A new survey by YouGov for the British Dental Association (BDA) shows that 77% of respondents felt that decayed teeth or bad breath would hinder a candidate's chances of securing employment in public or client-facing roles – ahead of being overweight or wearing inappropriate clothing.

Sixty-two percent of 2,028 adult respondents felt that applicants with visibly decayed teeth, missing teeth or bad breath would be at a disadvantage in securing any role, with six in ten believing it could hinder promotion prospects.

Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, Chair of General Dental Practice at the BDA, said: 'This new evidence is a stark reminder that a winning smile isn't just for fans of selfies, it's for anyone who wants to get on in life'.