# Americans, tell me about the social significance of "perfect teeth" by expensive dentistry **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 6, 2010, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554 "2010-03-06T20:15:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Marienee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@Marienee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marienee)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2010, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/61 "2010-03-08T20:02:23Z")
> [@Maastricht](#): > > That’s another thing, the dental cleaning. As I posted in another thread, that is also not a regular thing in the Netherlands. Most Dutch people go for cavity control to their dentist once or twice a year, but cleaning isn’t standard at all. I suspect you have the same teeth my husband has. Despite having many dreadful habits, his teeth are all sound and he never has a cavity. And he never needs cleaning. I on the other hand, have soft enamel on my teeth and my Dutch dentist cleans my teeth pretty often. The difference is that they don’t do the whole mouth, they only clean where there is scale or what have you. Dentists always said to me that it had to do with antibiotics I took as a child, but I begin to doubt this as my eldest child seems to have the same. Another difference there – Eldest’s teeth are being sealed by the dentist as soon as the adult teeth come through. Youngest’s are not, as the dentist says he doesn’t need it. My youngest siblings (who are now in their 20s) had their teeth routinely sealed, as did most of their friends. ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2010, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/62 "2010-03-09T05:13:03Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Not necessarily. When I was in my early teens or so, I had an overbite so bad that I was biting the roof of my mouth, and got braces to correct that. A few years after the braces came off, I noticed that some of my teeth had ended up crooked, and went back to the orthodontist to ask about fixing that, too. He said that he could do it if we wanted to, but that the crookedness probably wouldn’t get any worse than it already was, so there wasn’t really any need. We thanked him and left, and in fact the crookedness hasn’t gotten any worse. > > Yes, of course that’s only an anecdote, and all it proves is that there’s at least one orthodontist in the US who doesn’t consider perfection necessary, but it’s the only experience I have with the profession. I didn’t mean _all_ dentists were doing aggressive advertising, but that the advertising I am seeing is pushing what appears to be cosmetic work, on people who don’t appear to have the money to waste on it. ---
**Author:** ![Springtime\_for\_Spacers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Springtime\_for\_Spacers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Springtime_for_Spacers)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/63 "2010-03-10T08:27:13Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Hollywood has set a standard of teeth (not sure if it’s art chasing reality) but the “new” teeth would be the preferred/normal look. There is such a thing as being too white and it has been a comedy routine in a number of TV skits. That’s my point really, the Hollywood standard not only looks unnatural but less attractive to my British eyes. ---
**Author:** ![simple\_homer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@simple\_homer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simple_homer)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/64 "2010-03-10T09:55:40Z")
Has no one else thought about kissing ? I do not care how beautiful a woman is, if her mouth is a mess then I cannot imagine kissing her. Poor dental care often means rotten teeth and very bad breath. I do not want to kiss a woman that tastes and smells bad. Also, a person that does not take care of their teeth impresses me as someone who also does not take care of other hygiene or personal issues. ---
**Author:** ![Marienee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@Marienee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marienee)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/65 "2010-03-10T10:26:07Z")
> [@simple\_homer](#): > > Has no one else thought about kissing ? > I do not care how beautiful a woman is, if her mouth is a mess > then I cannot imagine kissing her. > Poor dental care often means rotten teeth and very bad breath. I do not want to kiss a woman that tastes and smells bad. > Also, a person that does not take care of their teeth impresses me as someone who also does not take care of other hygiene or personal issues. Apparently not as often as you have. Having kissed quite a few Dutch guys of both genders (since the Dutch kiss on greeting, besides it was just Carnaval around here) I can reassure you that their failure to pursue perfect teeth is not the same thing as having rotten teeth and bad breath. ---
**Author:** ![Maastricht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/66 "2010-03-10T12:53:00Z")
What **Marinee** said, **simple homer**. The whole point of this thread is not about bad, neglected teeth versus “good teeth”, it’s about good teeth where servicability is the main important thing, or looks. For instance, I went to my Dutch dentist this very morning (as I sit here typing, my jaw is still numb). I had to ask him for white fillings, instead of metal amalgam ones, in a very visible place in my lower molars. My insurance would have covered both, no problem, but my dentist said he’d rather place amalgam ones because they would last longer and so my teeth would last longer. That is the difference in attitude I’m talking about. So, **simple homer,** would you mind kissing a girl with sensible amalgam fillings? ---
