Is It Too Much to Ask for a Guy With All His Teeth?

Dating’s rough. There’s no denying it. You start with the hopeful swipe, feel a spark over text, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll agree to a real-life date.

Then you show up to the café or bar, scanning for the guy you’re supposed to meet, only to find that—oh, look—he’s missing a few teeth. And, let me tell you, that’s just the beginning.

Now, before anyone jumps down my throat about “judging a book by its cover,” let’s get something straight. Teeth are just the tip of the iceberg. They’re symbolic of a certain level of self-care.

Is it so unreasonable to want a partner who, at the very least, maintains basic dental hygiene? It’s not about being shallow; it’s about having standards. Let’s break it down because, honestly, I don’t think I’m asking for much here.

The Mystery Behind It

When I meet someone who’s missing teeth, I can’t help but wonder about the story behind it. Was it a sports accident? A bar fight? A life of wild adventures? But more often than not, it’s simply… neglect.

And while a dental mishap or two could happen to anyone, when there’s a significant dental deficiency, questions pop up.

You start wondering if he’s the type to skip doctor’s appointments. Does he think flossing is optional? And if he doesn’t care about his own health, how can he care about other important stuff? Like, you know, having clean sheets or not letting milk spoil in the fridge.

If you’re getting into the dating pool and starting to feel like everyone out there has forgotten about basic self-care, you might find some fresh faces by trying out dating for seniors, where standards like keeping all one’s teeth seem to have a higher chance of showing up.

The Hygiene Baseline We All Deserve

I’m not out here hunting for a model with perfect veneers. I’d settle for someone who brushes twice daily and visits the dentist once in a blue moon.

And sure, teeth aren’t everything, but they’re usually a good indication of someone’s baseline habits.

Here’s why dental care matters:

• Health implications: A lack of oral hygiene can lead to bigger health problems—heart disease, diabetes, the works.
• Appearance: It’s not about being shallow; it’s about wanting someone who looks like they care. Plus, teeth are visible. There’s no way around it.
• Self-discipline: Brushing your teeth every day isn’t hard. If that’s too much effort, what else will be?

And while we’re at it, let’s go beyond teeth. Hygiene, in general, can make or break attraction. Clean clothes, fresh breath, and a little deodorant go a long way.

The Non-Negotiables That Shouldn’t Be Rare

We’re all allowed to have our “deal-breakers.” For me, it’s teeth—and a few other basics. If you’re out in the dating world, you’ve probably got your own list, too.

But what are those fundamentals we should all expect without feeling like we’re asking for the moon?

1. A Decent Job (or At Least Some Drive)

Nobody’s saying every guy needs to be CEO of a tech startup. But ambition, even a little bit, counts.

There’s nothing more deflating than dating someone who’s chronically unemployed and doesn’t care. Passion and purpose add to attractiveness, whether he’s a chef, a teacher, or an artist.

2. Basic Financial Responsibility

Here’s the thing—nobody’s perfect, and a lot of people struggle with money at some point.

But when you’re in your 30s and can’t pay a phone bill on time, it’s a red flag. Stability counts, even if we’re not expecting anyone to be a millionaire.

3. Emotional Availability

Honesty, a willingness to communicate, and some self-awareness are key.

4. A Life Beyond the Couch

It’s cool if he likes movies or TV, but if his idea of a wild Saturday night is binging Netflix every week, there’s a problem.

Passionate hobbies, friends, and personal goals make a person interesting. We’re all looking for someone with a pulse, right?

The Expectations of Modern Dating

Ironically, the basic requirements—like hygiene, stability, and emotional maturity—seem to be the hardest to find.

It’s almost like the modern dating pool operates on opposite day. Those who are ready, stable, and emotionally available are rare gems, while the ones with commitment issues and dental neglect are everywhere. You’d think the bare minimum would be more common, but here we are.

So, what are we supposed to do with these lowered standards? Should we just go with the flow and let go of our expectations? Or is it okay to stay firm on what should be basic, non-negotiable qualities? You tell me.

A Realistic Wishlist Is Not as Long as You Think

Let’s spell it out: I’m not expecting Prince Charming to come waltzing in, dazzling me with perfect pearly whites and flawless manners. Here’s what my realistic wishlist boils down to:

• Hygiene: Brush your teeth, wear clean clothes, smell good. Pretty straightforward.
• Stability: Have a job, pay bills, and take some pride in being self-sufficient.
• Emotional maturity: Be clear on your intentions, respect boundaries, and don’t bring unresolved ex-drama.
• Kindness: It’s easy to be a nice person. Hold the door, be polite to waitstaff, and don’t make rude jokes.

If that sounds demanding, then maybe I’m out of touch. But I don’t think I’m asking for too much here.

Let’s Talk About the Teeth Again

Can you date someone with a front missing tooth?

— ً (@realworldxpp) September 26, 2024

Now, coming full circle—because, yes, I feel strongly about this—let’s revisit the teeth issue. Teeth are visible. You can’t hide them in your pocket or cover them up with a charming personality. They’re front and center, and they say a lot about someone’s personal care habits.

Here’s a personal example: I met a guy last year who checked nearly every box—funny, gainfully employed, and seemed emotionally open. But on our third date, he smiled, and there it was. A dark gap in his lower front teeth.

And the moment he started talking, I realized he didn’t think much of oral hygiene, either. That’s when I decided to stop ignoring that detail. I mean, who skips brushing before a date?

Are We Allowed to Have Standards?

Sometimes, we’re made to feel that standards are unreasonable. If you say you’re turned off by bad teeth, someone might call you shallow. If you want a partner with ambition, people might say you’re being a “gold digger.”

But wanting a partner who’s invested in basic self-care and stability doesn’t make you high-maintenance. It makes you sensible.

So, yes, I’m going to keep asking for the basics. And if that means sifting through profiles and going on some lackluster dates, then fine.

Eventually, there’s got to be a guy out there who can take care of his teeth and show up ready for a real relationship, right?

Standards, Not Perfection

In the end, everyone’s looking for something different. But if you’re like me, and you’re after the basics, don’t feel pressured to settle.

Standards aren’t shallow; they’re a way to filter out those who aren’t ready or willing to be a good partner.

A cozy diner in Laughlin can tell you a lot about a person—the way they treat the staff, the patience they show while waiting for coffee to cool.

And if a little flossing and brushing is too much to ask? Then maybe they’re not the one for you.

At the end of the day, love doesn’t have to be complicated. But it does require a baseline of self-respect, which, if we’re being honest, should start with a simple smile.