The state of our teeth has a big impact on our confidence, a recent survey by Oasis Dental Care has revealed.
More than a quarter of those asked admitted that they weren't happy with the current appearance of their teeth, and two-thirds added that this had a negative impact on their confidence.
The majority of those who took part in the survey revealed that they were reluctant to smile for photographs because they felt self-conscious about their teeth, and wanted them to be whiter and straighter. Fifty three per cent of people revealed that they worried the state of their teeth could hamper their ability to find a partner, while 46 per cent worried it could hurt their chances of finding a new job.
Not brushing regularly was identified as one of the biggest contributors to unhealthy teeth. For cleaner teeth, try and brush your teeth three times a day, or at least twice. Don't forget to get a new toothbrush every three to four months.
To maintain a healthy smile, chew sugarless gum which creates more saliva production and helps to wash away sugar and harmful acid, and try and avoid snacking in between meals. Smoking was also identified as a contributor to bad teeth, so try to avoid it.
"While we wish more people could feel confident about the state of their teeth, it was good to see that the majority of people correctly identified regular brushing and stopping smoking as two of the biggest contributors to a better smile," added David.