White Teeth as a Social Prerogative

Without a doubt, white teeth have been associated with beauty, cleanliness, and perfection. In much of American culture, a person's smile is often associated with attractiveness and success. The media, including advertising and popular culture, often portrays individuals with straight white teeth as desirable and successful.

From a social standpoint, people with discolored or yellowed teeth may be judged or stigmatized, particularly in professional or social situations. For example, studies have shown that job candidates with visibly discolored teeth are less likely to be hired or receive job offers compared to those with white teeth. Additionally, people with discolored teeth may feel self-conscious about smiling or engaging in social situations, which can impact their overall confidence and social interactions.

This is all due to the standards that have been set in place by American beliefs. In comparison to many other nations such as the U.K and Japan, where natural and imperfect teeth are appreciated, Americans are fixated on perfection and appearance..

Psychologically, not having white teeth can also lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame, and low self-esteem. This can impact one's mental health and well-being, leading to stress, anxiety,and depression. The various social brackets place a clear division between people who can and cannot afford expensive dental care. This reinforces the idea of white teeth being a marker of socioeconomic status and represents the private dental care that could or could not be afforded.

Instead of fixating on the idea of perfect white teeth, we need to place our time and effort into helping those who do not have access to or the means to appropriate dental care.

Quinonez, Khalid. “Straight, white teeth as a social prerogative.” 2015, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1467-9566.12238.