Impact of Dental Esthetics and Oral Health Status on Psychological Well Being and Dental Self Confidence in University Students

Background: Cosmetic dentistry, also known as dental esthetics, focuses on enhancing the appearance of teeth, gums, and overall smile. Procedures such as tooth whitening, orthodontics, veneers, dental implants, and gum contouring aim to improve dental appearance, thereby boosting an individual’s self-confidence and quality of life. Objectives: The study aimed to assess perceived satisfaction with dental appearance, evaluate oral health status, and explore the relationship between dental esthetics, psychological well-being, and self-confidence. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, involving 1500 participants aged 18 to 35 years. Methods: The Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire [PIDAQ] and World Health Organization [WHO] Oral Health Assessment Form (2013) were used for evaluation. Informed consent was obtained and data was collected. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences [SPSS] 26.0 Software, and the Pearson Chi square test to analyse statistical significance. Results: Of the 1500 participants, 732 (48.8%) were male and 768 (51.2%) female. Results showed that 508 (33.87%) individuals were highly satisfied, 654 (43.6%) satisfied, and 338 (22.53%) dissatisfied with their smile. A significant association was found between gender and smile satisfaction, with females reporting higher levels of concern. Tooth color was the leading cause of dissatisfaction, followed by teeth alignment. Conclusions: The study concludes that dental esthetics and oral health have a significant impact on individuals’ attitudes, psychological wellbeing, and dental self-confidence. Poor dental appearance, especially due to caries and missing teeth, contributes to low self-esteem and increased anxiety. Improving dental esthetics is essential for enhancing both mental health and social confidence in young adults.