How tending to your teeth can boost physical and mental well–being
By Kristen West
Having a coveted million-dollar smile can make you feel wonderful, but it’s the dental health behind it that makes the biggest difference in your overall health and well-being.
Dr. Charles S. Barotz of Barotz Dental in Denver provides an array of cosmetic dental services, but getting to the root—pun intended—of dental health is the top priority.
Your mouth is full of bacteria—both good and bad. Flossing and brushing daily support the balance of beneficial bacteria while preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria that could impact your overall health. Good oral hygiene may lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. A beautiful, healthy smile can also positively influence your mental and emotional well-being.
Dr. Barotz says that while awareness of the connection between oral and overall health is growing, some people still hesitate to seek dental care. So, what prevents some people from taking that first step toward treatment?
It comes down to one thing, according to Dr. Barotz. “Fear,” he says. “They’re afraid of judgment. They’re also afraid that it will take forever, and they’ll have to be referred out to different dentists, periodontists, root canal specialists or surgeons, and they’ll have to face that fear with each one of them.”
This fear, particularly of judgment, can be isolating. People who struggle with dental issues can sometimes avoid social or professional situations, which can affect their confidence and mental health. Taking the time to fix your teeth can have lasting positive effects. A study focusing on people ages 65 and over found that those with fewer missing or decayed teeth reported lower levels of depression.
To address the fear of lengthy, time-consuming procedures, Dr. Barotz says he has created a safe environment where patients can receive all procedures in one place, many times within days or even hours of their first consultation. He spent years studying and investing in advanced technology and treatments so that he could perform everything in-house. “If they know that they’re not going to be wrapped up in care for four to six months but can get it all done in a matter of days, this helps alleviate their fear,” he says.
Patients also express concerns about potential pain or cost. Some dental offices, like BarotzDental, offer a free consultation. Dr. Barotz explains each procedure in detail, including ways to ease discomfort, how long it will take and a full cost breakdown.
“We congratulate them for making that important decision to come and get things taken care of,” Dr. Barotz says. “We do everything we can to make them comfortable.” Staff at Barotz Dental even provide aromatherapy eye pillows and warm neck pillows to ease tension during procedures. They offer sedation for those who need it, and Dr. Barotz offers his personal phone number to patients to contact him with any concerns after they go home.
Dental issues are sometimes part of the human journey, and it can be comforting to know that you’re not alone and that it’s possible to make improvements. Investing in your teeth can rejuvenate more than just your physical well-being—it can also bring back your confidence and quality of life.
