Beauty v/s Health

New research from Mintel has confirmed what we all already know

1. Stained yellow teeth are the top aesthetic concerns for consumers

2. 4/10 of us Brits are more concerned about the colour of our teeth than health issues such as cavities or gum disease

“Alongside wrinkles, teeth are another key indicator of age. Agelessness is one of the major social issues which has been gathering pace over the past decade. Whilst kids are getting older younger, older adults are refusing to accept their age,” This was a comment by the Senior analyst at Mintel.

I am often bemused by the panic of such stories and why people are suprised by the results.  It is as old as time.  Why do  we have to hide medicine in ‘nice food’ or drinks to get kids to swallow it?  The same reason why I have many smokers that know all about the fact it can kill them but won’t quit.  Suddenly they decide they want whiter teeth for a special event or birthday and this motivates them to quit.  Is it vanity?  Are they choosing beauty over life? Do I care?  Absolutely not, I’m for whatever works!

So going back to the Mintel story I know for a fact that anyone who has had their smile fixed no longer needs to be told to brush, floss see the hygienist etc They love the way they look, take pride in themselves and so are motivated to look after their teeth and their oral health improves drastically.

That’s what we should focus on, finding solutions that motivate so it is a win win for everyone.  Now if I could invent a floss that whitens teeth, flossing would no longer be the ‘F” word!