Can tooth loss affect self-esteem?
In a nutshell the answer to this question is a big, resounding YES. Teeth play an important role in a person's daily life, not only for functional reasons for proper chewing of food but also for common and necessary social facets such as talking and smiling. The absence of teeth influences how a person perceives themselves and how others perceive them.
The loss of a dental piece, especially in the anterior sector, which is the most visible, can make a person feel self-conscious, he/she limits him/herself to speak only what is necessary so that it is not seen and above all tries not to smile, and if he/she does, he/she covers his/her mouth because he/she feels ashamed of his/her condition.
In addition to this is the important role of the chewing function provided by the teeth, when these are missing, the person begins to modify his diet to softer foods, avoiding eating meats and more consistent foods.
The aesthetic and functional factor goes hand in hand for the participation in social and professional events. People are conditioned and limited to participate in these events by not being able to control what food they can eat in a meeting, by discomfort to be seen eating and many people prefer not to attend social events to avoid these unpleasant moments.
The general and digestive health of the patient is also affected. Not being able to chew food properly means that nutrients are not absorbed adequately and also produces alterations in the digestive system. Many patients refer the moment of tooth loss as a traumatic event, especially if it is the result of an accident or an illness, causing a significant psychological impact. A smile with beautiful teeth and that the patient feels comfortable can provide an advantage in the social sphere.
The smile is an important part of non-verbal communication and can influence how a person is perceived in social situations. A person with all their teeth and who feels comfortable with their smile reflects attraction, self-confidence by projecting greater security, conveys friendliness and sympathy which facilitates the creation of social connections causing a positive and lasting emotional impact on the people around them.
In order to reestablish the patient's self-esteem, have the comfort to talk, smile, chew and socialize comfortably, we offer the following suggestions:
Seek dental solutions: Consult a dentist to evaluate your options and possible treatment plans. At Sonrisa Para Todos we offer fixed prosthetic solutions that are the most recommended, aesthetic and durable over time either by means of dental crowns, dental bridges or dental implants depending on the condition of each patient.
Personal care: Maintain proper oral hygiene to maintain the health of the teeth in your mouth.
Acceptance: Tooth loss is a common and treatable situation. Focus on the solutions available in your case instead of grieving over what has been lost or the trauma caused. Also, that it is necessary to accept and recognize that self-esteem does not depend solely on physical appearance.
Seek support: Talk to friends and family about your dental discomfort. Talking about oral health is not taboo, talking about your feelings can ease your emotional burden, and can help you find new perspectives.
At the Dental Clinic Sonrisa Para Todos we have different types of financing such as zero rate and mini installments, as well as in-house financing for cases involving dental implants.
If you would like to know which is the best fixed prosthetic treatment to apply according to your case and rediscover again the pleasure of smiling, ask for a appraisal appointment at the Sonrisa para Todos dental clinic by calling 4010-3333 or by writing to WhatsApp 7031-7979. It is a pleasure for us to serve you.
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