Our mouth is, first and foremost, the means by which we take in our nutrients and where digestion begins.

It plays a social and sexual role–we kiss those we love. The mouth also plays a primary role in the way we communicate. Our voice, for example, is produced in the throat, while the tongue, lips, teeth and jaws are all needed to produce the range of sounds that make up our speech.

You might even say that our words determine our destiny. According to psychologists, optimistic words lead to happiness–both for the person thinking and speaking positively, and for the listener. This contributes to the success of our relationships, our work lives and even our company’s bottom line.

 Our mouth is a part of how we make the sounds of laughter and, of course, how we smile. Our smile plays a major role in how we perceive ourselves and others. Just as a radiant smile opens the world up to us and reflects positive energy, an unattractive smile holds us back. When we don’t like the aesthetics of our mouth, it is more difficult to speak our truths, to be authentic and to embrace the world.

 Our response to aesthetics seems to be hardwired. We know that babies respond to faces that are more attractive. Good-looking men and women get better and more prestigious jobs. A 2004 study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry shows that 99 percent of those surveyed believe that an attractive smile is an important social asset, while 96 percent believe that an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to the opposite sex. Meanwhile, 74 percent feel a bad smile can ruin your chance of career success.