Does Teeth Whitening Boost Self-Esteem?

Sep 8th, 2023
Easton Dentists Oct 5th, 2023

Gleaming white teeth used to be a sign of wealth, privilege, or celebrity.  Today, tooth whitening is a common practice for people in all walks of life.  Teeth whitening services at Easton Dental in Columbus are in high demand.

Another satisfied patient at The Dental Center located in Columbus Ohio
Another satisfied patient at The Dental Center located in Columbus Ohio

Does teeth whitening boost self-esteem?  Your physical appearance says a lot about you.  You know the saying, “You only have once to make a first impression.”  Whether you are applying for a job, speaking in public, or just meeting people in general, your teeth are on display.  White teeth communicate a message that you practice good hygiene, you care about yourself, and often help you convey a healthy, vibrant and more youthful appearance.

As you age, if left untreated, your teeth will start to darken and yellow.  If you drink coffee or tea, or you smoke, your teeth can stain more quickly.  Some of the staining can be controlled through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, gut some darkening is almost inevitable.

Inadequate dental care can result in various dental issues, such as tooth decay, halitosis, periodontal disease, and related oral health issues. Excessive plaque buildup is often characterized by a yellowish appearance. These issues collectively pose a risk of compromising tooth integrity, irritating the gums, and potentially resulting in premature tooth loss.

If your teeth are unsightly, most people try to hide them by not smiling, not looking directly at people, not talking, or in extreme cases, not going out in public at all.  You become self-conscious and withdrawn.  Other people will be turned off, not just because of your bad-looking teeth, but your efforts to hide them make you less engaging.

White teeth can make you look more credible and confident.  Especially if your job has to do with dealing and meeting with people, such as a salesperson, consultant, marriage counselor, executive officer in your company, financial adviser, or inspirational speaker.  In those types of roles, having yellow teeth can negatively affect your image and credibility. People see someone with dark, yellowing teeth and think, ”How can I rely on this person when he or she cannot even take care of his or her own teeth?”

It is true that inner beauty is more important than outer beauty, but this does not mean that we should neglect our physical appearance. It is also not an excuse to look shabby or practice poor hygiene. It is never all right to have that kind of attitude that as long as you are kind-hearted, it does not matter if you have the worse teeth in this world.  Like it or not, appearance matters.

Having white teeth can have an incredible effect on your confidence, and how you look and feel about yourself.  Having white teeth boosts your self-esteem.  Getting a bright white smile is not  difficult with all the different procedures available today. The Dental Center at Easton offers several different tooth whitening procedures at affordable prices.  We are here to help you have a set of nice and shiny white teeth that make you feel healthy and self-confident.

When Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Sep 1st, 2023
Easton Dentists Oct 5th, 2023

Most of us have had our wisdom teeth removed or know someone that has but if you are unfamiliar with the process, it can be a little mysterious.  Maybe the only thing you know about wisdom teeth removal is that your friend from high school or college missed a week of classes because of it but that does little in helping decide whether or not you need your wisdom teeth removed.

Wisdom teeth removal is a medical procedure commonly performed by dental professionals or oral surgeons. It involves the extraction of one to four of the patient’s wisdom teeth. This procedure is typically recommended for individuals between the ages of 15 and 25, although it can be performed later in life as well. Generally, younger patients tend to experience quicker and smoother recovery, making the procedure less burdensome compared to those performed at a later in life.

The main reasons for wisdom teeth extraction are to prevent future problems or to stop current problems.  When wisdom teeth grow in, they often do so at strange angles, which can lead to pain and infection.  By removing the teeth before they finish growing in, the surgery prevents infections down the line.  If the teeth have already broken through the gums, they can begin to push against other teeth and cause pain.  If they are causing irritation, immediate removal is often the best option.

For the actual surgery, the dentist or surgeon will first numb the area surrounding the teeth with a local anesthetic.  After that, they will make an opening in the gums above and around the tooth to make extraction easier.  The tooth is then separated from the jaw and gums.  As you can imagine, this would be a pretty painful procedure without the use of anesthetic.

After the surgery, the doctor will stitch up the area where the tooth had once been.  The patient is then sent home, usually with a prescription for painkillers.  Recovery time is typically a few days but could be longer if the patient is older or doesn’t follow the doctor’s orders.

The cost of having wisdom teeth removed varies but it would be best to talk to your dentist and insurance agency before you commit to anything.  If you still have questions about your wisdom teeth, let us know!  The Dental Center at Easton Town Center is more than happy to help.