When it comes to finding work, a properly-written resume can make potential employers sit up and take notice. During the job interview, however, employers are looking for well-dressed candidates with some experience in the field. Asking questions, having a firm handshake, and delivering positive work references can go a long way toward securing any position. There have been no formal studies on the subject, but most Americans believe one other factor can help them attain their career goals: a bright smile.
The vast majority of people do state that an attractive smile and up-to-date dental work is extremely important to them, and some even believe that the perfect smile can help them find their dream job. Surprisingly, most American adults are missing at least a few teeth; “edentulism” is extremely common and is expected to increase over the next few decades to include over 200 million adults across the entire country.
Edentulism, or the condition of lacking teeth, is more common among men than women and is also a condition that effects about three out of every five smokers. Having missing teeth can be a cosmetic annoyance, and many dental patients opt for dentures or for more permanent cosmetic dentistry. More than half of American adults report that they believe an imperfect smile could be a detriment to success in their chosen field.
Family dental practitioners find that, along with missing teeth, periodontal disease effects most American seniors. About 70% percent of Americans over the age of 65 have the disease, which can cause gum irritation, loose teeth, and bleeding while brushing. Even younger adults can acquire periodontal disease: almost half of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease.
Bacterial infections related to periodontal conditions can actually undermine the integrity of the jaw over time. Dentists should be able to diagnose periodontal disease, care for any infections, and replace broken or missing teeth. For adults in any phase of their careers, an attractive smile should provide a confidence boost, at the very least.
