More than 3 out of 5 Spaniards consider that the appearance of their smile influences them a lot (26.47%) or a lot (35.49%) when it comes to smiling, according to the latest Sanitas Oral Health study.
Las periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, not only impact the health of gums and teeth, but they also have significant repercussions on people’s mental and emotional health. Chronic pain, bad breath, and tooth loss can lead people to experience shame, insecurity, and avoid social situations, which in turn affects their quality of life and psychological well-being.
“Deteriorating periodontal health often leads people to avoid smiling or participating in social situations for fear of being judged. A healthy mouth directly influences mental health because having teeth and gums in good condition helps reinforce self-confidence and self-esteem,” points out Andrea Trujillo, psychologist from Blua de Sanitas. “When people can smile without feeling embarrassed about the appearance of their mouth, they feel more confident in their social interactions, an important factor that prevents the development of anxiety or depression,” he adds.
In fact, according to data from the latest Sanitas Bucodental Study, More than 3 out of 5 Spaniards consider that the appearance of their smile influences them a lot (26.47%) or a lot (35.49%) when it comes to smiling, compared to 26.47% who say that it does not affect them much or a little and 11.58% who say that it affects them little or very little.
Deteriorating periodontal health often leads people to avoid smiling or participating in social situations for fear of being judged.
Given this situation, there are effective treatments for periodontal diseases that can help improve not only oral health, but also people’s emotional well-being. The experts at Sanitas Dental together with the expert psychologists at Blua de Sanitas have prepared a list with a series of key tips to alleviate this situation:
–Optimal oral hygiene. Using proper brushing techniques, with a soft-bristled brush, along with flossing and interdental brushes, is key to keeping gums healthy. To this, specific mouthwashes for periodontal health must be added. Products containing chlorhexidine or essential oils may be recommended by the dentist, helping to reduce inflammation and control the accumulation of bacterial plaque, which is the main cause of periodontal diseases.
–Attention to diet. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, can help reduce inflammation in the gums. Besides, Adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus is essential for maintaining healthy bones and periodontal tissues. Likewise, it is key to limit the consumption of processed foods rich in sugars, since these encourage the growth of bacteria that aggravate periodontal diseases.
–Stress control. Chronic stress has been shown to have a negative effect, and this can influence periodontal health. High levels of stress can weaken the immune system and make it difficult for the body to respond to infections. Stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga or cognitive behavioral therapy, can not only improve mental health, but also reduce the progression of periodontal diseases. In addition, bruxism, also related to stress, can exacerbate the loss of periodontal tissue and dental wear, so it is necessary to identify it and treat it with night splints if necessary.
–Regular visits to the dentist. To detect and treat periodontal problems early, it is essential to go to the dentist at least twice a year, either in person or through video consultation. Early detection of gingivitis or periodontitis not only prevents serious complications, but also minimizes the emotional impact by preventing tooth loss. Adequate follow-up allows personalized treatments to be implemented, such as deep cleanings or scaling and root planing, which help slow the progression of the disease.
–quit smoking. Tobacco is one of the most important risk factors for the development of periodontitis. Smoking favors the onset of the disease and also delays healing and worsens the results of any periodontal treatment. Quitting smoking not only improves periodontal health, but also benefits oral aesthetics, reducing tooth pigmentation and bad breath.
