Are you surprised when someone in a professional role has bad teeth

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I met with someone in a senior health role today and was quite surprised by how bad their teeth were, a lot of tartar build up on the front teeth which was really noticeable. Their role is well paid so it made me wonder why they've not had their teeth cleaned.

I am not bashing those who can't access a dentist at all or those with weak teeth or poor genetics. My teeth were pretty rotten and I spent around £8000 over several years fixing them, I was really self conscious about them and it impacted day to day life, I couldn't laugh with my mouth open, I was fearful of anyone noticing my bad teeth it was horrid. So, I saved, used credit cards and slowly had the work needed, I don't have turkey looking teeth just average now but what a difference to my self worth.

Their teeth did not affect the care they delivered but made me question their health

You’re projecting your own teeth issues onto other people. Unless someone’s teeth are utterly horrendous, I can’t say I take much notice.

It is not really healthy to be questioning the health of someone who is delivering health care to you.
Their health is none of your business. And I can guarantee that they know they have "bad" teeth.

You could be talking about me, although my teeth are more discoloured than dirty.

I also never had braces although I qualified for them. I was abused as a child and young teen. Went to the orthodontist who made the mistake of looking at my breasts, and I never went back.

Am I an educated professional? Yes
Am I embarrassed by my teeth? Yes.
Would I rather have lovely teeth? Yes
Do I wish people weren’t so judgmental? Yes
Would I see my family go without/get into debt, just so I can feel less judged? No

I used to have lovely teeth, but pregnancy really messed them up. I now have periodontal disease, triggered by pregnancy (and genetics). I go to the dentist every 3 months for a deeper clean and am super vigilant about keeping my teeth and gums clean, but by the time 3 months has passed, I still have a build up of tartar. My dentist said some people are just pre-disposed to have an excess build up, due to their saliva and/or genetics. My gums have receeded slightly in the last few years despite keeping on top of my cleaning. So no, I don't judge people based on their teeth, as I know how hard it is to keep on top of. You have no idea what this person's medical background or dental history is like.

I have noticed things before and thought to myself "they need to see a dentist" but not for crooked/generally imperfect teeth and not for vanity reasons. Just if something looks like tooth decay or plaque that could eventually turn into tooth decay or gum disease.
I would never judge someone for having money and not getting braces.

Agree with you. Really not a good look.

There is someone at work who is on SLT who has teeth that aren’t great. Mine aren’t perfect but not awful. However to fix them would cost a lot of money that many people don’t have.

It can he thousands for one tooth now. Don't be so judgemental. Value people for their integrity, compassion, kindness. You might have money now but many people don't if they put their dc first, have caring duties or whatever.

So you had really bad teeth, but are wondering why other people have bad teeth 🤷🏻‍♀️ I don’t get it???

Agree.

Spent £8k getting them sorted, and now has faux concern about how other people don't have the same money to do the same.

YABU…. I wouldn’t make assumptions about a health professional’s salary… Their wages have been driven down disgracefully over the past decade… The higher bands have taken the biggest hit. Maybe they have other financial priorities… you just can’t make assumptions about people based on their appearance. NHS dentists are almost impossible to find, private dentistry costs a bomb… But their reasons are their own business imo

You come across as very defensive in your latter posts, people will judge you for your opinions, just as you have judged this person for his/her teeth. Just own it that you are being judgemental about it.

My parents brought me and my sister up on exactly the same diet, same brushing routine etc, she has perfect strong healthy teeth with no fillings , albeit slightly more yellow as they are stronger. I had whiter teeth, but they are full of fillings as they are so weak! Was always at the dentist as a child having things done, but certainly not through neglect 😥

Just trying to make the point that bad teeth is not always though lack of care, it can be inherited, or neglect, you don't know why this person has less than perfect teeth.

Did you have treatment from this person or did you meet in different circumstances?

I can’t handle being in close contact for more than very necessary with people with bad teeth (I mean full of plaque/yellow or darker as opposed to crooked).

I can handle being around people for a while with a bit of B.O or dirty hair but rotten teeth just does something to me. It’s a more grimy, ingrained, long term dirt which you can’t just easily wash off.

I do notice people's teeth. I was in a kitchen / bathroom showroom a week or so ago and the man working in the bathroom section had terrible teeth - gaps, brown teeth etc and it made me feel I wanted to get out of the shop asap. I didn't of course out of politeness and he was such a helpful person, but his teeth looked horrible.

Oh dear. What will you do when you get older and your teeth will naturally deteriorate?

Fucking hell, that is a 'you' problem, right there. Wanting to get out of a shop because of someone's teeth.

The problem there is not his teeth... it is you.

@XenoBitch Thanks 😂 as I said I didn't leave. But yes, I did want to.

I was having a discussion with him about possible solutions for my eldest DS' bathroom where he wants to replace the old basin and cupboard. I really wanted to hear the suggestions. But it was horrible seeing those gaps and brown teeth it was yuck. Yes, my problem absolutely true, but I did stay till he'd given me all his ideas and I was very polite.

Yep. The problem is you.

I feel quite comfortable judging you OP for your unpleasant comments.

The health service is full of staff who are over weight, have mental health issues, smoke or drink too much. They can still be skilled professionals and might have more compassion for the people they are caring for than you.

Plaque will build up whether or not you brush your teeth, and presumably builds up more for some people than others.

I never take any notice of other people's teeth, unless they have several missing, and even then I don't judge.

My parents are in their 80s and whilst they don’t have Hollywood smiles, they don’t have plaque filled/brown jacked up teeth either. DHs parents teeth are also in decent condition.

Because I can’t afford it, and probably never will, but still try to do my best. I’m aware that people judge teeth, but I have to keep a roof above my
kids head and feed them, which is the priority.