Why your mouth matters more than you think

Nikki Natividad

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Why your mouth matters more than you think
Bad oral hygiene isn’t just off-putting, it’s a burden

MANILA, Philippines — So you’re not always a regular brusher. You brush your teeth for the most part, but on lazy Sundays at home when you don’t have to go to work and you’re not seeing anyone special, then it’s OK to leave out the mundane, mechanical parts of your morning and evening routine. Nobody knows anyway, right? 

Brushing your teeth regularly matters more than you think. Other than the fact that it cleans your mouth, brushing regularly establishes good oral habits. The more lax you are with your daily hygiene practices, the more susceptible you are to contracting any unwarranted mouth issues. You’re probably thinking, so what? There are dentists for those kinds of things, and you can always brush your teeth tomorrow.

But dental check-ups are not cheap. A tooth drill or extraction is never pleasant either. In this case, an ounce of prevention really is better than a pound of cure. Don’t undermine the perils of an unhealthy mouth. Common mouth problems like bad breath and cavities can really hamper the ease of daily routine. It can affect how you see yourself, how you relate with others, and your overall enjoyment. 

On Relationships 

Human beings are verbally expressive creatures. We connect with one another through communication and intimacy. The most intimate practices being face-to-face conversations and of course, kissing. While your loved ones will likely overlook any hygiene issues you might possess, having bad breath and bad teeth is pretty off-putting. There’s no need to give your partner any reason to dread kissing you. It might sound harsh, but actually science backs this up: the bad breath in your mouth is interpreted by the brain as dangerous to our health — and with good reason too. If you don’t practice good oral hygiene, then it’s pretty likely you have some unwanted creepy crawlies lurking in the crevices of your mouth. 

In this case, oral health really can put some strain on a relationship because it’s not just your partner who’s affected, but also your self-esteem. People who have oral complications will often feel embarrassed, defensive, and unattractive —all of which, can exacerbate issues in any relationship. 

On Self-esteem

One of the most common effects poor dental hygiene has on a person is it discourages you to smile. And because a smile is an outward expression of high self esteem or joy, sufferers of bad teeth may be less inclined to feel happy, speak in a public setting, or participate in school activities for fear of being teased or ridiculed. In a study done by Oasis Dental Care in the UK, 70% of people with bad teeth feel like it’s negatively affecting their lives, with 15% feeling depressed, and even preventing some 3% from leaving their homes.  

Oral hygiene is a serious issue that goes beyond the physiological. After all, they say that just the simple act of smiling, not matter how you’re feeling, can actually induce feelings of happiness. A smile doesn’t simply represent positivity, but also creates it. Imagine what starting with a smile can do if you’re having a difficult day at the office or you’re in the middle of an argument with your loved one. 

On Enjoyment

The mouth is the gateway to your body. It’s where we explore the realm of taste and savor the satisfaction of good food. And in effect, it acts as the vessel with which we bond with our friends and family. When our mothers cook us our favorite dish, or when our friends treat us to our favorite restaurant, it’s always a special occasion. When we want to show someone we care, we gift them with wine and chocolates — or depending on the person, crispy lechon. 

It’s a very Filipino thing to break bread and share drinks in times of merriment, so the mouth truly plays an integral part in the enjoyable aspect of our social lives. When every bite you take is accompanied by a wince because of a bad toothache, then the mood is already a bit ruined. You don’t enjoy your food and drinks as much, and you can’t fully appreciate what your friends and family have offered you as well. 

In that respect, bad oral hygiene has a sizeable impact on daily life. Whether it’s your tongue, teeth, lips, or cheeks, the whole mouth plays a part in the way we relate and communicate with one another. 

Your mouth is the gateway to your body as well as a bridge of communication and intimacy, so taking care of and protecting your mouth can lighten the load of everyday life. Anyway, brushing your teeth will only take a few minutes each day. Make sure that you brush with the right technique and oral care products. Life is too short to be crying over a toothache! – Rappler.com

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