Kids Notice Others' Chipped and Broken Teeth
February 3, 2010

By Nancy Volkers
InteliHealth News Service

INTELIHEALTH - Kids with chipped or broken front teeth are viewed differently by their peers. But exactly how they are viewed depends on age.

Researchers showed photographs of children to two groups. One group was made of 11- and 12-year-olds; the other contained 14- and 15-year-olds. Some of the photographs included children with obvious trauma to their front teeth: chips, cracks or broken teeth. Other photographs were digitally retouched to make the teeth look fine.

The younger group judged the children with tooth trauma more negatively than children who had normal teeth. But the older group did not express negative views when they saw children with broken front teeth.

Prior studies conducted with adults reveal that they negatively judge people with damaged or missing teeth. The authors suggest that teens might have scored them more positively because they may be more self-conscious than younger children. Thus, they may stifle their true reaction for one they believe is more socially appropriate.

The study appears in the February issue of the journal Dental Traumatology.