The race to become Prime Minister could all rest on a good smile – according to the results of a new poll conducted by the UK's leading oral health charity.
A national survey from the British Dental Health Foundation found that almost 70 percent of us think that people who smile have a greater chance of being successful.
The survey, conducted to coincide with National Smile Month (May 16-June 16), showed that over half of those asked said they judge a person by their smile, with a good grin leaving a lasting impression.
Another poll carried out by the Foundation revealed Conservative leader David Cameron as the leader with the best smile, with 38% of people preferring his smile to that of his election rivals.
Labour's Gordon Brown came in second with 33% while Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg came in third with 29%.
Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy smile.
Dr Carter said: 'Teeth are often the first thing people notice about us so it is imperative we keep our smiles looking good. We tend to warm to people more if they have a healthy smile, in fact, a previous National Dental Survey found that two thirds of us are more likely to speak to someone we don't know if they smile at us. So the key to popularity appears to be simple – smile!
'The results of the survey share a remarkable similarity to the latest national poll ratings. Although it would be excessive to say that people actually vote according to who has the best smile, it is at least worth acknowledging the connection between the two polls. Either way, both suggest that we could be heading for a hung parliament.
'With a surge of celebrities, as well as other well-known figures being branded for their smiles, a lot of us do now relate smiling with success.
'I'm sure all three leaders know how important it is to smile and what message it sends across to the public. As for their smiles, all three seem quite equally matched, which seems to be shown by the results of our survey.'
Almost 80% of the 1,000 people asked in the Foundation's survey said they thought that having a smile they are proud of makes them feel more confident, socially and psychologically.
However, nearly a third of people (31%) know someone who is hampered by their smile.
Dr Carter added: 'As well as improving your confidence, it can help you make friends and help you to succeed in your career, so you need to keep it looking its best.'
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