Kelly Osbourne has previously supported Anti-Bullying campaigns
Being bullied is significantly associated with 'sticking out teeth', according to new research.
A team of hospital based clinicians who primarily treat chilren with malaligned teeth and jaw bone deficiencies (malocclusion) have conducted a UK-based study investigating the relationship between being bullied and the presence of a malocclusion, and its effect on an individual's self-esteem and 'Oral Health Related Quality of Life'.
A total of 336 adolescents, aged between 10-14 years, took part in the study which is being published in the December 2011 issue of the Journal of Orthodontics.
Key findings show that nearly 13 per cent of adolescents examined for othodontic treatment has been bullied.
Dr Andrew DiBiase, one of the consultants involved in the research commented: "As health care of professionals we that it is our duty to raise awareness of this. We feel that any bullying for whatever reason is unacceptable and should not be tolerated.
"The treatment for malocclusion usually involves the use of braces (orthodontic treatment) in combination with other treatment to correct the problems. It has previously been shown that children with 'sticking out teeth' and 'crooked teeth' are subjected to teasing related to the position and appearance of their teeth.
"Commonly braces are prescribed in these situations to help improve the alignment of the teeth. However, until this research was carried out the scientific evidence for this was weak and more importantly the psychological effects of this teasing and bullying related to the dental appearance has been unknown."
The findings of this study show for the first time that there is clear link between being bullied and the presence of “sticking out teeth”.
More importantly the negative impact on a child’s psychological status is reported. It is clear that being bullied can have both short-term and long-term effects on physiological and psychological well- being.
Tagged in Parenting Anti Bullying