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Reader Barbara from Virginia passed along this tidbit of info that may explain Yamin’s toothy terror:

“My brother knows Elliott Yamin, and he has diabetes and has had it since he was a child. That’s why his teeth are bad. He wears an insulin pump to control his blood sugar. Juvenile diabetes can cause all kinds of problems, and bad teeth are one of them. He is a nice guy though, and sang well I thought.”

That said, I wasn’t able to find any information of dental complications due to type 1 (juvenile diabetes) on diabetes.org or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International Web site.

Even if diabetes is the cause of Yamin’s teeth trouble, I’m not backing down on my statement that he’s got the most screwed up teeth in the competition.

Anyway the only reason I bring it up is that every flaw or defect of an American Idol contestant is up for discussion. And let’s face it, contestants are judged on their image as much as their singing performances.

So, if the diabetes story is accurate, maybe Yamin can use his Idol profile to raise awareness about the illness.

In the meantime, he should follow Simon’s advice to chronic smiler Gedeon McKinney and keep his mouth shut.

UPDATE: March 3, 2006

Elliott’s official Idol page says he indeed does wear an insulin pump and wants to educate the public about diabetes. And several health professionals contacted me regarding the link between diabetes and dental problems.

Paula Ford-Martin, managing editor of dlife.com says, “diabetes can cause complications with teeth and gums – periodontal disease being the biggest offender.”

But Elliott’s teeth aren’t the only unusual featured on the 27 year-old contestant from Richmond, Virginia.

His Abe Lincoln-style sideburns make him look like a cross between an Amish farmer and street gangster. And sometimes he even looks like a leprechaun cautiously coveting his pot of gold.

But seriously, Elliott can use his weirdo/outsider/creepy look to his advantage. Think about it - if his confidence continues to grow (and it should if Simon keeps stroking Elliott’s ego), he could be the unlikely long-shot that is the next American Idol.

That said Elliott fans shouldn’t get their hopes up. The chances of coming out on top are slim, but considering how lame the rest of the competitors are, it’s anyone guess at this point.

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