When it comes to a healthy smile, healthy teeth are the first thing that comes to mind for most. Your pearly whites can be properly cared for with a good oral hygiene routine, a healthy diet, and biannual dental visits. All of these things will keep your smile healthy, but how do teeth benefit you anyway? Along with allowing you to bite and chew your food, teeth offer several other benefits. Read on to learn about four things that you couldn’t do without your pearly whites.
#1: Producing Saliva and Preventing Drooling
The salivary glands produce saliva, which keeps your mouth moist and allows you to chew, taste, and swallow your food. These glands are stimulated when you chew. This means that your teeth help with saliva production so you can pre-digest your food a have a smoother digestion process. Teeth also keep saliva in your mouth so you don’t drool on accident
#2: Speak Clearly
Your lips and tongue work with your teeth to allow you to speak by restricting airflow in a specific way. This is what lets you properly pronounce vowels and consonants. You would still be capable of speech if you didn’t have any teeth, but it would prove difficult to pronounce certain words. This means that many people would likely find it difficult to understand what you’re saying.
#3: Prevent Health Issues
If you don’t have any teeth, health issues like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases may arise. This is because chewing with only your gums can lead to the development of TMJ issues or periodontal disease. Additionally, since it will be more difficult to eat and break down certain foods, this may lead to nutrient deficiencies. A lack of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes in your diet can also cause numerous complications, including pain, mood swings, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat.
#4: Maintain A Healthy Jawbone
Chewing stimulates the jawbone and prevents erosion. If you’re missing teeth, this means that the jawbone is no longer receiving the stimulation it needs to remain healthy. As a result, it will begin to deteriorate. This may result in loose gum tissue and changes in facial structure. Jawbone erosion also increases your risk of fractures and makes it harder for dental implants to be placed successfully without getting a bone graft first.
Along with the above things, your teeth also allow you to feel confident in your appearance when you laugh, speak, and smile with and around others. So be sure to take good care of your pearly whites so you can maintain excellent oral health and a beautiful, confident smile!
About the Author
Dr. Mark E. Lawton has nearly 20 years of experience in the dental health field. He enjoys building strong bonds with the Houston families he serves so they can feel comfortable and well cared for during their appointments. Whether you have oral health issues that are impacting your smile or want to give your beam an upgrade, he’s sure to offer a service that can give you what you’re looking for. If you’re interested in learning more or want to schedule an appointment, visit Dr. Lawton’s website or call (281) 447-2186.