The Strange Effect Collagen Has On Your Teeth

There is more to beauty than how we look, but we have to admit that physical attractiveness does play a part. According to Psychology Today, "Physical attractiveness may serve as a gatekeeper directing us toward partners who are healthy, age-appropriate, and able to reproduce," so it is definitely something people notice in others. Health Digest says shiny teeth are among those traits that men find appealing in women. Practicing good oral hygiene is not just good for your teeth and gums but can also make you more alluring, and who isn't drawn to a beautiful smile?

Sadly our genetics, lifestyle, and food habits can dictate the health of our teeth, which is why Medline Plus recommends you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities and bad breath. If you don't care for your gums, they can develop diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis, so you must floss daily and eat a healthy diet. Collagen plays a vital role in the health of your gums, and if you thought collagen was just for skin, you might be surprised how it affects your overall oral health (per Mind Body Green).

Collagen is pretty big in the world of skincare, as you might have seen creams that claim to boost collagen production. But what exactly is collagen? Collagen is a protein that naturally exists in the body and is the foundation of the skin's "structure and support" (via Byrdie). The claims that collagen supplements boost collagen production in the body are somewhat murky, but aesthetician Melanie Grant told the outlet, "Vitamin A is a tried and tested ingredient for collagen synthesis, so incorporate a retinol serum into your nighttime routine." It's good to know that there are ways to increase collagen production in the skin as it tends to decrease with age.

Sadly, our bones become weaker as we age too, and collagen helps the body make "new bone" and heal faster. According to WebMD, we also have collagen in our bones, which makes them stronger, so it is important to eat a protein-rich diet to maintain the healthy structure of the bones. Some people think our teeth are "made up of bones," but that is not true. However, collagen does play a key role in maintaining your beautiful smile by working its under-the-radar magic.

Most people think as long as their teeth look good, they are on top of their oral game, but it is also important to have healthy gums surrounding the teeth that hold them together. You have probably seen enamel-strengthening toothpaste in the market, but that is only the external layer of the teeth, per Mind Body Green. 

Holistic dentist Staci Whitman told the outlet, "Type I, type II, and type III collagens are all found within the pulpal nerve tissues of teeth." So, our teeth do have collagen, but that is not all. Whitman added that collagen is in charge of keeping the shape of the periodontium, which is "the structure of gums and bone that support and surround your teeth." Now you know what's responsible for the strong jawline and the chiseled face. As we age, our gums start receding, exposing our teeth more and making them more sensitive and prone to oral diseases. 

Recent research shows that using collagen matrix can help receding gum lines and help them heal as well, per Science Daily — and healthy, strong gums are better at holding your teeth in place.