Most people typically go about their lives without thinking much about their pearly whites. But, without them, it would almost be impossible to chew and enjoy any of our favorite meals comfortably. However, did you know your smile can help with so much more than munching on food? Read on to learn four things you wouldn’t be able to do without your teeth and why they’re important for your oral health!
#1: Articulate Words Clearly
Whenever you pronounce words, your tongue typically makes a series of movements against the back of your teeth. For this reason, missing even one tooth can have a significant impact on your ability to speak clearly. Though your mouth would adjust over time, enunciating words with the ‘t’, ‘f’, and ‘v’ sounds would still be challenging. By practicing solid oral hygiene, you can effectively avoid these complications.
#2: Keep in Saliva
Did you know saliva production is crucial for breaking down food particles? That said, without your pearly whites, most of this substance would fall out of your mouth each time you laughed or spoke. With your teeth, along with your lips, you’ll have a protective barrier to keep you from involuntarily drooling throughout your day. That’s why it’s essential to maintain strong and healthy teeth with proper dental care.
#3: Maintain Your Jawbone Structure
By chewing on your favorite meals, you not only begin your digestive process but also stimulate your jawbone. This is because blood circulates to the roots of your teeth, promoting strong bone tissue to support your smile. Whenever you’re missing teeth, the bone won’t be stimulated enough, which can result in bone loss. This can negatively impact the muscles in the jawbone, altering your facial shape and creating a shrunken or aged appearance.
#4: Smile Confidently
While your smile consists of more than just your teeth, your pearly whites do make up one of the most important parts of your grin. If you didn’t have them, your greetings would consist mostly of a gummy appearance, which isn’t very appealing. So, to make the most of your amazing smile, be sure to brush twice a day, floss daily, avoid poor oral habits (like smoking), and see your dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months.
Along with eating your meals comfortably, your teeth can help you communicate, smile, and retain a more youthful facial shape in the long run. Stick with a solid oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist regularly, and you’ll be sure to enjoy healthy teeth for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Brong received his dental doctorate from the University of California in San Francisco. He also regularly seeks continuing education to expand his expertise and techniques. He offers a vast collection of advanced services, including fluoride treatment, fillings, and dental implants. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call him at 507-288-1066.
