What Your Mouth Says About You
August 16th, 2012
Think the way your teeth look doesn't really matter? Survey says: think again.
Without saying a word, your mouth is sending messages to everyone you meet. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), people often make snap judgments about individuals based solely on the condition of their teeth.
"This phenomenon was documented more than 25 years ago," says Dr. Don Joondeph, a past president of the American Association of Orthodontists, referring to an eye-opening study in which photos of young smiling individuals were altered to show varying orthodontic problems and then reviewed by focus groups.
"When the focus groups looked at the altered photos they used unflattering terms such as 'unattractive' and 'aggressive' to describe the individuals," says Dr. Joondeph. "However, when groups saw photos of the same individuals with a healthy, beautiful smile, they were more likely to view the individuals as 'intelligent,' 'attractive' and 'a friend I'd like to have.'"
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Dr. Joondeph believes that the original study, which was published in 1981, is even more applicable in today's image-obsessed world. "More than ever, young people and adults want to be perceived as healthy, attractive and appealing to their peers and others."
To obtain optimal oral health and achieve a healthy, beautiful smile, the AAO recommends a team approach. In addition to seeing a dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning, patients also should see an orthodontist to ensure that an orthodontic problem is not overlooked.
For children, an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven can identify potential problems and ensure that any future treatment is timed appropriately. For adults, an orthodontic consult may reveal that cosmetic dentistry is unnecessary. "Patients may be pleasantly surprised to learn that their unattractive teeth are generally healthy, just misaligned," says Dr. Joondeph.
In regards to the study, Dr. Joondeph believes that the first thing that people notice about his young and adult patients is obvious: "The confidence and sense of self-esteem that comes with their healthy, beautiful smiles is unmistakable to anyone they meet."
For more information about orthodontics or to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Hughes, please call 508-319-1545
