouth hydrated, helping to prevent dry mouth, a condition that develops due to reduced saliva. Dry mouth can make your teeth increasingly susceptible to caries, as saliva in your mouth is the first line of defense against decay. It also keeps your gums hydrated and healthy. Drinking fluoridated water can also help protect your teeth against cavities.
Quit Smoking:
Limit or, ideally, quit smoking to maintain a healthy microenvironment in your mouth and keep dental problems at bay.
The use of tobacco has detrimental effects not only on your physical health but also on oral health. Smoking increases your risk of developing or worsening existing gum problems, tooth decay, tooth loss, complications after tooth removal or any other surgery in the mouth, and mouth cancer. People who smoke are more likely to get infections and don’t heal as well or as quickly as non-smokers.
Regular Check-Ups:
Visit your dentist regularly for routine dental check-ups and cleanings. Early detection of dental issues is key to preventing more serious problems. It also helps your dentist monitor the progress of an ongoing treatment or condition, intervening when necessary.
The Takeaway
My journey to dental well-being has restored my confidence and happiness and improved my quality of life. I now encourage everyone to take charge of their dental health, as it is an essential part of our overall well-being.
Remember, a healthy smile is a powerful tool that can brighten not only your day but also the lives of those around you. Most of the work in keeping your teeth and gums clean is done at home with good oral hygiene habits, not at the dentist’s office. So take the time to prioritise your oral health, and the rewards will follow.
Incorporating mindfulness into your dental routine may seem like a small step, but its impact can be profound. For me, it has been a journey towards dental and overall well-being that has enriched my life in ways I never anticipated. If you haven’t yet explored the connection between mindfulness and dental health, I encourage you to give it a try. Not just your teeth but your entire body will thank you later.
wow you really went into loads of details!
Would you like me to make it concise?