According to a new study conducted in Jordan, teeth appearance was the most common cause of bullying. Although the study focused on children aged 11-12, we know that bullying only changes form as we become adults.
Why Is Bullying So Common?
The Jordanian study looked at 920 students age 11-12, and asked them if they were victims of bullying. About 47% of students reported they had been bullied, with name-calling as the number one type of bullying used. The survey showed that teeth were the most common reason why the children were bullied, followed by strength, and then weight.
The most common tooth features that attracted the attention of bullies were:
- Tooth gaps
- Missing teeth
- Unusual tooth shape or color
- Prominent upper teeth
It’s worth noting that the survey did not include children who had been diagnosed with a facial anomaly or who were currently undergoing orthodontic treatment.
A panel of orthodontists from the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) confirmed that the results essentially reflected what they saw in their practice.
Are You Still Unhappy with Smile?
Unfortunately, not all of us have the opportunity to get our teeth fixed as children, or have them stay fixed. Many of us live with smiles that make us feel self-conscious about our appearance, and, unfortunately, this often translates into workplace bullying.
Fortunately, there are many treatment options if you feel your smile may be making you a target. Porcelain veneers can be used to close gaps in your smile, dental implants can replace missing teeth, and teeth whitening can improve the color of your teeth. Orthodontic issues can also be corrected with Invisalign.
If you would like to learn more about which cosmetic dentistry options might be right for you, please contact B & D Dental Excellence in West Nyack, helping people across Rockland County.
