Expert reveals what your smile can indicate about your health

New research continues to strengthen the direct link between an attractive smile and physical and mental health.

Studies show that smiling makes you appear more confident and attractive, in addition to the physical act of smiling, which activates the part of your brain that regulates your emotions.

It is believed that on average, more than 30 percent of us smile more than 20 times a day, and according to Forbes, people with straight teeth are seen as more reliable, confident and approachable.

So it’s perhaps not surprising that after the stress of recent years, many people notice an impact on their smile.

But if you’ve noticed stained, discolored, cracked or crooked teeth, it can be helpful to know what’s causing it and how to treat it.

“People often assume that our smile is purely aesthetic,” says cosmetic dentist Dr Sam Jethwa.

He said his years of experience “a person’s smile plays a huge role in their self-image, confidence and even physical and mental health.”

Here, FEMAIL reveals the different problems that can affect a smile and what we can do to treat them:

CRACKED AND CRACKED TEETH

Chipped and cracked teeth are very common and something that becomes more common with age as the risk of tooth decay increases.

In fact, research suggests that the prevalence of cracked teeth is about 80 percent in people over the age of 40.

‘I see a huge amount of patients who want to address teeth that are chipped and cracked,’ explains Dr Sam Jethwa.

“Sometimes people don’t even realize their tooth has cracked, but experience sensitivity in that area, especially when exposed to high or cold temperatures.

‘Cracks are usually due to bite problems. Most of these go unnoticed because dentists are not trained to recognize them, right up to postgraduate training which is not part of regular training.’

In fact, it is such a serious problem in the UK that Dr Jethwa has an academy that trains dentists.

‘Age does play an important role here. As we age, our teeth become weaker due to their constant wear and tear.

“For those who grind their teeth (bruxism), they may find that the pressure applied can lead to cracking — much like biting or chewing hard foods like candy or nuts.”

HOW TO TREAT IT?

If a cracked tooth is causing pain, you can initially treat it with an ice pack on your cheek to reduce pain and inflammation.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also help.

According to Dr. Sam, however, the treatment lies in correcting the bite, which includes Invisalign, but what braces won’t do is make the teeth fit together like a puzzle.

‘That’s because of the tooth shape. That’s where ultra-thin veneers or onlays come in to reorganize and give a comfortable bite.

“Dental veneers are used to change the way your teeth look and feel and are an ideal way to address cracked or broken teeth.”

COLORED AND DISTORTED TEETH

There is a common misconception that discolored teeth are caused solely by poor oral hygiene, but this is not always the case.

While poor oral health can be a factor in tooth discoloration and discoloration, even teeth that are immaculately cared for can become discolored.

“Usually, substances like coffee, tea, red wine and even some antibiotics can cause teeth to discolour.”

He adds: “In addition, many people don’t realize that health conditions such as diabetes, oral cancer, anemia and some eating disorders can also damage tooth enamel, which can lead to yellowing of the teeth.”

HOW TO TREAT IT?

There are currently a large number of teeth whitening treatments available, both kits that you can do at home and those offered by dentists.

But according to Dr. Sam Jethwa, some of these products can do more harm than good.

‘Teeth whitening can be an extremely effective way to tackle stains and discoloration,’ explains Dr Jethwa.

‘I would recommend anyone who wants to whiten their teeth to have this done professionally by a dentist.

“Unfortunately, the ingredients in some kits purchased online can pose a significant risk to our health and sometimes irreversible damage. ‘

Teeth whitening works by applying a bleaching agent to the teeth that penetrates the enamel and reaches the discolored molecules in the tooth.

Oxygen molecules from the bleach react with the discolored molecules in your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together. As the oxygen molecules disperse, the teeth become whiter.

CROOKED TEETH

Crooked teeth are a major concern for many people – statistics show that in recent years there has been an increase in the number of adults seeking teeth straightening treatment.

‘There are a number of reasons for crooked teeth,’ explains Dr Jethwa.

‘They can be genetic, or caused by overcrowding in the mouth, jaw shape or too many teeth (hyperdontia).

“My personal experience is very representative of the increase in the number of adults seeking tooth-enhancing treatments in recent years, and I believe this is due to a combination of reasons, including a greater awareness of available treatments.”

HOW TO TREAT IT?

Adult orthodontics and Invisalign have made great strides in recent years.

dr. Sam Jethwa explains: ‘When performed by a qualified and experienced dentist, they can be an extremely effective way to address crooked teeth and create a custom, straight smile.

“And the great thing is, thanks to solutions like Invisalign, it now won’t affect your appearance while you’re getting the treatment.

“So people who once avoided or had to wear eye-catching metal braces for fear of straightening teeth are now more receptive to the virtually invisible options available.”

TOOTHBACK

Tooth decay, or cavities, is considered one of the world’s most common health problems.

According to statistics published by the Oral Health Foundation, it is believed that about one in three adults has tooth decay and about three in four adults have a tooth extracted.

These two things are closely related and have a lot to do with lifestyle factors.

Tooth decay, or cavities, is the name given to permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into cavities.

‘They are caused by a combination of factors, including; bacteria, snacks, sugary drinks and poor oral hygiene.’

If left untreated, tooth decay can spread and affect the teeth at a deeper level, leading to tooth pain, infection and in severe cases tooth loss.

HOW TO TREAT IT?

‘The key to tackling tooth decay is to make lifestyle changes to prevent it,’ explains Dr Sam Jethwa.

Reducing sugar intake is key, as is cutting back on snacking. Snacking, even on healthy things like fruit, is a major cause of tooth decay.

dr. Jethwa explains: ‘This is because if your snack acid stays on the enamel for about 20 minutes after eating and drinking, this acid wears down the tooth enamel, causing cavities.’

So by not giving your teeth a break between eating, the teeth are more prone to erosion and decay.

Another important factor in tackling tooth decay is making sure you maintain good oral health routines, such as brushing twice a day, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly.

Dr Jethwa was surprised to read that one in three adults has never flossed.

He said: “By incorporating flossing into your daily routine, you reduce the build-up of plaque on your teeth, which leads to tooth decay.”

GUM DISEASE

Research from the University of Birmingham found that as many as 90 percent of adults in the UK have gum disease.

‘Gum disease is a common condition that affects the gums,’ explains Dr Sam Jethwa.

‘There are three main types of gum disease; gingivitis, an inflammation of the tissue around your teeth.

“If that’s not treated, it can lead to another type of gum disease called periodontitis, which affects the bones and ligaments around the teeth.

“The third type of gum disease is called acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis and this is a severe type that develops more suddenly.”

The most common cause of gum disease is plaque buildup around the teeth, which causes the gums to become inflamed and bleed.

Aside from poor oral hygiene, smoking, pregnancy, and some medications and health conditions that cause the mouth to dry are other factors that can increase your chances of developing gum disease.

HOW TO TREAT IT?

Mild gum disease can be treated with improved oral health habits – brushing and flossing, for example.

More advanced stages of the disease may require antibiotics or even surgery.

That’s why it’s essential to have regular dental checkups so that if you start to show signs of gum disease, they can be identified and addressed early, says Dr. Jethwa.