In the animal world, being human is a very long-term proposition, and subsequently, developing successful skills and practices that work over the long haul are particularly valuable to us.

Which brings me to the conclusion that for any number of things over time, prevention is the cure.

For us long-lived humans, being conscious and intentional about small changes in our lifestyles will very often prevent major problems over time. This is especially true with regards to our teeth.

Take Pat, for instance. Pat is 71 years young and has a killer figure and great hair. She looks 30 years younger than she is, and she has impeccable taste in clothes and accessories, so she still turns heads when we go out for lunch in Manhattan.

Pat’s teeth, however, look 71 years old and then some. She’s a regular patient of a good dentist, but it is obvious that she hasn’t invested in the daily care to have good oral hygiene and a nice smile. Plus, because she’s lost some, her teeth have shifted into an odd configuration. Pat is against cosmetic correction because in her opinion, “it’s a waste of time and money at this point in my career.”

Pat has a great life! Even so, I have heard her complain about her very many trips to the dentist and the cost and pain of the procedures that she’s facing. I’ve also heard her tease a contemporary of hers, Susan, about how it is she is able to consistently book more speaking engagements.

Working with them both, I know that at the end of each presentation, Pat will have at least 1-2 business owners to insist that she come present at his or her company … Susan generally gets 2-3 of these requests, on average.

And though it’s difficult to know exactly for sure, I believe it’s a safe bet that people’s preference for Susan as an expert paid speaker is in some part due to the better appearance of her teeth. Susan easily earns $50,000 to $100,000 more, annually, than Pat, though Pat is the more highly-rated expert and knowledgeable speaker.

It may not be as obvious earlier in your career, but you could be leaving $500, $1,000, or $10,000 a year on the table due to shortcomings in the health and appearance of your teeth. Cash like that invested for 50 years could equate to a college education for a grandchild, a summer home, or a cushier retirement.

If you’re 20, 25, or 30 today, mastering the conscious thought and discipline it takes to employ small, simple, super easy steps in order to have better oral hygiene and a great smile over the course of the next 50 years has even greater dividends.

With just a little extra effort, you can find ways to translate that kind of everyday success into other areas of your life. Not only will you prevent tooth loss and illness, you’ll be richer on a number of other levels, as well.

Thanks for sharing a smile.
Happy smiling,
D.L.