The state of your oral health can have a significant impact on many aspects of your personal life, including dates and job hunts. Research has found that people with ideal smiles are, on average, considered more intelligent and more likely to be hired by employers than those with less attractive smiles. A study by the American Dental Association (ADA) has also found that an overwhelming 82% of adults believe that the appearance of their mouths can significantly affect their ability to have successful job interviews. There’s no doubt that your smile can play a huge role in whether or not you land your dream job.
First Impressions
First impressions matter a lot, especially to employers. Many people involved in jobs that require lots of daily social interaction hesitate to hire prospective employees with buck teeth or large, prominent gaps. Since employees act as representatives of a company, company owners and bosses often prefer to hire those who can make a good impression fast.
Our own biases can also come into play. As difficult as it is for some to admit, we often make instant judgments about people based on their appearance. According to a 2012 perception study, people with straighter teeth are thought to be 58% more likely to be successful and wealthy than those with crooked teeth. In addition to that, people with straight teeth are also more likely to be seen as happy, healthy, and smart. There’s no doubt that a great smile can be your greatest weapon when you need to impress someone in just a few minutes.
Health Problems
Employers aren’t only looking for a “wow-factor”. They also desire employees who are low-maintenance and really easy to manage. If your employer thinks you’ll need to take lots of time off for dental visits and treatments, they might have second thoughts about hiring you. Conversely, employers may be more drawn to people with straighter teeth since they’re perceived as having fewer health problems to deal with.
Your productivity can also come into play. It isn’t easy to achieve results and work efficiently while enduring pain or illness. Although an aching tooth might not seem like a big deal, it can make you irritable and less likely to enjoy your job. Problems like tooth decay and cavities can also affect your ability to taste test food…which isn’t great news at all if you need to make business deals over dinner or work in the food industry.
An employer may also be wary about hiring people at risk of health problems. Since it’s well known that periodontal disease can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health issues, employers may be reluctant to hire someone with gingivitis and other visible gum problems
A Reflection of Character
Employers pay close attention to how you dress, look, and speak since these can all reflect how you are as an employee. Even if you manage to submit the perfect resume, your clothes and mannerisms can still make or break your chances of getting a job.
The same can also be said for your smile. A poor smile covered in stains is often thought of as a sign of poor self-discipline, low confidence, and little to no sense of responsibility. On the other hand, employers see a straight and clean smile as a sign of good self-care, great confidence, and a huge desire for self-improvement. Although first impressions aren’t always true, they can make a huge impact on someone trying to figure out whether or not you’re a good match for their company.
The Best Ways to Get Better Teeth
It’s never too late to grab a great smile. You can start improving how your teeth look at home simply by following a good oral hygiene routine and adopting healthier lifestyle practices. Your dentist can also prescribe treatments that can achieve healthier, straighter, and whiter teeth.
1. Brush Twice a Day
Brushing is our best line of defense against cavities, tooth decay, and embarrassingly bad breath. To make your pearly whites really shine, don’t forget to brush for at least two minutes twice a day. You’ll get better results by using the right tools, such as a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush, and brushing in circular motions. Remember to pay attention not only to your front teeth but also to your molars and the back of your teeth.
Avoid the temptation to try out charcoal toothbrushes, hard bristles, and other abrasive products. These can scrape off tooth enamel, resulting in tooth sensitivity and a higher chance of tooth decay. In the end, it’s much better to stick to oral hygiene products that won’t injure your teeth.
2. Rinse After Brushing
Mouthwash makes a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. Every swish removes dirt stuck between teeth, as well as bacteria responsible for bad breath. Making great first impressions will become so much easier when you work hard to get fresh breath and healthier teeth every morning or night.
Non-alcoholic mouthwash is the best tool for any job-seeker to use. Although mouthwashes with alcohol are often thought to be more effective, they can also be way too abrasive. All that alcohol can strip away the good bacteria in your mouth and make it easier for harmful microbes to cause trouble. On the other hand, non-alcoholic mouthwash is far less likely to kill good bacteria and cause serious problems with bad breath.
3. Floss, Floss, Floss
Although the importance of flossing has been drilled into our heads, many of us often forget to do it after brushing. Neglecting to floss may have more consequences than you think. One, you become at risk of tooth loss due to weak gum tissues. Two, you increase your chances of getting heart disease and other serious health problems later on in life. Three, your chances of getting hired for a good job become much lower.
How does flossing help with your chances of getting hired? Well, first and foremost, it prevents early tooth loss and tooth decay—huge obstacles to successful interviews and productive work. Second, it ensures that you don’t struggle with your health in the future. Third, it’s a good sign that you’re a careful and responsible person. Someone who takes a few minutes to floss every morning must be the type to work hard and practice proper self-care, after all.
4. Wear Braces
There’s no need to panic if your teeth aren’t that straight. We’ve got lots of modern medical marvels that can take care of all sorts of oral health problems! Braces are always a great solution for people with crooked teeth.
Won’t a visible set of wires and brackets turn prospective bosses off? Perhaps, but I can assure you that there are a lot of employers out there looking for people who are willing to improve themselves no matter what. Your braces can be a good sign of someone who’s willing to put their all into improving their health and physical appearance. Since misaligned bites and crooked teeth don’t get better on their own, you also get the perfect smile you deserve once your orthodontic treatment is done.
If you’re conscious about how regular braces look, you can always opt for Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign is a special dental treatment that uses clear plastic trays to straighten teeth. Since there isn’t any metal or wire involved, your aligners will look totally invisible. With clear tray aligners, you can gain the confidence you need for successful interviews and great results at work.
5. Attend Regular Check-ups
Your dentist can help pave the path to a brighter future and better work prospects. Visiting your dentist every six months lowers your chances of suffering from tooth loss, tooth decay, and other inconvenient dental problems. If you have any oral health issues you may not know about, your dentist can prescribe a treatment plan and fix any tooth or gum problems right away. If you’re struggling with stubborn food or tobacco stains, your dentist can get rid of those in one session. You’re sure to get a great job when you take care of your teeth and get the professional help you need.
Another great way to avoid huge gaps and embarrassing stains is to use a top-quality electric dental scaler after brushing. The Meeteasy Electric Dental Scaler eliminates nasty plaque from along the gum line and between teeth, scrapes off stubborn tartar and stains, and ultimately keeps your teeth in absolutely perfect shape. Order yours today and enjoy a successful smile in no time!