By If you had to ask any successful person what led them to where they are today, confidence is likely to come up. As a vital aspect of our mental and emotional well-being, confidence allows people to tackle challenges, take risks, and ultimately grow and succeed.
While some people may seem naturally confident, it is a skill that can be developed through small incremental daily actions and habits – starting with the first thing you do after you wake up in the morning – brushing your teeth.
According to Macelle Erasmus, Head of Expert at Aquafresh South Africa, oral care, or keeping our teeth and mouth clean and healthy, has numerous benefits beyond physical health. A clean and healthy mouth can also positively impact our confidence levels. Good oral hygiene increases the likeliness of wearing a smile and speaking with ease, which helps make us feel more self-assured in social and professional situations.
Oral care is also a key preventative measure against bad breath, a common confidence-killer. “We all feel uncomfortable and self-conscious with bad breath, which affects how we carry ourselves socially and professionally ” she says.
But we cannot forget about the most distinctive pearly white mascot of confidence – the smile. Erasmus says a bright, white smile is the core of any confident life. “When our teeth are stained or discoloured, we may feel self-conscious about how we look and choose to cover our smiles or stay clear of particular social settings.”
Frequent brushing, flossing, and teeth whitening procedures can help keep our teeth in top condition, enhancing our self-esteem and social interaction skills.
Beyond the gorgeous smile and freshly minted breath, Erasmus says an oral health regime can help prevent dental problems such as cavities and tooth decay. “These issues can cause pain and discomfort, making eating, speaking, and smiling difficult. By caring for our oral health, we can prevent these issues and maintain our ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably. Also, it is hard to feel confident with a missing tooth or two.”
Erasmus says it is also worth noting that different toothbrushes and toothpastes address different insecurities. “Our Aquafresh Complete Care Toothpaste is perfect for the whole family and has eight key benefits. Our Aquafresh Intense White and Shine toothpaste is clinically proven to whiten your teeth in 7days. The Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothbrush is ideal for removing plaque and the Aquafresh Compete Care toothbrush is perfect for getting in between your teeth and gums,” she says.
For Erasmus, building confidence is a journey that can be achieved through small, consistent actions and habits. “By taking care of our teeth and mouth, we can prevent bad breath, maintain a bright and white smile, and prevent dental problems, all of which can help us feel more confident in our interactions with others,” Erasmus concludes.