The power of a smile | Steven Lin | TEDxMacquarieUniversity

Summary

This engaging talk highlights the transformative power of a smile and the importance of dental health. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and scientific insights to emphasize how dental care impacts overall well-being. They discuss societal stigmas, the evolution of dental practices, and the link between oral health and serious conditions like heart disease. The talk concludes with a call to action for better dental education and communication to foster a culture of prevention and wellness.

Takeaways

• 😃 Smiling has numerous health benefits including reducing blood pressure, boosting the immune system, and releasing endorphins.
• 🦷 Proper dental hygiene is crucial, as neglect can lead to severe dental issues, as illustrated by the speaker's sister's experience.
• 👨‍⚕️ Dentists often face social stigma, with many people expressing dislike or fear, which can hinder the promotion of dental health.
• 👩‍👧‍👦 The fear of dental treatment is deeply rooted in our evolutionary pain response, which is more pronounced in sensitive areas like the mouth.
• 🤰 Painful dental experiences can be compared to childbirth, highlighting the extreme discomfort some patients associate with dental procedures.
• 🔍 The speaker emphasizes the connection between gum disease and serious health conditions like heart disease and erectile dysfunction.
• 📊 Gum disease is alarmingly common, with 91% of people with heart disease also suffering from it, indicating a need for better oral health education.
• 🏥 The importance of oral health is often overlooked in society and healthcare systems, leading to preventable diseases and complications.
• 💡 The speaker advocates for better communication about oral health, suggesting that increased awareness could lead to healthier habits and reduced stigma.
• 📱 Technology, such as mobile apps and digital platforms, can be utilized to improve oral health education and communication between professionals and patients.
• 🌟 The speaker concludes by urging the audience to consider the long-term benefits of good oral health and to take preventive measures seriously.

Q & A

What are the benefits of smiling mentioned in the script?

Smiling is said to decrease blood pressure, boost the immune system, and release mood-lifting endorphins.

Why was the speaker's sister sitting in the dental chair with a hole in her tooth?

The speaker's sister had a hole in her tooth likely due to poor dental hygiene practices, which the speaker had tried to correct by lecturing her on proper brushing techniques.

What is the speaker's profession and how does it relate to the audience's perception?

The speaker is a dentist, and he mentions that people often express dislike for dentists, suggesting a negative perception of dental professionals.

Why does the speaker mention Jenny's preference for childbirth over dental treatment?

The speaker uses Jenny's preference to illustrate the extreme fear and discomfort some people have towards dental treatment, even comparing it to the pain of childbirth.

What evolutionary reason is given for the sensitivity of the mouth?

The mouth has a complex network of taste and pain sensation to detect dangerous substances before swallowing, which is an evolutionary survival mechanism.

How does the speaker connect dental health to broader health issues?

The speaker links gum disease to a spectrum of diseases including stroke, diabetes, and pre-term low birth rate, emphasizing the importance of oral health on overall well-being.

What is the significance of the story about Norman in the script?

Norman's story is used to highlight the severe consequences of neglecting oral health, which in his case was linked to heart disease and ultimately his death.

Why does the speaker argue that dental health is not prioritized in society?

The speaker argues that dental health is not prioritized due to stigma, avoidance, lack of education, and insufficient government investment in dental services.

What role does technology play in the speaker's vision for improving oral health?

Technology, such as digital health platforms and mobile applications, is seen as a tool to improve communication, education, and access to dental care, thereby enhancing oral health.

What is the main message the speaker wants the audience to take away regarding oral health?

The speaker wants the audience to understand the importance of oral health, the impact of neglecting it, and the need for a cultural shift towards prevention and proactive care.

Outlines

00:00

😁 The Power of a Smile and Dental Health

The speaker introduces the topic by highlighting the benefits of smiling, such as increasing attractiveness, confidence, and reducing stress. They recount personal anecdotes about dental hygiene and the importance of proper brushing technique. The speaker then transitions into discussing dental health, sharing a story about a family member's poor dental habits and the consequences. They emphasize the need for better dental care and the challenges faced in changing public perception about dentistry. The paragraph concludes with insights into the evolution of dental practices and the impact of fear and pain on dental treatment experiences.

05:03

😬 Dental Phobia and Its Impact on Health

The speaker delves into the issue of dental avoidance, starting with a survey on flossing habits to illustrate the lack of dental care in the audience. They explain the connection between gum disease and serious health conditions like erectile dysfunction and heart disease, using the story of a patient named Norman to underscore the severity of untreated dental issues. The paragraph highlights the importance of dental health in overall well-being and criticizes the societal and healthcare system's lack of emphasis on oral health education and services. The speaker calls for better communication and awareness to prevent dental diseases that are largely preventable.

