Scientists have proven that seeing someone smile can be more pleasurable than eating chocolate or even having sex, yet how many of us protect our own smiles?
According to a recent study, a smile from a child, friend or relative can even stimulate your brain and heart more than when you receive money or smoke a cigarette.
In clinical tests, human guinea pigs were shown photos of friends, family and loved ones smiling, and were also given money and chocolate. Those shown a childâs smile experienced as much stimulation as they would have had from eating 2,000 chocolate bars or receiving £16,000 in cash.
Psychologist Dr David Lewis said the study underlined just how powerful a smile is in triggering our emotions. “When someone important in our lives smiles at us and we smile back it changes our brain chemistry. It creates a âhaloâ effect that helps us feel more optimistic, more positive and more motivated.”
Itâs not just others that can benefit from your dazzling smile. Look after your teeth and they will prolong your life. Believe it or not but the simple act of flossing your teeth can add years to your life.
Researchers in America have discovered that people with gum diseases are nearly twice as likely to suffer coronary heart disease as those without gum disorders. Although they are unsure why this happens, they think the bad bacteria from your gums can thickening your arteries or even cause blood clots.
With all this positive evidence to show for the importance of good dental healthcare, it is alarming that maintaining a healthy smile is getting more expensive in the UK. More dentists are refusing to take on NHS work, leaving many of us facing heavier bills when we find we need dental work.
An increasing number of people are now taking out dental insurance, on its own or sometimes as part of wider private medical insurance, to ensure they can afford dental treatment when they or their family needs it.
For those after a dazzling Hollywood smile, sadly, cosmetic treatments are not covered in these private dental healthcare policies, but a range of treatments from emergency fillings, to large-scale work such as lengthy orthodontic treatment for your children can be covered.
A range of health insurance policies can cover you either for some of the cost of treatment or the entire cost, depending on the level of cover you choose to take out.
With an often complex range of deals to choose from, the private medical price comparison service from BeatThatQuote.com offers a good way help you find the best deal for you and your family, said Sophie Neary, Product Director for BeatThatQuote.com.
“With cheap dental care becoming ever harder to find in the UK, more people than ever realise that the best way to avoid the financial pain of a visit to the dentist is to buy dental insurance.
“The peace of mind it gives you should put the smile back on your face and as the research shows, if you smile youâll make everyone else feel better too.”
Written: Oct 31, 2008
October 31st, 2008 at 11:42 pm
What is the best way to deal with dental work you can’t pay for immediately in Ontario?
I believe I might be dealing with the cost of a root canal, post and crown. It may only be a couple of fillings.
But secondly, I would like to have at least my upper front teeth cosmetically done for a nice smile.(I know it will help my self esteem) and I had to have 2 teeth removed 3 wks ago(UR4 &LL5.)
I must also consider my 4 year old daughter, who will in all likelyhood need braces…and routine care as well. I am on alimited income because of a chronic back problem that limits my workday, if I have it to 4 hrs.ODSP is pending. OW sends a G.
Loan?
Insurance, with who?
Or what. I'm stuck.
November 1st, 2008 at 4:44 am
Ok in the US, there is a dental plan called GE Wellness. Dentist that use it, take 50 % or more off surgeries. But this is a medical procedure…. isnt covered by the national medical service in canada?
References :
November 1st, 2008 at 4:46 am
First, to reply to bitten's comment, going to see your doctor for regular care is covered in Canada, dental care is paid for through insurance plans or out of your pocket, if you don't have an insurance plan.
Most dentists understand that money situations are different for everyone and you can ask your care giver if you can pay through installments, whether it be monthly, quartly or possibly even yearly. Your dentist may even offer a discount if you get all the work done in and around the same time frame.
If payment plans are not an option, credit cards or loans are the next best thing (other than loaning from a family member, if they can spare the money).
ONE root canal therapy can cost upwards of $1000.
Crowns can run anywhere from $350 - $1300. (Depends on the lab that makes the crown and the quality of the finished product.)
Fillings can be between $50 - $300.
Not to scare you, because I believe everyone should have the smile and functioning teeth they deserve, but dental work can be very costly, as you can see from the prices above. May aunt just had 18 crowns and one veneer made and is ran her about $20,000.
Please, don't be discouraged. Talk to your dentist about alternate treatment plans that can do what you want for a fraction of the cost. It never hurts to ask. Hope everything works out.
References :
I am a Dental Assistant.