This month’s focus on self-care is the perfect opportunity to take care of things we may have been putting off.  One thing I think we all may be guilty of putting off is getting our teeth cleaned and examined. This is a very important aspect of self-care because our teeth are a calling card. Having as healthy a smile as possible is empowering. Being able to show our teeth is an important part of having more good days than bad.

Having a confident smile results in smiling more. Having a healthy smile creates confidence in others about your abilities. Although I do not think it is fair to judge competence based on the health of a person’s teeth, that people do so is a reality. I understand that trips to the dentist can be expensive in countries where dental care is not treated as health care, but many dentists offer low-cost or subsidized treatment plans. Our smile is one of the first things people see. It is a worthy investment.

Dental health is more than cosmetic. Dental health is known to be connected to heart health. Gum disease causes a thickening of the blood vessels in the neck. Taking care of your gums and teeth can improve your overall health and boost your confidence. In December, try to make it to the dentist for a cleaning and make your smile a priority.