10:04

📱 Leveraging Technology for Oral Health Education

The speaker advocates for the use of technology to improve oral health education and communication. They discuss the potential of digital health, mobile applications, and social media to enhance public knowledge and engagement with dental care. The paragraph introduces the concept of a Dental Hub, an information platform aimed at educating and empowering dental professionals to communicate more effectively. The speaker envisions a future where technology streamlines healthcare processes, making oral health a priority in people's lives. They conclude by urging the audience to consider the long-term benefits of good oral hygiene and the role of community, conversation, and technology in transforming the approach to oral health from reactive to preventive.

Keywords

💡Smile

A smile is a facial expression formed by the muscles around the mouth and often associated with happiness or pleasure. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the power of a smile, suggesting it can make one more attractive, increase confidence, and decrease stress levels. The speaker's personal anecdotes and the broader societal implications of smiling are used to illustrate its importance in daily life and overall well-being.

💡Dental Health

Dental health refers to the condition of a person's teeth, gums, and mouth, which can impact overall health. The video script discusses the importance of dental health, linking it to broader health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. The speaker uses examples like gum disease and its connection to vascular dysfunction to highlight the significance of oral care.

💡Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is the practice of maintaining the cleanliness and health of one's teeth, gums, and oral cavity. The script mentions the speaker's childhood fascination with teeth brushing and the importance of proper dental hygiene practices like flossing, which is crucial for preventing plaque buildup and gum disease.

💡Endorphins

Endorphins are hormones produced by the body that function as natural painkillers and mood elevators. The video mentions that smiling can release endorphins, suggesting a link between positive facial expressions and the body's feel-good chemicals, which can contribute to stress reduction and overall happiness.

💡Dental Fear

Dental fear, also known as dental anxiety or dental phobia, is an extreme or irrational fear of dentists or dental procedures. The script references this fear through the character Jenny, who prefers childbirth to dental treatment, illustrating the deep-seated apprehension some people have towards dental care.

💡Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to tooth loss if not treated. The video script discusses gum disease as a serious health issue, linking it to systemic conditions like heart disease and erectile dysfunction, emphasizing the need for proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

💡Dental Clearance

Dental clearance is a medical term used to indicate that a patient's oral health is in a condition that does not pose a risk for other medical procedures. In the video, Norman requires dental clearance before undergoing heart surgery, highlighting the interconnection between oral health and systemic health.

💡Oral Health Education

Oral health education involves teaching individuals about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and the practices that contribute to it. The script suggests that better oral health education could reduce dental fear and avoidance, leading to improved overall health outcomes.

💡Digital Health

Digital health refers to the use of digital technologies to improve health outcomes, manage health conditions, and deliver health services. The video script mentions digital health in the context of using technology to enhance dental IQs and streamline healthcare processes, such as through mobile applications and online platforms.

💡Prevention

Prevention in healthcare refers to采取措施 to stop diseases or health conditions from developing or worsening. The video emphasizes the importance of preventive measures in oral health, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, to avoid more serious health issues later on.

💡Healthcare System

The healthcare system encompasses all organizations, people, and actions whose primary purpose is to provide healthcare services to individuals. The video script critiques the current healthcare system for not adequately addressing oral health, suggesting that systemic changes are needed to improve access and education.

Highlights

Smiling can make you more attractive, increase confidence, and decrease stress levels.

Smiling has health benefits such as decreasing blood pressure and boosting the immune system.

The importance of proper dental hygiene from a young age is emphasized.

Dental disease can have serious implications, including a link to heart disease.

Fear and avoidance of dental treatment are common, affecting the perception of dentists.

Pain receptors in the mouth contribute to the fear of dental procedures.

The evolution of dental drills and the stigma associated with them.

A survey reveals that less than half of the audience flosses daily, indicating poor dental habits.

Flossing removes 35% of plaque, reducing the risk of gum disease and related health issues.

Gum disease is linked to a range of serious health problems, including erectile dysfunction.

The story of Norman illustrates the tragic consequences of neglecting oral health.

The dental community's role in oral health education and the need for better communication.

The impact of government investment on dental infrastructure and public health.

The potential of digital health and technology to improve oral health education and communication.

The importance of community conversations and culture in promoting oral health.

