Guy Shares How Fixing His Teeth Changed His Life, Explains Why Dental Care Should Be Affordable

They say it only takes 7 seconds to make a first impression and if you ask for advice on how to make the best impression it always includes a smile. Studies have shown that teeth are one of the standout features people remember when first meeting someone. In one study developed by Kelton Research, they found “Americans perceive people with straight teeth to have more desirable qualities than those with crooked teeth, including attributes such as being happy, surrounded by loved ones, and professionally successful.”

The answer to a more attractive and confident set of pearly whites may seem like an easy fix to some – but not for everyone. Medicaid, the federal-state health insurance program in the U.S, barely covers most dental-related costs. To help people get the full scope of this issue, twitter user Jon Torsch shared a thread on how much lack of access to dental care had affected his life and affects others.

Political organizer Jon Torsch took to Twitter to highlight why dental care should be included in all federal-state healthcare insurance programs, by sharing his own story

Image credits: JonTorsch

Torsch included old photos in the thread to highlight his point

Image credits: JonTorsch

The writer also shared an image of his new and improved grin

Image credits: JonTorsch

Industry statistics reported that approximately 23 percent of Americans have no dental coverage, which translates to about 74 million people in the U.S – the simple reason? Cost. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than a third of American adults haven’t seen a dental professional in the past year and the American Dental Association, found 40 percent of adults who didn’t visit a dentist in the past year said they didn’t go because of cost.