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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Would you date someone with missing teeth?

258 replies

Claddinghell · 16/04/2022 20:07

Went on a date with a really nice guy. Ticked boxes and was attracted to him. However he had teeth missing. His top front tooth and few teeth towards the front. Very noticeable, but the cresting his teeth were white a like after. His pictures online had no pictures showing his teeth.

I told him a story of a tooth abscess during lockdown 1 when everything was closed. Told him that I had to get massive repair when everything opened. Thought this might provoke a conversation on his teeth. Sort of I had an accident they are getting fixed. But nothing.

My teeth are not the best and I do have a back tooth missing due to injury with a cherry pip and failed root canal.

Wouid you continue to date. It’s really noticeable

OP posts:
Lampzade · 17/04/2022 13:24

No, not if they had many missing teeth or if the missing teeth were at the front
I have a thing about nice teeth. A man doesn’t have to be extremely handsome or tall, but for me, they would have to have decent teeth
Dh’s teeth are beautiful. If he lost any, I would hope that I’ve could save up for implants

CaptainCarp · 17/04/2022 14:37

I've got a front tooth missing so would be a bit hypocritical to immediately write off a partner for a missing tooth! I would probably ask the question straight though with also having 1 missing.

OP obviously you find whoever attractive or not just don't be a dick about it & it's OK.

Mine was due to an accident about 1 year after my adult tooth came in. I managed to kill the root & opposite of what most on here think Hmm it was due to my dental hygiene that I managed to keep it for nearly 4 years before 1 day it cracked Sad

I couldn't even have a bridge fitted until after all my adult teeth were fully in so I had to put up with a badly fitting denture for 5 years. All free on the NHS but probably also the reason why they wouldn't listen when I said it didn't fit.
I then had a bridge, which didn't match my other teeth (it was solid white & larger) but I should be grateful it was NHS. Which was knocked out & lost.
Luckily my dad did some work for a bloke who made false teeth & they did a deal so I could get a very nice bridge done. It got knocked out once playing hockey & then a few years later it pulled out eating a piece of bread! I got told there was no point getting another as it wasn't stable /was likely to destabilise the other front tooth it was attached to.

I now have a denture that is causing my back teeth to disintegrate as they had to be ground in order to fit the "loop" bit round them as I don't have gaps between my teeth. I've had to have 1 crowned so was without my denture for a week whilst that was being made!
The last time I was quoted for an implant it was £3.5K (about 8 years ago) unfortunately playing sport originally delay it. Then life has kind of got in the way of saving for it as such as new car, new bed & a house. When I do get it done I'll have a gap for a while as i need it to widened back out to fit the implant in properly.

lap90 · 17/04/2022 14:47

No. I'm big on teeth.

Keyra · 17/04/2022 15:02

@catinboots123 hello - I think I remember you too!

I ended up seeing the gaffer for a short time but it didn’t pan out, then we became fwb, and now we’re just friends and he is seeing someone else.

The builder I initially had the crush on (with/without teeth!) was far too young for me! Plus he liked my dd - they went on a couple of dates but she wasn’t interested. However, he and I have stayed friends and text frequently. We’ve been out for drinks a few times which is always great fun. He is absolutely lovely and helps me out with stuff round the house. He also has a new relationship on the go now.

Butchyrestingface · 17/04/2022 15:27

You can get implants everywhere now for a few grand so no excuses.

That was a thought that would have been better off staying in your head.

Tanfastic · 17/04/2022 15:42

I wouldn't if you noticed when they smiled but DH has a couple of back teeth missing and I can't tell. If he lost any front ones, whether we could afford it or not id make him get them sorted. Id remortgage if necessary. Sorry if that sounds shallow.

Yerroblemom1923 · 17/04/2022 15:53

@Bagelsandbrie but surely kids braces are free? We all wore them as teenagers in the 90s and my dd's teeth are a bit wonky so know she'll need them pretty soon to make them look attractive.... please don't tell me I've got to pay thousands for those?!Confused

SirChenjins · 17/04/2022 15:57

Kids braces are only free if their teeth meet specific criteria set out by the NHS. ‘A bit wonky’ might not be enough to qualify.

Yerroblemom1923 · 17/04/2022 16:06

@SirChenjins that's good to know, will get researching what criteria we need to meet. Thank you.

SirChenjins · 17/04/2022 16:10

Hope you’re successful @Yerroblemom1923 Smile They are blooming expensive things - we paid £3k for DDs, whereas DS2 (15) did qualify (although he’s not wearing his bands often enough and is about to have them removed by the orthodontist as a result - I could absolutely swing for him Angry)

Bagelsandbrie · 17/04/2022 16:22

[quote Yerroblemom1923]@Bagelsandbrie but surely kids braces are free? We all wore them as teenagers in the 90s and my dd's teeth are a bit wonky so know she'll need them pretty soon to make them look attractive.... please don't tell me I've got to pay thousands for those?!Confused[/quote]
Completely depends on whether it’s affecting their health / eating etc. My dd needed braces but the NHS wouldn’t fund them as they weren’t actually preventing her eating etc. She has ended up not having them at all as we can’t afford them privately. She is now 19 and will have to save up herself to get them done as an adult if she needs them.

