Tooth erosion involves the physical loss of enamel from exposure to acids, but it is also a mental issue. The beauty of one’s teeth can have a tremendous impact on how people see themselves and are seen by others in a community like Toluca Lake. In this read, we address the mental toll of tooth erosion and provide top tips from a Toluca Lake dentist for how to emotionally manage any changes that make you unhappy with your appearance.
Symptoms of Tooth Erosion
- The affected tooth has become more sensitive to hot, cold, or sugary stimuli.
- Staining and yellowing of teeth.
- Ragged, notched, or rough tooth edges
- Indents on the surface of a tooth that are visible.
The Psychological Impact on Tooth Erosion
Confidence
Self-esteem and confidence are a treasure; exercise is known to minimize depression, while the luster and appearance of one’s teeth play a significant role. Eroded teeth might appear discolored with uneven edges, and this would make people less confident to smile. This in turn affects how we interface socially and professionally; a person who has this level of self-consciousness around the function or appearance of their teeth likely smiles less, if at all.
Social Anxiety
No one wants to be embarrassed by their less attractive smile, but for many of us, our smiles and teeth are how we greet the world or new people. With tooth erosion, changes in appearance can contribute to social anxiety. This can lead to people feeling judged and socially anxious, which could cause them to avoid any social situation (or cut back on their existing ones).
Emotional Distress
Tooth erosion can also cause deep emotional scars. It is normal to feel embarrassed, annoyed, and depressed about the changes in your appearance. This stress has devastating impacts on the general mental health of a person, which gives rise to even more anxiety and depression, making life less worth living.
Coping Mechanisms
The consequences of tooth erosion can be difficult emotionally, but there are ways to deal with the changes in appearance and keep your mental health intact.
Tackling Shifts in Physical Appearance
1. Seek Professional Help
Visiting a dentist in Toluca Lake can be beneficial because it reduces your day-to-day pain and makes you mentally sound. Even if your teeth have been significantly affected by erosion, your dentist can provide treatment options to improve the appearance and health of those eroded teeth.
2. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Taking proper care of your mouth with good oral hygiene can help prevent further degradation and promote healthier overall tooth health, which is never a bad thing to strive towards.
3. Join Support Groups
Getting in contact with others who have faced similar dental problems can help out mentally, though they can also give you valuable tips and tricks on the maintenance of your new oral experience. Through online chat rooms, support groups in your area, or friends and family members you can get help regarding some experiences to build coping mechanisms for dealing with stress. Realizing that you are not the only one feeling this way can help relieve some feelings of isolation and anxiety.
4. Focus on Overall Health
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can improve one’s physical and mental health. Good nutrition, regular exercise, and enough sleep all feed into our state of health which can both benefit mood as well as resilience. In addition, cutting back on acidic foods and beverages can also help to prevent erosion of your teeth.
Tooth erosion is not just a dental problem; rather it carries with itself various psychological aspects that can damage self-esteem, the ability to socialize, and overall mental wellbeing. The inhabitants of Toluca Lake need to realize that these effects are far-reaching, and it can include them in a grand scheme.