The opportunity to transform oral health from reactive treatment to prevention through education.

The call to action for individuals to take oral health seriously and the benefits of a smile.

Transcripts

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

[Applause]

what if I could tell you a technique

that would make you more attractive

increase your confidence and decreases

stress levels I know what you're

thinking it's not a glass of wine it's a

smile smiling is shown to decrease your

blood pressure boost your immune system

and release mood-lifting endorphins what

a fascinating ability we

possess as Le Bisal once said we often

underestimate the power of a touch A

Smile as a child I was always fascinated

with my

teeth brushing a night was like a

religious ceremony it was a mession but

for me I was always perplexed when other

people didn't feel the same

way and I was that annoying little

brother in the bathroom lecturing my

sister when she was by saying you're not

doing it right you you you're just

sucking on that's not do anything mom

tell her to stop

daydreaming she never listened so you

can imagine how validated I felt at our

first dental treat Dental when she was

sitting in the chair and she P pushed

back in the chair and opened her mouth

and I saw a hole so big that I thought I

could shoot a basketball into

it my poor sister learned the hard way I

told her

so that was my first experience with

dental disease but it wouldn't be my

last after graduating from dental school

I felt more equipped to tackle people's

disinterest in their

teeth little did I know it would be a

little bit more of a challenged than I

had

anticipated at dinner parties you

introduce yourself and people say so

Steven what do you do I say well I'm a

dentist and they go

oh I hate the

dentist let's go and sit with the

accountants and

lawyers now there's a sure fire sign

that you're not winning any popularity

contests but it's true that people have

issues with the dentist I remember when

I met Jenny

Jenny was a mother of three she came

into came into the um the for an

appointment and she said I've had this

terrible toothache all day I said well

don't worry Jenny we're here to help you

and she say oh I've put it off but it's

just so painful now I said well we going

go very slowly you know we do this every

day and she said I I'd rather give birth

and have dental

treatment you you what now let's think

about that for a second now you've got

two options okay all right well option

number one well okay you're going to

have needed Dental feeling all right

okay so might be a bit sore for a few

days so what's option number two well

you're going to have a small human path

through your pelvis now I'll take option

number one I mean

come they're not on the same level we're

blowing things out of perspective I mean

I can't comment personally but think of

the watermelon and the golf ball

analogies but

but it's true that people suffer more

than disinterest in their

teeth people people fear the dentists in

dental treatment why why did Jenny feel

like this well as organisms we evolve

pain receptors as a survival mechanism

the hands have a very high concentration

of pain receptors so that when we reach

out and touch something such as a hot

surface we recoil immediately the same

is true for the as same is true for for

the mouth where we have a complex

network of taste and pain Sensation that

allows to detect dangerous substances

before we swallow them now pain pathways

are interpreted and superimposed onto

different parts of the brain that deal

with memory attention and emotion so

this is why we build up painful memories

and and why we have feelings and

emotions associated with dental

treatment now see this happy little

fell that's a petal power Dental drill

oh can you you'd have to warm that thing

up your grandparents or maybe even

parents may be able to tell you stories

about these it wasn't until

1957 that that we introduced the air

Turon drill hand piece that we know as

the dental drill so we didn't exactly

nail the best way to deal with this very

sensitive part of the

body and as a result modern dentist

carries a stigma and this stigma results

in Dental

avoidance now I think we can get a

snippet of dental voance right here in

this room

today we're going to take a survey so I

want everyone to raise their hand who

flosses once a

day

okay and now this question is also known

as the dental Li detector so we're going

to be checking people on the way out

after so yeah so not so yeah but let's

have a look okay so less than half women

more than men yep look at the men up the

back they flossing like forget that mate

just be happy if I'm brushing all right

but well what if I were tell you that

flossing remov 35% that of plaque that

builds up on your teeth and gums and if'

