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Having a healthy mouth strengthens self-esteem and improves communication with others.
For this reason, the summer season presents itself as a great opportunity to remember the importance of taking care of our smiles and surrounding ourselves with everything that brings us well-being, such as health, music, and good company.
We often forget that oral health is closely linked to overall well-being, not only from a physical perspective, but also from an emotional and social perspective. Regarding this, Dr. Miriam Alexandre, medical coordinator of the Prosthodontics, Aesthetics, and General Dentistry department at the Vitaldent Group, comments that "having a healthy mouth not only improves essential functions such as chewing, speaking, and breathing, but also strengthens personal confidence, improves communication with others, and boosts our self-esteem."
In fact, according to recent studies, 85% of people believe that a well-groomed smile improves their personal image, and 72% say they feel more self-confident when they can smile without self-consciousness. 1 "When someone doesn't feel comfortable with their smile, they tend to hide it. And what many patients may not know is that this seemingly small gesture can have more impact than they imagine. It can limit their social life, influence their work environment, and weaken their self-confidence," adds the Vitaldent expert.
Furthermore, it has been shown that smiling has a direct effect on the body, even when we smile intentionally. This can help reduce stress, lower heart rate, and improve mood. 2 The simple act of smiling—even if it doesn't come spontaneously—can have positive effects on mental health.
And when it comes to emotions and well-being, music also plays a fundamental role. Listening to songs we like activates the brain's reward system and stimulates the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and emotional connection. It's no coincidence that, when we hear a familiar or meaningful melody, a smile appears on our faces without us even realizing it.
In fact, if we combine these two elements—a healthy smile and the right music—we can create a small daily wellness ritual. Taking care of our mouths, singing in the shower, laughing in good company, or enjoying a song in the car are everyday gestures that improve our mood and connect us with others.
“Sometimes we don't realize the impact a healthy smile has on our quality of life. In our clinics, we don't just treat teeth; we treat people. And what we see every day is that when someone regains their smile, they also regain their desire to laugh, their self-confidence, and their relationships with others. For us, this internal transformation is as valuable as any aesthetic and functional improvement,” concludes Dr. Alexandre.
Tips for maintaining a healthy smile during the summer
To promote oral health care during this season, Dr. Alexandre offers the following recommendations:
- Constant hydration: High temperatures promote dehydration, which reduces saliva production, which is essential for protecting teeth and gums. Therefore, it is recommended to drink water frequently, especially if you regularly consume sugary or alcoholic beverages.
- Be careful with cold foods and drinks: Sudden changes in temperature, such as ice cream or very cold drinks, can cause increased tooth sensitivity. If discomfort persists, the doctor will recommend a visit to the dentist to rule out problems such as tooth hypersensitivity.
- Evitar el exceso de azúcar: los refrescos, cócteles y helados pueden ser muy azucarados. El consumo frecuente favorece la aparición de caries. Es mejor optar por opciones sin azúcar y cepillarse los dientes siempre después de consumirlos.
- Maintain an oral hygiene routine: Even on vacation, it's essential to maintain brushing three times a day for two minutes, the equivalent of a song like "Dance the Night" by Dua Lipa or "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles. Daily flossing and mouthwash are also recommended.
- Pre-summer dental checkup: A pre-vacation checkup helps detect and treat potential problems early, as they could worsen during a trip or in places with difficult access to dental care.
Finally, it offers some interesting facts that are not well-known by the general population and that can affect our oral health if not taken into account:
- Chlorine in swimming pools can affect your teeth. If you spend a lot of time swimming, chlorine can alter the pH of your mouth and erode tooth enamel and cause staining, especially in frequent swimmers. Therefore, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with fresh water after leaving the pool and avoid holding pool water in your mouth.
- Sunbathing in moderation and with adequate protection helps the body synthesize vitamin D, which is key to maintaining strong teeth and bones.