A smile can make all the difference, whether it’s on a date or at the office. A tight-lipped grin can come across as insincere, whereas a full display of pearly-whites can have a powerful impact when meeting people for the first time. But maybe you’re self-conscious about your teeth; perhaps you’re worried about crookedness or visible stains that could make a strong impression in all the wrong ways. Fortunately, the appearance of your teeth is something that can be improved, along with your self-confidence. Here are four ways a trip to your cosmetic dentist could give you more reasons to smile.

If you’re surprised to hear your dentist say that you might be at risk for heart disease, you may be curious to know why that’s possible. The reason may be that your gums are not in the best of shape, and unfortunately, gum disease can cause more problems than you think. Not only is your oral health at risk, but the infection can result in serious cardiovascular diseases. Let’s take a look at how unhealthy gums can wreak havoc on your body and what you can do to prevent gum disease.