left over the long term increases your

risk of gum disease now gum disease has

been shown to be linked through vascular

dysfunction

to male

impotency erectile dysfunction

oh she I better get some

floss and ladies and take note of the

hands it's true that when we understand

the implications of something it becomes

important to us I believe that we've

missed out in

society of of communicating the

importance of dental

health I remember I met Norman was was a

patient that stuck out in my head Norman

was a very jovial character he walked in

from an appointment loved a joke didn't

have many teeth Norman walked in he'd

pointed one tooth down the back he say

see that tooth yeah Norman he it that's

me chewing tooth so all

right and he said see this tooth there a

lone standing front tooth I said yeah he

said that one's for the ladies like

oh Norman Norman attends ended the

appointment with his wife but his wife

wasn't in such such a happy mood she

Norman was actually referred by his his

cardiologist

now he was actually in need of of

quadruple bypass heart surgery and in

order to get the operation he needed a

dental clearance so after his

examination we found that Norman had

severe gum disease and then because of

the urgency of the surgery we we needed

to take out his remaining teeth with the

plan to make a denture once he recovered

from the operation now if you think of

Norman's

gums the surface area of like mine and

yours of your gums equal the same

surface area as the whole skin of your

forearm so you can imagine in gum

disease we have a chronic inflammation

process

occurring now you can imagine this

happening on the entire skin of your

forearm it's going to put a lot of

pressure on your body in fact 91% of

people with heart disease also have gum

disease as compared to 66% of those in

the normal

population now Norman's wife returned 3

months later to the surgery and

tragically informed us that Norman had

experienced complications with his

surgery and has sadly passed

away now the frustrating part of this

story is that by the time I'd seen

Norman it was too

late the disease process had occurred in

his mouth over his

lifetime

now gum disease is linked to a broad

spectrum of diseases include that

include stroke diabetes pre-term low

birth rate life-threatening

diseases why aren't we acknowledging

this why did Norm condition get so

bad why will only a handful of people in

this audience today floss once a day and

why will nearly half of a strain kids

get tooth to by age

six I believe to answer this question we

need to see and understand how oral

health fits into our society and our

health care

System the dental Community are the

holders holders of oral health education

and knowledge but we're not very good at

communicating

it and if you think about the stigma and

avoidance associated with dental care

this makes sense and coupled with with

with a a lack of service and access in

Practical terms we see one in five

Australians avoiding going to the

dentist compared to one in 25 going to

the

doctor

now we are a community that are locked

off from education and we are also

locked off from services so what other

what other factor affects this system

well in a healthy system the government

invests into infrastructure and access

to make a flowing interactive Community

between between the dental community and

the

public this is what our system looks

like this is the system that Norman

Jenny everyone in this room my sister

and and our children will grow up

in one is strangled by cost

miscommunication and high disease we are

a public that don't understand the

importance of dental disease so we don't

communicate it to the government to

incentivize them to invest into

Services

90% of of dental disease is preventable

by simple modifiable

habits what if everyone had that

annoying brother in the bathroom nagging

them to brush all the

time what about a nice heal friendly

heal health professional that

understands how important your oral

health is and what exactly you need to

do to look after

it the key to Breaking this cycle and

break and and creating a culture of oral

health in our society is to unlock

Dental communication to spread knowledge

and information so that we feel that

dental health and our oral health is

important for our lives and

well-being we live in a society that

uses technology more for Banking online

shopping and ordering a taxi more than

we do for our

health here we have an opportunity

digital health

the use of technology to streamline our

healthare

processes how does this apply to our

oral health system well ealth the use of

online information and Technology to

boost to boost our Dental iq's M Health

mobile mobile applications that create

communication interfaces between health

professionals and their patient bases

Healthcare social media discuss building

discussion and communication around

issues before they become a

problem at Dental Hub we're building a

crowdsource information platform that

teaches and activates Dental

professionals to be better

communicators we're developing an app to

create a Comm communication streamline

from from your dental professional

directly to your mobile

app through

education we can we can Empower people

to feel why oral health is important to

their life and and integrate into their

culture and

Lifestyles if nine out of 10 of Old

Friends raised their hand to the

flossing question and you knew that by

not doing it you would increase your

risk of heart disease and maybe

impotency would you take the

risk it's Community

conversations and cultures like this

that creat swells that it incentivizes

the government to invest into

infrastructure and access and services

to those who cannot afford

it through education and communic

ation and integrating technology into

our Healthcare

processes we we can transform our

Paradigm of oral health from a reactive

one of reactive treatment to one of

prevention understanding and

education I hope that everyone here

today gets the opportunity to feel the

power of a smile in every day of their

life our mouths truly are the gateway to

to The Human

Experience I also

do you see or how Society puts oral

health to the side of our lives and

well-being and how our Health Care

system does the

same here we have an opportunity to

break new grounds in our knowledge of

lives and our well-being and health but

also to drag our Health Care system out

of the Dark Ages and into a progressive

21st

century 21st

century

so the next time you scoff at

flossing please think of

me if not me think of

yourself if not yourself think of your

partner but if not your partner think of

your children thank

you