Why You Absolutely Need Teeth Whitening for a Job Interview (2024)

The status of your teeth is important for job interview success. Here's why you need dental whitening for a job interview to go smoothly.

Why You Absolutely Need Teeth Whitening for a Job Interview (1)

People are drawn to a bright, gorgeous smile. Whether they realize it or not, we've been taught since childhood that a bright smile signifies happiness and self-assurance. It's also a sign of healthiness, youthfulness, and vitality, which are even better qualities to show in an interview.

On a social level, white teeth signify that your professional appearance is important to you. That's partially why, by 2032, the teeth whitening industry is expected to be valued at $10.7 billion.

When you arrive for a job interview, people receive you based on your appearance. Everyone from security to the receptionist to the hiring manager is forming an opinion about you.

Although many teeth-whitening products exist, most people still consider it a luxury. Whitening your teeth is great for any industry. Still, it's especially helpful if you're looking to enter a customer-facing position.

Keep reading to learn why teeth whitening should be part of your job interview prep.

Prepping For a Job Interview

We've heard the saying that you only have one chance to make a good first impression. Your teeth don't just tell your story with a smile. They tell your social status, overall health, personal hygiene, age, and lifestyle.

Poor oral hygiene is not just a red flag on a job interview. It's been linked to dementia, stroke, heart attack, or other serious cardiovascular event.



It's no surprise that more people are re-evaluating their dental habits and considering teeth whitening. A poor first impression can diminish your chances before the interview starts.

Give Your Confidence a Boost

You've completed the application, made it through the job screening, and finally gotten the call for a job interview. Later that evening, you look in the mirror and wonder if cosmetic dentistry will improve your chances of getting the job.

Studies have connected a beautiful smile with increased self-confidence. If it's true, what does poor oral hygiene and stained or missing teeth say to a prospective employer? Maybe you're neglecting your routine dentalcare.

You won't have time to get a crown, dental implants, or braces. However, dental whitening can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth.

Don't draw attention to your teeth by covering your mouth. Hiding your smile is one of the biggest indicators of low self-esteem, directly related to how you feel about your teeth.



Whitening your teeth can give your self-esteem an instant booth. You'll have more confidence to smile and fully engage in the interview. Once you land the job, you can invest in more restorative dental procedures, if needed.

Why Should You Try Dental Whitening?

If your teeth aren't looking their best, and you have enough time, you may want to try a tooth whitening procedure. A whitening procedure changes the color of your teeth and removes discoloration.

The most common reasons teeth become discolored or stained are poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, and sugary foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, sports drinks, and berries.

Dental whitening is a term used to describe a range of treatments used to whiten teeth. The goal is to make your natural teeth look whiter and brighter.

Tooth sensitivity is one side effect of teeth whitening. Another is gum irritation. These side effects often correlate with your overall oral health.

Some teeth whitening treatments include the following type of processes.

OTC Whitening Products

You'll find many over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products at the pharmacy. Whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste are some of the most popular products.

Most of these products claim to be "enhanced" to make teeth whitening easier and faster. Some people who have used them say they've had disappointing results.

There is a difference between in-office and at-home whitening products. The main one is the chemicals used.

In-office products use more hydrogen peroxide for a shorter period. OTC whitening products use less effective carboxamide peroxide for a longer time.

OTC products are usually slower, taking several weeks or even months to achieve the desired whitening results. In addition, the whitening results only last one to two weeks.

Home Kits

Home whitening kits can come as a whitening gel or a whitening paste. You apply the product to your teeth with a brush or sticky strips.

You may get a mouthguard to place on your teeth. It comes with a heat lamp, blue light, or UV light inside the mouthguard.

A mouthguard can allow the whitening agent to remain on your teeth longer, increasing absorption. The active ingredients in in-home whitening kits have a lower concentration than those found in dentists' offices. As a result, you'll need to use your kit every day for a few weeks to see results.

When used incorrectly, home kits can have negative impacts, like burns or temporary bleached gums.

The majority of at-home kits advertise results within two to four weeks.

Cosmetic Dentistry

A dentist can whiten your teeth faster. The whitening solution is stronger than the bleaching solution used in OTC kits. Heat, light, or a combination of both may also speed up and increase dental whitening.

The most dramatic dental whitening results happen in teeth between three and eight shades brighter. In-office whitening takes several 30-to-60-minute appointments. Or your dentist may use methods that can be completed in a two-hour visit.

Tooth whitening can cause temporary tooth sensitivity.



The process is best for those with yellowing-stained teeth. It's less effective for those with severely damaged teeth due to poor oral hygiene or tooth decay. It also does not work in cosmetic dentistry like crowns and implants.

Make a Great First Impression

No matter what you choose to do for a job interview, you don't need to feel embarrassed about your smile. What's most important is that your smile is always healthy.

