Ian Puzdrowski brushes his teeth to keep them as white as possible, which is ideal in American culture. Photo by Austin Short
The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth two times a day. For most people their motivation to do so would probably sound something like this.
“To prevent my cavities and to keep them looking white,” Vince Digiorgio said.
While Digiorgio may have had the most simple reason to continue to brush your teeth, recently, a study conducted by the Sociology of Health and Illness journal titled Straight, white teeth as a social prerogative looked into some of the sociological reasons to continue to improve your oral health. The study found that having a healthier smile can make you more employable and dateable.
Digiorgio said he could see how maintaining oral health could factor into the employment process.
“Yeah I would say so. I mean, people are getting better with it now but it could be like someone with tattoos, people see that and think like, they make bad assumptions of people. It’s usually not correct but people could see teeth as bad appearance and make statements off of that.”
The journal article quotes Stine Grumsen, who points out that white teeth are linked to acceptance in high society, improving employment prospects and insuring success in career and love.
Recent MSU grad Ian Puzdrowski also agrees that good oral health is also important for choosing his dating prospects.
“Absolutely. I mean, I like to take care of my teeth so i kind of figure that the person I’m with I want them to be taking care of themselves as well. If you are with a significant other you probably want them to have a somewhat clean mouth, and if they have kind of messed up teeth then you’re probably wondering if they’re taking care of their teeth and you don’t really want to be kissing that person.”