Did you know that when you smile, your health is improved? Studies show that physically you feel better when you look at someone with a healthy grin. According to the Henry Ford Health Center, some of the health benefits include strengthening your immune system, reducing stress and pain, reducing blood pressure and providing extra endurance.
Not only does your physical health improve, but your overall mood is better. You feel more competent, more likeable, more calm, and
more productive. Smiling puts you in a better frame of mind, and it makes others trust you more. You have a more positive mindset when you smile, and the net effect can be contagious to those around you.
One reason adults don't smile as often as children is that they have poor dental health which can be caused by a variety of reasons. One of the biggest problems leading to decaying teeth, otherwise known as gingivitis, is the lack of attention individuals may give to their teeth and gums, such as brushing and flossing on a daily basis. A second reason is lack of visiting a dentist at least once a year for a checkup and cleaning.
Whatever the excuse, people who avoid taking care of their oral health are destined to have major dental issues later in life. Did you know that most seniors don't go to the dentist? As well, about a quarter of the American population don't have some type of dental plan that they use, which in turn means they avoid going to the dentist because of cost, access to dental providers, fear of dentists, or some other reason.
Emergency rooms at hospitals have seen an increase in patients over the past few years because of lack of attention to dental care. Now that is one real big reason not to smile. On average, someone visits a hospital emergency department for dental conditions approximately once every 15 seconds, according to the American Dental Association, In the U.S. alone, over $2 billion was spent in 2015 on hospital emergency department visits specifically for dental conditions.
In August, 2021, the AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) reported that in 2018 there were over 2 million hospital emergency department visits for dental emergencies. No wonder a lot of people don't smile.
Finding and using an affordable dental plan can help you smile better. Whether you buy one through your employer or on your own, the cost of the plan can be much less than having to deal with a dental emergency simply because you keep putting off care. Do yourself a favor and keep your teeth and gums healthy. You'll feel better, and those around you are going to appreciate you more for looking at them with a big bright smile.
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