White and Even: Why Young Adults Care About Tooth Color

Most young adults tend to associate beauty and confidence with whiter teeth. However, recent studies conducted by the University of Gothenburg reveal that even the color of teeth, without patches or spots and without discoloration, is an additional factor that is even more important than whiteness (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
For young adults, the color of their teeth is important

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90% Judged Uneven Tooth Color

Researchers surveyed over 2,000 people in Sweden, aged 18–30 years.

• 77% were satisfied with their tooth color overall.
• However, those who noticed spots or uneven color on their teeth were far less satisfied.
• When shown photos, 90% judged uneven tooth color negatively, citing it as the main reason for a poor esthetic impression.

White teeth were rated as important (7.25 out of 10), but an even tooth color scored higher (8 out of 10).

How People Feel About Treatment

The study also explored attitudes toward whitening and corrective treatments.

• More women (22%) than men (13%) had tried whitening.
• Among those with uneven color, over half (52%) wanted corrective treatment, and 9% had already undergone it.
• Most participants agreed that fixing color irregularities could make a real difference in appearance.


Tooth Discoloration - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Tooth discoloration or staining is caused commonly due to smoking, some medicines and poor dental hygiene.

Why Even Colored Teeth Matter?

According to the study’s authors, uneven tooth color isn’t just cosmetic—it affects self-confidence. Smiling, laughing, and showing your teeth are part of everyday expression, and feeling unhappy about tooth color can hold people back.

White teeth are desirable, but consistent, even-colored teeth are what people value most. While treatments like whitening or color correction aren’t a complete makeover, they can improve self-image when done properly. Listening to young adults’ concerns about their smile is key to supporting both oral health and self-confidence.

References:
1. For young adults, the color of their teeth is important - (https://www.gu.se/en/news/for-young-adults-the-color-of-their-teeth-is-important)


Source-University of Gothenburg
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