Thanksgiving gives everyone a chance to reflect on the things they are grateful for. There are many reasons to be thankful, from having special loved ones in your life to enjoying good health. You can include your teeth on the list, too! Oftentimes, your pearly whites aren’t given much thought, but they truly are amazing parts of our human body. Here are four reasons from your dentist in Virginia Beach to be thankful for your teeth and how to show them appreciation!
Why You Should Be Grateful for Your Teeth
Your teeth have played a vital role in your day-to-day life ever since you were young! Here are a few reasons to be thankful for them:
- They help you smile confidently and shape your face. Can you imagine smiling without your teeth? It would be nothing but your gums and tongue. Beautiful, straight, healthy teeth complete your grin, boosting your confidence in any situation. Your pearly whites also provide shape to your face. They keep your cheeks from being sunk in and allow your face to shine bright as you flash a smile!
- They are the reason you can enjoy your favorite foods. Each of your 32 teeth is designed to help you bite and chew all your favorite foods. This is the beginning of the digestion process, ensuring your food is effectively broken down to avoid unpleasant consequences, like indigestion.
- They assist you in communicating clearly. To form words, your tongue makes a series of intentional movements against the back of your teeth. As a result, even one missing tooth can negatively impact your speaking patterns.
- They keep saliva in your mouth. Your teeth act as a barrier to prevent your saliva from spilling out. Anytime you talk or eat, saliva is withheld in your mouth by your pearly whites. Without them, you would drool each time!
How to Show Your Teeth Appreciation
Wow! Your teeth truly are an essential part of your overall health. While being mindful of how grateful you are for them, here are some ways to show them some love:
- Maintain Your Biannual Checkups and Exams— Preventive care is essential to your oral health! With regular checkups and exams, your dentist can check your mouth for any potential problems, like oral cancer and gum disease. Additionally, a thorough cleaning ensures your future dental well-being.
- Keep a Consistent and Healthy Oral Routine— It can never be understated how important it is to consistently stick to an effective dental routine. Brushing your teeth for at least two full minutes twice a day and flossing daily are the gold standard of great dental care.
- Be Mindful of Sweets— You’ve heard since you were a kid how harmful sugar is to your teeth. Sugar feeds on the harmful bacteria in your mouth, which leads to plaque and tooth decay. Be mindful of how often you enjoy sweets and when you do, remember to rinse your mouth out with water to rinse your teeth.
Your teeth are incredible parts of your body that help you with many things. Take time to show them love this Thanksgiving and they will return the appreciation with a bright, healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Kapish Goyal and his team at Goyal Dentistry serve Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas. He provides a vast array of dental services, including preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency care. By specializing in keeping your smile beautiful with personalized care, he can help you keep your teeth in their best shape! To make an appointment for a checkup and exam, contact him through his website or call (757) 801-3957.
