Is a smile essential?

If you google the phrase “importance of a smile” you will find many people telling you just how essential a good smile is.

The Dali Lama apparently says that he would be a much lonelier man if he did not smile so much. He thinks this simple physical act has brought him closer to people from all walks of life.
A Patchwork & Quilting blog gives 12 reasons of why a smile is important in your quilting world: it makes you feel better, you can hear a smile in your voice and often a smile gains one in return.
Humor Specialist John Kinde says a smile is the number one feature that makes people attractive. It's a welcome mat. It's what makes folks approachable. People with a great smile radiate a warmth that draws others to them instantly.

And to be honest I agree... An individual's smile can say a great deal. A warm smile and a friendly handshake are often thought to be essential ingredients to a successful professional. A great looking smile could also be the spark that attracts an important relationship.

But what do you do when your smile reveals a rotten, missing, stained or chipped tooth? According to Smile Essentials Dentists your smile is essential and if you don’t smile as well as you should improve the beauty of it. Don't settle for anything less, shop for a new one! And we do!

How valuable is this essential smile? Or is the question better phrased how much do we value and think we each deserve the Hollywood movie star smile?

I have been wondering how easy it is to excuse our vanity and idolatry when it comes to teeth. Why is it socially acceptable to have have cosmetic work to one part of your body and not another?

(This too I guess goes for make-up, hair dye, hair styling products that we use to enhance parts of our body.)