Smile and the whole world smiles with you

Toothpaste brand Signal's Istanbul branch recently conducted a study, "Turkey's Smile Map," in collaboration with Estima Research Company. Marking World Smile Day on Oct. 3, the nationwide study included participants whose ages ranged from 18 to 65 and were from different socio-economic backgrounds in 12 cities.

The map interestingly demonstrates that every one in three Turkish people do not regularly brush their teeth. A total of 63 percent of respondents said they are unconfident about their smile. The study revealed that 70 percent of the female participants are more satisfied with their smiles than the male participants. They think a sincere smile is the key to making a good first impression. Furthermore, Turkish women find men's warm and friendly smile, which shows healthy and well-maintained teeth and gums, attractive. Additionally, 73 percent of the participants find their spouse or lovers' smile charming.

Another interesting finding was that Turkish people not only smile less, but also make others smile less compared to the 1980s and 1990s. Despite the fact that we spend most of our time on digital platforms, Turkish people feel happy when they gather with family and friends. The study supports the notion that Turkish people feel love and commitment toward family, as 59 percent indicated, "We mostly smile while talking with family members."

On the other hand, 61 percent of the participants mostly smile and laugh while watching TV programs. Recognized as the master of comedy in Yeşilçam cinema, the late Turkish actor Kemal Sunal is famed for his unforgettable smile and body gestures. The study suggests Turkish people often entertain themselves by watching his films. A total of 67 percent indicated that the famous comedy "Hababam Sınıfı" (Outrageous Class), which stars the legendary comedian, was among the most amusing films. Sunal was also considered the most entertaining comedian gaining 49 percent of responses, followed by Cem Yılmaz and Tolga Çevik.

Turkish men are attracted to actress Beren Saat's innocent smile and beauty as well as TV presenter Saba Tümer's laugh. The female participants say actor Kenan İmirzalioğlu, who plays harsh-humored roles such as in the ATV drama Karadayı, has a sharp but sweet smile. Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, who became phenomenal after appearing in the TV drama "Aşk-ı Memnu" (The Forbidden Love), steals Turkish women's heart with his charming smile as well. Among other Turkish actors arousing interest with their warm smiles are Kerem Bürsin and Çağatay Ulusoy.

Turkey's Smile Map also reveals that Turkish people are charmed by the big smiles and healthy teeth of famous Brazilian model Adriana Lima, Oscar-winner actress Julia Roberts, charismatic actor Brad Pitt, American actor and producer Bruce Willis and Hollywood heartthrob actor George Clooney.

The study findings suggest Turks make others laugh by sharing amusing videos and 40 percent of the participants said they watch short videos on the Internet. Amusing videos are mostly shared by users between the ages of 25 and 44. Seventy percent of Internet users also enjoy sharing humorous videos, photos, caricatures and other similar content.

Unilever Turkey Personal Care Marketing Manager Handem Çelenkler said that they conducted the study to draw attention the importance of oral health. "Unfortunately, very few people take proper care of their teeth in Turkey. There are even people who never consult a dentist during their entire life. Rather than presenting the negative side of unhealthy teeth, we tried to give a message by looking from the positive side," Çelenkler emphasized.

Based on the study's findings, here is a list of the most entertaining Turkish comedies and actors of all time:

80s: Outrageous Class, Devekuşu Kabare Theater Group, Kemal Sunal, Adile Naşit, Nejat Uygur, Cenk Koray, Zeki Alasya and Metin Akpınar

90s: "Bir Demet Tiyatro," Barış Manço's TV program "Adam Olacak Çocuk" and Levent Kırca's theatrical TV show "Olacak O Kadar"

2000s: Cem Yılmaz, Ata Demirer, Beyaz Show, G.O.R.A, Avrupa Yakası (The European Side) and Çocuklar Duymasın (Don't let the kids hear)

Recent years: Cem Yılmaz, Recep İvedik, Outrageous Class, Güldür Güldür Show, Arkadaşım Hoş Geldin (Welcome My Friend)