Many people find that whitening their teeth boosts their self-esteem. Regular dental care can do way more for your personal and professional appearance.



Broadway Cosmetic Dentistry, PA, welcomes new patients, emergencies, and second opinions. If you're in or near Tarrytown, NY, make today the day youbook an online appointmentto upgrade your smile.

Why You Absolutely Need Teeth Whitening for a Job Interview (2024)

FAQs

Why You Absolutely Need Teeth Whitening for a Job Interview? ›

It's also a sign of healthiness, youthfulness, and vitality, which are even better qualities to show in an interview. On a social level, white teeth signify that your professional appearance is important to you.

What makes a good candidate for teeth whitening? ›

Teeth that are yellow respond best to bleaching. Brown or gray teeth, or teeth striped or mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, may not whiten evenly when bleached. People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive teeth may want to avoid chemical whitening techniques that can irritate tender gums.

Do I really need teeth whitening? ›

Do you really need teeth whitening, in the same way that you need other dental treatments? No, of course not. It is not something that is going to correct decay, or fix a bad bite, or cure gum disease, or alleviate any of the other dental conditions that actually require treatment.

What is the significance of teeth whitening? ›

Whiter teeth immediately enhance your appearance and change how others interact with you. Studies show that whiter teeth are associated with attractiveness and that people with whiter teeth are perceived to be more sociable, friendly, and intelligent.

Should I brush my teeth before an interview? ›

Make sure you have fresh breath. Brush your teeth before you leave for the interview, and don't eat or smoke before the interview. Your hair should be neat, clean, and conservatively styled. Banana clips, brightly-colored scrunchies or elastics, and cheerleader-type ponytails look out of place with a suit.

Does teeth whitening boost confidence? ›

Teeth whitening not only gives you a brighter and whiter smile, it can also boost your confidence in other areas of life. Studies have shown that people who have whiter teeth tend to feel more self-confident, especially when it comes to job interviews and social interactions.

Do white teeth increase attractiveness? ›

Attracting Partners. Ah, yes, the reason that every article about why white teeth are so desirable focuses on. It's true, though. In studies done comparing people with decayed teeth, people with teeth in natural shades, and people with whitened teeth, people with white teeth were viewed in the most positive light.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

Are there any negatives to teeth whitening? ›

One of the most common complaints about teeth whitening is mild gum irritation and sensitivity. In addition, higher concentrations of products left on for more extended periods can intensify sensitivity. However, it is necessary to note that this is usually a temporary issue and will lessen after a few days.

Why are teeth more yellow after whitening? ›

Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.

How long does teeth whitening last? ›

When done by a professional, it can last anywhere between 6 months to 3 years. In comparison: Over-the-counter whitening products may only last a few months. Professional teeth whitening is an investment in a brighter smile for longer.

Do interviewers look at your teeth? ›

To project an air of confidence and friendly poise when you're seeking a job, you want to be able to smile freely. If that smile reveals crooked, missing, or discolored teeth, however, your interviewer is likely to make some unwelcome snap judgments about your capabilities.

What is the hygiene for a job interview? ›

Personal hygiene – this is just as important as dressing appropriately for an interview. Make sure you shower, wash your hair and clean your teeth before you attend an interview. You should also avoid wearing too much make-up and ensure your nails are clean and presentable.

What not to do before an interview? ›

What Not To Do Before a Job Interview
  • Don't stay up late the night before your interview. ...
  • Go easy on the personal fragrances. ...
  • Don't schedule errands, appointments and reunions prior to your interview. ...
  • Remember first impressions are crucial, don't show up looking disheveled.

Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening? ›

Those who are suffering from periodontal disease, oral cancer, or who have enamel that is excessively worn down to not make good candidates for teeth whitening either. Most other patients should not have a problem.

Who isn't suitable for teeth whitening? ›

If your teeth have any signs of decay or worn enamel, then you may also experience sensitivity if you undertake treatment. Additionally, you should note that if you have crowns or veneers, then these will not be whitened by the teeth whitening process.

What would make you ineligible for teeth whitening? ›

You may not be a candidate for teeth whitening. If you are allergic to peroxide, you will not be able to have your teeth whitened, since peroxide is the active ingredient in whitening systems. If you have a lot of fillings, dental bonding or crowns, you may not be a candidate for dental whitening.

Who cannot get their teeth whitened? ›

People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots. People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terrell Hackett

Last Updated:

Views: 6349

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terrell Hackett

Birthday: 1992-03-17

Address: Suite 453 459 Gibson Squares, East Adriane, AK 71925-5692

Phone: +21811810803470

Job: Chief Representative

Hobby: Board games, Rock climbing, Ghost hunting, Origami, Kabaddi, Mushroom hunting, Gaming

Introduction: My name is Terrell Hackett, I am a gleaming, brainy, courageous, helpful, healthy, cooperative, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.