New research reveals the No 1 physical factor Aussies look for in a romantic partner.
As dating apps and social media have been offering Australians vast platforms from which to choose a partner, many singles have likely become more selective about whom they choose. Last year, 3.2 million Australians were using dating apps; and 2.5 million are living alone.
Now, new research reveals the power of an attractive smile cannot be underestimated for those on the dating scene. Aussies have ranked the top physical factors they look for in a romantic partner, with dental hygiene and healthy teeth overwhelmingly topping the list.
National dental comparison platform AirSmile commissioned an independent survey of 1002 Australians to discover the top physical factors that people seek in a romantic partner. The survey asked respondents to choose three physical factors – out of seven options presented to them – that are most important to them when choosing a partner.
These were:
- Height
- Hair
- Skin condition
- Oral hygiene and/or straight or white teeth
- Weight
- Toned/fit
- Symmetrical and well-balanced face.
By a significant margin, the top factor Australians value in a romantic partner is good oral hygiene and teeth, which was chosen by 75 per cent of respondents as one of the top three factors. This was followed by 52 per cent who valued weight and 47 per cent for height.
For just over one third (36 per cent) of respondents, skin condition is a top three factor; while hair is a top factor for 33 per cent. For 31 per cent, a toned body and good fitness was a top factor, followed by a symmetrical well-balanced face (for 27 per cent of respondents), which is known to create attractiveness.
Women place greater value on dental hygiene and height, while men place greater value on weight
AirSmile analysed responses by men and women. While the results showed that the same three factors – dental, height and weight – came out on top for both sexes, the proportion of men and women that chose these factors different significantly.
For instance, both sexes agree that dental health and aesthetics are one of their top three physical priorities in a romantic partner, but 14 per cent more women (82 per cent in total) than men value this factor.
After dental health, women in general value height as their second choice (chosen by 54 per cent as a top-three priority). This compares with just 40 per cent of men for whom height is important, even though it is the second most popular physical characteristic for men.
The third top physical factor for both men and women – weight – was found to be more important for men (chosen by 58 per cent) than for women (chosen by 46 per cent).
Gen Z values hair more highly, while Boomers value weight more highly
AirSmile also analysed results across age groups. It found that the younger the age group, the more important was hair (chosen as a top-three factor among 42 per cent of under-35s, 31 per cent of 35-54s and 28 per cent of over-55s. In contrast, the importance of weight increased with age – chosen as a top-three factor among 41 per cent of under-35s, 53 per cent of 35-54s and 58 per cent of over-55s.
People who look after their teeth are perceived as hygienic, well-groomed and happy
AirSmile also asked respondents what their first impression is when they see a person with straight white teeth – and were allowed to choose just one (top) option out of seven:
- High achiever
- Happy
- High self-esteem
- Well-groomed
- Hygienic/clean
- Good genes
- Friendly and agreeable
The top first impression is hygienic and clean, chosen by 30 per cent of total respondents. Four (4) per cent more women than men chose this option, and 9 per cent more over-55s than under-55s. The second most popular first impression is well groomed, chosen by 24 per cent of respondents and 9 per cent more when than men; followed by happy, chosen by 13 per cent.
Almost twice the proportion of men (17 per cent) than women (9 per cent) perceive people with straight white teeth as happy; younger respondents also perceive people with good teeth to be happy (18 per cent of under-35s, compared with 7 per cent of over-55s).
Younger Australians tended to perceive good oral aesthetics as a sign of happiness above older Australians: 18 per cent of Australians aged 18-34 had a first impression of people with straight white teeth as happy, followed by 16 per cent of those aged 34-54 and 7 per cent of those aged above 55.
Dr. Heath Fraser, dental surgeon and AirSmile founder, said: “It is greatly encouraging to see the value that Australians place on good dental health and hygiene in relation to other physical factors. As a dentist, I’d like patients to be more motivated to see their dentist for health reasons, but the attractiveness of healthy and great-looking teeth could be a stronger motivator, especially for single people.
“Other indepenendent research also suggests Australians value dental aesthetics and straight white teeth incredibly highly, with cosmetic work on the rise, especially for adults. Sixty-two per cent of Australian adults are also considering orthodontic treatment.”
The full survey results, with age and gender breakdowns, can be found here: airsmile.com/articles/australians-rank-important-physical-factors-they-seek-in-a-romantic-partner/
