No offence, but why do so many British people have bad (buck) teeth?

Answer 1

coz the dentist is so expensive

Answer 2

Its a non-sensical stereotype. Americans only 'confirm' it by looking out for people with the associated problem. I've seen americans with horrible teeth as well, it's nothing to do with background, so long as the diets are simular and dental care is the same. I doubt theres much of a genetic aspect to it, especiall on the scale of a nation.

Answer 3

To be honest I don't really know all that many people with bad buck teeth and I've lived in Britain my whole life.

Answer 4

It's not that British people need more help with their teeth its just that we don't try and iron out the slight imperfections that make us unique. Moreover, we get basic help as kids on the NHS for free so its not such a kudos thing. American people are obviously more concerned about their looks than giving charity to third world countries. No offence of course

Answer 5

Do we though? Compared to other races? I don't know what nationality you are but I hear a lot of people from the USA asking about why British teeth are so bad. With British people all having had access to subsidised NHS dentists up until the last couple of years, it's hard to believe we generally have worse teeth than them. Do people really have access to affordable dentists in the states when they have limited access to medicine?

Answer 6

They don't. If anything they have less people with bad teeth than some countries, because expensive orthodontics are not as fashionable in Britain as they are in other countries more obsessed with appearance rather than substance.

The vast majority of 'British' people have not had orthodontic treatment and do not need it. The few you complain about possibly do, but look at how many teens in your country have train tracks and you'll get an idea of what the real situation is there.

Answer 7

Thats an old stereotype; i'm guessing you haven't actually visited Britain recently!
The orthodontic culture took a while to filter through, but now there's certainly no more bad teeth here than in any other country. I visit the US a lot and i've seen plenty of bad mouthfuls there.

Answer 8

Because the NHS dentists are so difficult to find, and the private dentists are sooo flipping expensive! I have toothache at the moment, but I can't afford to even get a couple of fillings, much less be vain and superficial and spend thousands on making my teeth look "prettier." Maybe the British can think of far better things to do with their money - like paying the rent...etc...

Also - if you're talking about the older generation it may be due to child malnutrition due to the rationing during and after the Second World war. My parents were born just after the War - Dad's teeth have always been very weak and bad, and Mum's teeth are full of fillings. My uncle was born in 1945 and his teeth are bad too.

But saying that every nation has their stock of goofy teethed people!

Answer 9

Lived in Britain all my life, don't think I know anyone with buck teeth

Answer 10

Just as many American people have buck teeth...it is just that British people (who are portrayed in movies and such) have bad (or fake bad) teeth...

Answer 11

Maybe we aren't so obsessed with looks as Americans? All over tan and straight white teeth gets a bit boring after a while...oh look, I'm stereotyping.

Seriously, dental healthcare is expensive over here. If you want perfect teeth then you have to pay a lot for it. And to be honest, I'd get bored with a generic 'straight white perfect teeth' smile after a while.