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Whiter Teeth Gives Impression of Better Health
Being perceived as healthier and more attractive may be as simple as flashing a healthy white smile, according to a study conducted by Proctor & Gamble.
The Crest Extra Whitening Smile study asked Americans to rate two photos of the same people before and after their teeth had been digitally manipulated to be whiter. Each participant looked at 20 pairs of photos. Respondents were not informed of the manipulation process, and the tooth color changes were slight.
The results showed an overwhelming majority (90 percent) of study respondents viewed the people with whiter teeth as healthier and more attractive, than photos of the same people with duller, less white teeth, regardless of age, sex, or ethnic background.
Conducted in conjunction with Custom Research Inc., and research and psychology experts, the study surveyed 200 male and female respondents of various ages and ethnic backgrounds in eight cities in the United States.
"This study demonstrates what dentists have known all along -- that the whiteness of your teeth affects how other people see you," says Paul Landman, D.D.S., a general dentist who has a large cosmetic practice. "Not only are whiter teeth more appealing, but others believe you to be healthier. An extra benefit is that people with white teeth feel better about themselves."
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