Bagelsandbrie · 17/04/2022 16:26

@Yerroblemom1923

www.bos.org.uk/BOS-Homepage/Orthodontics-for-Children-Teens/Fact-File-FAQ/What-Is-The-IOTN

Generally now they only give NHS braces for children under category 4 or 5.

ukborn · 17/04/2022 16:37

I would if they wore a plate or dentures. My type 1 diabetes has done a number on my gums and I had to have the four front bottom teeth removed and I wear a plate. I take it out when eating at home but always wear it in public. I don't think anyone knows.
There are physical quirks which put some people off - only you can decide what you can overlook. But not very subtle talking about teeth first meet - I'm sure he knew exactly what you were getting at!

Pawtriarchal · 17/04/2022 16:38

[quote catinboots123]@Keyra I think I remember your thread about that Grin

Did anything come of it?[/quote]
Me too! Unless he has a fan club! I want to know as well Grin

Pawtriarchal · 17/04/2022 16:40

[quote Keyra]@catinboots123 hello - I think I remember you too!

I ended up seeing the gaffer for a short time but it didn’t pan out, then we became fwb, and now we’re just friends and he is seeing someone else.

The builder I initially had the crush on (with/without teeth!) was far too young for me! Plus he liked my dd - they went on a couple of dates but she wasn’t interested. However, he and I have stayed friends and text frequently. We’ve been out for drinks a few times which is always great fun. He is absolutely lovely and helps me out with stuff round the house. He also has a new relationship on the go now.[/quote]
Ooh update, thank you! I remembered this one too!

Keyra · 17/04/2022 18:34

@Pawtriarchal you’re welcome :). I’m impressed that you remember!

IDontHaveAnOutingHobby · 17/04/2022 20:49

@Butchyrestingface

You can get implants everywhere now for a few grand so no excuses.

That was a thought that would have been better off staying in your head.

Not if you have a problem with bone density
HoleLottaLove · 17/04/2022 22:20

My partner is attracted to lovely teeth. And I find healthy teeth attractive. When we got together I had a nice smile. But alas age and circumstance gets the better of you. Now I have a missing tooth, and my other half isn't that impressed. Could happen to anyone. Implants aren't an option for everyone. It was suggested I needed a bone graft if I was determined to go that route. And it wasn't/isn't cheap. Psychologically it's difficult coming to terms with your own deficiencies. But hey, I have a friend born with no teeth, who is lovely and attractive. So for me, it may be a case of: sure a full set of gnashers would be nice to look at, and a whole host of other unattainable check boxes would be nice to have. Health is a lottery. We all get old, deteriate and eventually die. And for some problems, there are no magic bullets. My own loss has been a wake up call that has helped to address my own stupid prejudices. Having said that, who knows the magic of attraction. I think I would love my partner, whatever they looked like. Something I once probably wouldn't say!

I have lost count of the times I have heard men wishing to date supermodels. When they themselves, are, well, possibly not the best of catches.

And for the record, I have always looked after my teeth. And watch my diet. No sweets, no cakes. A few biscuits.

mycatisannoying · 18/04/2022 00:24

No, sorry.

Windbeneathmybingowings · 18/04/2022 00:35

Some people with small faces/big teeth have roots in their sinuses, you can’t get implants in this instance.

Ericaequites · 18/04/2022 01:00

It wouldn’t bother me a bit. Perfect white teeth put me off, as they seem too Hollywood.

Doodar · 18/04/2022 01:30

I'd worry he was a heavy drug user TBH

Boredoutmymind · 18/04/2022 01:55

I dont judge someone on their looks.
I judge someone on their personality.

Most women are so concerned about how men look. Yet if men mention anything about how women look its all out war.

HoleLottaLove · 18/04/2022 02:25

@Doodar

I'd worry he was a heavy drug user TBH
I don't see the harm in asking. It may be a sore subject though. Many people get their teeth smashed out in playground fights. Sometimes for no reason at all. My mate smashed his front teeth when coming off his bike.
opalescent · 18/04/2022 03:11

@WaveParticleDuality

No. Toothless people are either terrified of or can't afford the dentist. Neither of which are attractive.
As someone with impeccable dental hygiene, and three missing teeth (due to awful clenching/grinding at night)..this thread has made me feel like utter shite.

I am undergoing orthodontics prior to implants at HUGE cost. But good to know how abhorrent my current dental appearance is.

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