5 Common Reasons You May Dislike Your Smile

It's a well-known fact that most people don't like something about their bodies, and one of the leading things that folks dislike about themselves is their smiles. For some individuals, the problem can be so extreme that they go out of their way to avoid smiling—often causing offense unwittingly. Some people might assume it's easy to identify the source of an unhappy smile. But, that's not always the case, and if you're unsure what's causing your smile to turn into a frown, consider these five common examples.

Stained Teeth

Arguably one of the leading reasons for unhappy smiles is stained teeth. The sad truth is that many people don't have that Hollywood smile you often see on TV, and there can be several reasons for stained teeth. For example, smoking can cause staining to your teeth, as can drinking certain types of beverages. There might even be hereditary or genetic reasons for stained teeth. Thankfully, seeking out a professional dentist in your area can resolve that problem for you.

Damaged or Missing Teeth

Did you know that it's quite common for people to have damaged or even missing teeth in their mouths? Trauma from playing sports, an accident in which a person falls to the ground, or even just trying to bite on some really tough food can cause permanent teeth damage. Some teeth, such as those weakened by gum disease (periodontitis), can become so loose they eventually break away from the gums. Others may require extracting if they make smiling painful.

Misaligned Teeth

Another reason some people may prefer not to smile, if they can help it, is due to misaligned teeth. It's something that can happen from an early age and can be down to many factors such as baby teeth not coming out or trauma making teeth go out of alignment. Fortunately, a qualified dentist can help you resolve that problem using braces or clear aligners. Don't worry: it's possible to have invisible braces if you worry they will stand out.

Depression

The sad truth about depression is that it affects millions of people each year, and it does so in many different ways. One prime example of how it affects individuals is by causing them not to smile. If depressed people talk to others in social situations, they are seldom likely to break out a smile if they are feeling unhappy. Some people experiencing depression may even attempt to avoid talking to others simply because they don't want to use any positive facial expressions.

Damaged Facial Muscles

One final cause for minimal smiling could be a result of facial nerve problems or cold sore scars. For example, you may experience nerve damage that causes a result similar to how the cosmetic treatment Botox disrupts information signals between the brain and injection sites thereby resulting in an almost permanent change of facial expression.

A dissatisfaction with personal appearance does not have to be a hinderance to personal happiness. With the help of a qualified dental specialist and a positive outlook augmented by healthy eating incorporating essential vitamins and minerals, a pleasant smile just may become one of your best attributes.