Daters ‘need a winning smile’

When it comes to getting a date, it seems a winning smile is all important.

A survey carried out by the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) found 57 per cent of people view missing teeth as a turn off.

Some 18 per cent did not like to see the pearly whites stained, while six per cent would not go out with someone who had braces.

This highlights the importance many place on oral health in the search to find Mr or Mrs Right.

Chief executive of the BDHF Dr Nigel Carter stated: "Celebrity smiles can be particularly endearing, so it is little wonder survey results indicate missing and stained teeth are the least desirable oral health issues for the way you look."

He added tooth decay and gum disease are the two main reasons that people lose pearly whites and so efforts should be made to promote good dental health.

Posted by Trevor Smith