Smile! Why white teeth are a sign of good health and make you more attractive | Creative Smiles (2024)

It looks like parents everywhere were right about the importance of brushing your teeth. They may just not have realised why.

A study has confirmed what we already know – that a white and evenly spaced set of teeth makes people seem more attractive. But it has also explained the reason.

It is because teeth are the human equivalent of a peaco*ck’s tail – a sign of health and genetic quality designed to help choose a mate.

A bit of all white: A study has shown that the state of women’s teeth is used to judge their age and fertility

Researchers from the universities of Leeds and Central Lancashire took pictures of models before digitally changing the colour and spacing of their teeth.

Three shades were used – a yellowish brown, healthy white, and startling white, which can only be achieved by bleaching.

They then showed the photos to 150 young men and women and asked them how attractive they found the models.

Unsurprisingly, yellow teeth were unpopular, while widely spaced teeth were also deemed less attractive. However, the state of women’s teeth was particularly important, the journal PLoS ONE reports.

Leeds University psychologist Colin Hendrie said: ‘When males are looking at females and when females are looking at females, there is quite a strong effect.

‘Males are thinking about attraction and females are in competition with each other.’

Dr Hendrie believes women’s teeth are used to help judge her age and provide a guide to how far she is from the menopause.

They can also contain clues to childhood illnesses, diet and some genetic disorders, he added.

A desire to show off a good set of teeth – and so the time and ability to have children – could also explain why women wear lipstick.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2182380/Smile-Why-white-teeth-sign-good-health-make-attractive.html#ixzz2ADr95Png

If you would like some information on the different types of Tooth Whitening available at Creative Smiles please call our reception team on 02890 618545 or alternatively you can email us directlyto [emailprotected]

Smile! Why white teeth are a sign of good health and make you more attractive | Creative Smiles (2024)

FAQs

Why are white teeth more attractive? ›

A study has confirmed what we already know – that a white and evenly spaced set of teeth makes people seem more attractive. But it has also explained the reason. It is because teeth are the human equivalent of a peaco*ck's tail – a sign of health and genetic quality designed to help choose a mate.

What makes a smile so attractive? ›

What Makes A Good Smile. An attractive smile is often characterized by straight teeth, which are properly spaced and aligned. Tooth color and symmetry also play a major part in making a smile attractive. It is also important to make sure the way your teeth are aligned fit your specific face and mouth alignment.

Does having good teeth make you more attractive? ›

Studies show that those with white and well-spaced teeth appear more attractive. Some people think it's superficial, but it's not. Having beautiful teeth is linked to good oral hygiene.

Why do people want really white teeth? ›

The most common reason that individuals choose to whiten their teeth is to improve their appearance. First impressions are crucial.

Which teeth are the most attractive? ›

The central incisors are the focal point of the smile. A slightly oval or rectangular shape with rounded corners is often seen as attractive, creating a balanced and symmetrical appearance.

What color makes your teeth look the most white? ›

Make your teeth look whiter – Darker shades like royal/navy blue, purple, and even black can make the color of your teeth appear whiter. Even so, be aware that colors like dark green and brown can look like food. What about white braces – Although this may be a color you were thinking of, you may want to stray away.

What is the rarest smile? ›

The rarest smile type is the complex smile, with only an estimated 2% of the population possessing this smile. This smile is rare because it requires three muscle groups to work simultaneously when smiling.

Why are white teeth a beauty standard? ›

There are a few reasons for why whitened teeth are so highly sought after in American society, from attracting partners, to the social construct of power, to adhering to societal ideals, to the growth of the cosmetic dental industry, to preserving dental health, and more. As you'll see, these all tie together.

Do good teeth make you look younger? ›

Restoring an aged smile can remove stains, contour the gums, remodel your teeth, and preserve bone mass. The end result is a smile with a more youthful appearance that can make your entire face appear years younger. Not only that, but there's also the benefit of restored oral health as well.

Are white teeth unattractive? ›

You might be under the impression that straight, white teeth signify a more attractive smile, which is certainly the case. Yellowing or discoloured teeth often appear on lists of unattractive features compiled by dating agencies.

Do whiter teeth make you look younger? ›

Additionally, it appears that having your teeth whitened can actually have as much impact on your war against ageing as all those aforementioned creams, serums, pills et. As the study revealed that white teeth not only increased your attractiveness by 20% but knock years off your perceived age.

Which countries have the whitest teeth? ›

Germany, Finland, Sweden, and the UK all have scores below 1.0, making them the five countries with the healthiest teeth. In addition to being ranked fourth on the DMFT index, Sweden stands out for also having the whitest and straightest teeth in the world.

Are girls attracted to guys with white teeth? ›

Straight, white teeth indicate good health and hygiene as well, which is seen as so much of a bonus that two in five Americans would not go on a second date with someone who had yellow or crooked teeth.

Why do celebrities have perfect white teeth? ›

Veneers: If you see celebrities with perfectly white, straight, and uniform-looking teeth, they likely have veneers. Unlike teeth whitening, veneers are more permanent. There are various types of materials used, but porcelain and composite are the most common types.

Do whiter teeth look better? ›

Improve your appearance

Studies show that whiter teeth are associated with attractiveness and that people with whiter teeth are perceived to be more sociable, friendly, and intelligent. Professional teeth whitening is the best, if not the only, way to achieve maximum teeth whitening.

Which teeth is better white or yellow? ›

Myth #2: Yellow teeth are unhealthy.

Teeth that are not perfectly white can still be healthy. The teeth are considered unhealthy if their color is attributed to plaque buildup or staining. Having off-white teeth is often healthy.

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