Dr Cherie: Why poor oral hygiene is ruining your love life

Dr Cherie Yam, founder and respected head dentist at 'Dentists In Yamanto', at Yamanto Central shopping centre in Ipswich, Queensland, is on a mission to help people enhance their love life by improving their oral hygiene.

According to Dr Cherie, while the eyes may be the window to your soul, your smile is the front door to your love life. People with poor hygiene are likely to experience a less than satisfactory love life compared to those who practice good oral hygiene.

"It may not be something people talk about but we do judge people by their teeth. Imagine kissing something with bad teeth. That is a turn off right there," Dr Cherie said.

"If you go on a date, you want to turn up with big white shiny clean pearly whites and good breath.  If you don't you are not off to the best start. The good news is going to the dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene will help you to achieve a good smile."

Dr Cherie emphasised that bad oral health can have various impacts on one's love life, affecting both physical and emotional aspects of romantic relationships. Here are some ways in which poor oral health can impact love life.

She has outlined the reasons why.

Negative breath

"Persistent bad breath (halitosis) can be a major turn-off in romantic relationships. It can cause embarrassment and self-consciousness, leading to decreased intimacy and reluctance to engage in close interactions such as kissing and cuddling," Dr Cherie said.

"It not only impacts the person with the bad breath, it also affects the other person in the relationship as they might find the breath a turn-off.  Good dental hygiene is essential to maintain good breath."

Decreased attraction

"Poor oral hygiene, including visible dental issues such as cavities, gum disease and discolored teeth, can affect physical attraction between partners," Dr Cherie said.

"A healthy, attractive smile is often considered an important aspect of physical attractiveness and can impact initial attraction and ongoing romantic interest.  A smile has the ability to attract or reject people romantically."

Communication barriers

"Dental pain, discomfort, or embarrassment related to oral health issues can hinder effective communication in relationships. Individuals may be hesitant to express themselves openly or engage in intimate conversations due to concerns about their oral health," Dr Cherie said.

"This limits the ability for two people to get to know each other and stay close and connected, which is essential in a good healthy relationship."

Sexual confidence

"Oral health problems, such as tooth pain or gum disease, can interfere with sexual confidence and enjoyment. Fear of judgment or rejection due to oral health issues may lead to anxiety or avoidance of sexual intimacy," Dr Cherie emphasised.

Impact on self-esteem

"Poor oral health can negatively impact self-esteem and self-image, affecting one's confidence in in themselves and their romantic relationship. Individuals may feel self-conscious or insecure about their smile, leading to feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness in romantic interactions," Dr Cherie added.

Social isolation

"Individuals with significant oral health issues may experience social isolation or withdrawal from romantic activities and social gatherings," Dr Cherie said.

"They may avoid situations that involve close personal contact or public speaking due to concerns about their oral health.  This can impact their social life and ability to engage and socialise with others.  They lose the ability to enjoy themselves and be themselves."

Relationship strain

"Chronic oral health problems can cause stress and strain in romantic relationships, particularly if they lead to financial strain, missed social engagements or conflicts over oral hygiene habits. Lack of support or understanding from a partner can exacerbate feelings of isolation and distress," Dr Cherie said.

Dr Cherie explained that it is essential to prioritise oral health as part of overall well-being and to address any dental issues promptly.

"Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices (such as brushing, flossing, and mouthwash) and a healthy diet can help maintain optimal oral health and support positive relationships," Dr Cherie said.

"Open communication with a partner about oral health concerns and mutual support in maintaining good oral hygiene habits can also contribute to a healthy and fulfilling love life."

About Dentists In Yamanto
 

Founded by Dr Cherie Yam, Dentists In Yamanto is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care on a tailored basis.  Dr Yam has been serving the Ipswich area for many years and has experience in private and boutique dental clinics in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. She was also awarded the Abano Healthcare Clinical Excellence Award for Anterior Aesthetics in 2023. Dr Yam worked at Griffith University Dental School for four years as a clinical supervisor and examiner to final year dental students.  She has also volunteered in India, Nepal and the Philippines.

Dentists In Yamanto offers a diverse suite of dental services tailored to meet the unique needs of every patient. From foundational preventative care to advanced cosmetic transformations, the  clinic is equipped to handle every aspect of a patient's dental journey. The surgery has the latest in digital dental technology, ensuring that each procedure is performed with precision and care. 

Yamanto Central shopping centre offers plenty of free parking and access to public transport. 

www.dentistsinyamanto.com.au

ENDS