Four in 10 employers think jobseekers with bad teeth will be disadvantaged when applying for new jobs.

A survey from Oasis Dental Care and Harris shows 46% of workplace decision-makers think good teeth are essential for CEOs, 55% think good teeth are essential for professionals such as accountants, lawyers and doctors and almost two thirds (65%) believe teeth are important for receptionists.

More than a third think bad teeth overshadow the rest of a person's appearance and 85% think a smile is important when meeting someone for the first time.

Pat Langley, clinical director of Oasis Dental Care, said: "With the employment market becoming increasingly difficult, making sure you have a well cared-for set of teeth could put you at an advantage when it comes to landing a plum position.

"With more and more employers saying they are swayed by the appearance of candidates' teeth it's likely a brighter, straighter smile will become an increasingly important asset in today's ultra-competitive job market."