As a small business owner, you know that your teeth are a valuable asset. After all, they help you eat, speak, and smile — all crucial aspects of interacting with clients and customers. But did you also know that your teeth can impact your business in other ways?
Your Teeth, Credibility, and Reputation
For starters, bad teeth can hurt your credibility and reputation. Suppose you’re meeting with clients, giving presentations to potential investors, or interviewing prospective employees. In that case, you want them to focus on your words — not your yellowing teeth or noticeable gaps. Bad teeth project an image of someone unable to care for themselves on the most basic level of hygiene and health. People may then connect this with your ability to run a business. Clients, investors, and applicants may not take you seriously.
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), three out of every four people believe that an unattractive smile negatively affects someone’s success in a chosen career.
A healthy smile, on the other hand, makes a positive first impression and conveys confidence. A first impression is incredibly important, as it sets the tone for all future interactions. And when it comes to small businesses, a confident, healthy image can make all the difference. By taking care of your teeth and having a smile that radiates health and vitality, you’re telling potential clients and customers that you’re someone who can be trusted and relied on.
Your Health and Your Business
Aside from the effect on your credibility and reputation, poor oral health can also lead to actual health problems. These problems can sideline you and prevent you from running your business effectively. For example, gum disease has been linked to heart disease, heart attack, stroke, cancer, and even Alzheimer’s disease. If you want to stay healthy and be able to continue running your business for years to come, it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums.
Investing in Your Teeth Pays Off
So, how can you take care of your teeth and ensure that they’re making the best possible impression? The first step is to practice good dental hygiene. This means brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. It’s also important to visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning and check-up. This will ensure that your dentist will be able to catch any dental problems early and treat them before they progress.
Taking care of your teeth may seem like a hassle, but it’s worth it in the long run. Not only will you avoid costly dental problems down the road, but you’ll also make sure that your teeth are doing their part to help you build a successful business.
Addressing Teeth Problems
If you happen to have dental problems such as gum disease, misaligned teeth, damaged teeth, or missing teeth, there are options available to help you achieve a healthy smile. Gum disease can be addressed by a periodontist by scaling and root planing. This is a deep cleaning process that removes tartar and bacteria from below the gum line.
Misaligned teeth can be addressed even in adulthood through braces and aligners. These days there are clear models that are discreet even for professionals.
Porcelain veneers are used over damaged or badly discolored teeth that cannot be whitened. These are very thin layers of porcelain that are attached to the natural tooth.
If you’re missing teeth, the clear choice is a dental implant. That is because this is a permanent replacement with a titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to act as artificial roots. Once the implant has healed, it can support a dental crown. This is superior to dentures since it does not move or click while you are speaking and eating. You can speak naturally with no impediment. You can eat whatever you are able to eat with your natural teeth. It also looks like your natural teeth, and no one will know the difference.
Dental implants also preserve bone density in the jaw. It’s important to replace missing teeth because otherwise, the bone in the jaw will start to deteriorate. This can lead to a change in the shape of your face and can make you look older than you actually are.
Having Healthy Teeth is Good Business
If you want to keep your small business thriving, it’s important to take care of your teeth. By maintaining good dental hygiene and addressing any dental problems that you may have, you’ll be ensuring that your teeth are making the best possible impression. You’ll also be investing in your overall health, which will pay off in the long run. So don’t neglect your teeth—they’re a valuable business tool.