Whether you’re grinning in a meeting or just relaxing with friends, a healthy smile can make a difference. Taking good care of your teeth and gums can give relationships of all types a boost. Check out some of the unexpected ways oral health influences your social life.
Lifestyle
3 ways oral health influences your relationships
1. Building confidence
Need a confidence boost for an upcoming presentation or annual review? Take a deep breath, stand tall and crack a smile. The majority of Americans say that good oral health makes them feel confident. If you aren’t super confident with your oral health, schedule a dental appointment. Those who visit the dentist at least once a year are more likely to like their smile than those who don’t.
Dentists remove harmful substances you can’t get rid of at home to prevent cavities and bad breath.
2. Leaving an impression
When you meet someone for the first time, your smile could be the secret to starting off on the right foot. Sixty-five percent of adults consider a person’s smile one of the most significant things they remember from a first impression. To create an image of success during that first meeting, try smiling more. Those who smile a lot tend to come off as more successful.
For healthy teeth, brush twice a day for two minutes at a time with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day.
3. Cohabitating
Let’s talk about sharing a bathroom. Adults report that someone using their toothbrush without asking is one of the top reasons to end a relationship. Besides just seeming icky, sharing a toothbrush is a surefire way to pass germs like staph and E. coli along with germs that cause cavities. If you’re really in a pinch, using your finger or a washcloth is better than nothing.
You might not think about it often, but how you treat your teeth is tied to how happy you are with relationships of all kinds. Adults who are committed to taking care of their smiles are more likely to say their relationships are “excellent.” Practice good oral health and you’ll always have something to smile about.