**Author:** ![simple\_homer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@simple\_homer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simple_homer)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/67 "2010-03-10T13:50:49Z")
> [@Maastricht](#): > > What **Marinee** said, **simple homer**. The whole point of this thread is not about bad, neglected teeth versus “good teeth”, it’s about good teeth where servicability is the main important thing, or looks. > > For instance, I went to my Dutch dentist this very morning (as I sit here typing, my jaw is still numb). I had to ask him for white fillings, instead of metal amalgam ones, in a very visible place in my lower molars. My insurance would have covered both, no problem, but my dentist said he’d rather place amalgam ones because they would last longer and so my teeth would last longer. > That is the difference in attitude I’m talking about. So, **simple homer,** would you mind kissing a girl with sensible amalgam fillings? Sensible fillings are no problem. But, very crooked, missing or discolored teeth could be a problem. An overbite or underbite, while serviceable, could also be a problem. Besides, many people on the thread have mentioned getting their teeth cleaned by the dentist. A person with plaque buildup is not very attractive either, IMHO. Artificial looking , perfect teeth would not be attractive, but I do appreciate a woman with a healthy looking smile. ---
**Author:** ![rhubarbarin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eb9ed0/32.png) [@rhubarbarin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rhubarbarin)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/68 "2010-03-10T14:35:07Z")
‘Good’ teeth (not Hollywood ultra-white perfection; but not visibly rotten, missing, covered in build-up, heavily discolored, or ridiculously crooked) are a sign of good health and very attractive, and I could never be intimate with someone who didn’t have them. And it is absolutely true that people with such visible, obvious dental problems have odor issues (I have a sensitive nose). I dated someone (from Guatemala) who had gold fillings in some highly visible front teeth - it didn’t bother me in the least, in fact I thought it was very cute. ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/69 "2010-03-10T15:03:01Z")
> [@Maastricht](#): > > The whole point of this thread is not about bad, neglected teeth versus “good teeth”, it’s about good teeth where servicability is the main important thing, or looks. I’m going to be honest, and I hope I can do this in a way that doesn’t offend you, because you seem like a very nice person: I feel like several people have already answered this point, and because their answers didn’t jibe with your preconceptions - which are based on “reality” television - you’re ignoring them. Americans may be more interested in dental appearance than Europeans, but this is mostly a function of dental _health_, not purely cosmetic. Straight, white teeth are an indicator of healthy teeth. Yellowing or missing teeth are indicators of poor dental hygiene. Crooked teeth may be seen as an indicator of poverty, but as many people have pointed out, having crooked teeth can lead to further dental problems down the line. Americans who can afford it typically go to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning, which is not an invasive procedure, nor does it generally include cosmetic enhancement. It’s for health purposes only. Do some people want the “Hollywood” freakishly white teeth? Sure, I guess. I can especially imagine that people who are going on makeover shows are hoping they come out looking like a movie star. Nevertheless, most ordinary people are not particularly interested in that sort of thing. AFAIK, no one I know has veneers, or does anything extreme to whiten their teeth. (Lots of people use a toothpaste with a whitening ingredient to counteract the effects of coffee or cigarettes, though.) Missing teeth do, on the other hand, look unattractive, and I don’t think Europeans are in disagreement. I spent two years living in Eastern Europe, where teeth tend to be AWFUL (communists placed a low priority on orthodontia, apparently) and I’ve seen people go to some effort to improve them. My colleague went through a series of painful-seeming orthodontic surgeries to repair her teeth, which were eye-catchingly bad when I first met her. If she had grown up in America, she would have had braces before they could have gotten so out of control. It’s not a bad thing. FWIW, I never had braces, I have a funny little gap between my first two teeth, and my teeth are hardly sparkly white. (I drink a lot of tea.) I don’t think my teeth are particularly notable, or look out of place amongst my peer group. ---
**Author:** ![CopyCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@CopyCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CopyCat)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/70 "2010-03-10T15:15:51Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > Look at the Before and Afters in [this blog](http://catpenfold.typepad.com/cats_litter_box/the_hole_tooth_and_nothing_but/) > > Its the before that will cause a problem with advancement, not the afters (her befores are quite similar to my friend I was talking about above). Her afters are nowhere near moviestar perfect but they are just fine. I am the before and after in this thread and I’m pleased to say I have something to offer this discussion. I am a Brit who has lived in New york for 16 years, so those are “British teeth.” As a kid, my parents couldn’t afford to do anything about them. And I had enough confidence to not really care what they looked like. I chose to get braces as a middle-aged adult because my front teeth had begun smashing into the bottom ones and my jaw hurt from the tension of being pushed back. It’s true, my teeth now look better and I don’t get a second look on the street, but I never felt pressure from Americans to fix them to advance in life. People have always accepted me as me. Maybe this is just New York, where I could walk down Lexington Ave in a duct tape suit with broccoli stuck up my bum, but my non-movie star teeth never hindered me. ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/71 "2010-03-10T16:37:10Z")
> [@Maastricht](#): > > What **Marinee** said, **simple homer**. The whole point of this thread is not about bad, neglected teeth versus “good teeth”, it’s about good teeth where servicability is the main important thing, or looks. > > For instance, I went to my Dutch dentist this very morning (as I sit here typing, my jaw is still numb). I had to ask him for white fillings, instead of metal amalgam ones, in a very visible place in my lower molars. My insurance would have covered both, no problem, but my dentist said he’d rather place amalgam ones because they would last longer and so my teeth would last longer. > That is the difference in attitude I’m talking about. So, **simple homer,** would you mind kissing a girl with sensible amalgam fillings? It’s quite common to have metal fillings in your molars even in the US, you know. I don’t consider that “really visible” and in fact I have one. Most Americans would never get them in _front_ teeth. Unless you want your name spelled out on them in diamonds. ---
**Author:** ![badbadrubberpiggy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/57b2e6/32.png) [@badbadrubberpiggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/badbadrubberpiggy)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/72 "2010-03-10T16:50:13Z")
> [@Zsofia](#): > > It’s quite common to have metal fillings in your molars even in the US, you know. I don’t consider that “really visible” and in fact I have one. Most Americans would never get them in _front_ teeth. Unless you want your name spelled out on them in diamonds. Agreed. Most of my fillings are metal except for the ones that are in the front, spots that would show up when I talked or smiled. The several I have in the back/middle are all metal. And I’m only 29, so they’re not terribly old, either (yes, I’ve had quite a few fillings!). Metal fillings are the norm, the white ones are typically only used on front teeth that are visible much of the time. ---
**Author:** ![simple\_homer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@simple\_homer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simple_homer)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/73 "2010-03-10T20:40:56Z")
There have been studies showing a link between heart disease and poor dental hygiene. Here are just a few of the many results on a Google search. “Health news - Clean teeth protect your heart” [http://www.bupa.co.uk/health\_information/html/health\_news/170205gumdiseaseheart.html](http://www.bupa.co.uk/health_information/html/health_news/170205gumdiseaseheart.html) “Bad teeth, bleeding gums and poor dental hygiene can end up causing heart disease, scientists heard today at the Society for General Microbiology’s Autumn meeting being held this week at Trinity College, Dublin.” > **[How to avoid heart disease: brush your teeth, say scientists](https://medicalxpress.com/news/2008-09-heart-disease-teeth-scientists.html)** > > Bad teeth, bleeding gums and poor dental hygiene can end up causing heart disease, scientists heard today at the Society for General Microbiology's Autumn meeting being held this week at Trinity College, Dublin. "The American Journal of Preventative Medicine issued a report in the December 2005 issue about a study that links heart disease to tooth loss in adults. " > **[11 Common Dental Problems and How to Prevent Them](https://www.verywellhealth.com/top-common-dental-problems-1059461)** > > Dental problems are disturbing, but a majority of them can be prevented or easily resolved. Learn about some of the most common teeth problems. So, it really is a healthy smile. ---
**Author:** ![Maastricht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/74 "2010-03-10T20:47:10Z")
> [@simple\_homer](#): > > There have been studies showing a link between heart disease and poor dental hygiene. Kyla, I was referring to posts like these from simple homer, that show my point exactly. He keeps contrasting “poor hygiene” with "a healthy smile. My whole point is that the whole concept of “healthy teeth” has been hijacked by people wanting to make a buck selling whitening toothpaste and cosmetic denstistry. Teeth can be in excellent dental health, clean, and yet be more crooked, less white, and with more visible fillings, then will be tolerated in the US for social advancement. ---
**Author:** ![badbadrubberpiggy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/57b2e6/32.png) [@badbadrubberpiggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/badbadrubberpiggy)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/75 "2010-03-10T20:58:50Z")
> [@Maastricht](#): > > Teeth can be in excellent dental health, clean, and yet be more crooked, less white, and with more visible fillings, then will be tolerated in the US for social advancement. According to you, but not according to most people in this thread, who are actually from & live in the United States. Just because one person seems to be proving your point does not mean you can discount all the other people who are disagreeing. ---
**Author:** ![Maastricht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/76 "2010-03-10T21:09:55Z")
> [@badbadrubberpiggy](#): > > According to you, but not according to most people in this thread, who are actually from & live in the United States. > > Just because one person seems to be proving your point does not mean you can discount all the other people who are disagreeing. Fair enough, most people in the thread got it, and said they have healthy ordinary imperfect teeth without any social stigma. But the few who didn’t get it, did kind of prove my point. The best way to sell anything is [to inspire fear,](http://www.jstor.org/pss/1251038)and fear of being socially sub-par is excellent for that purpose. That is how the sellers of deodorant got rich. Not having an “healthy smile” is such a fear. That’s another of my pet peeves, by the way. “A beautiful smile” is done with \*eyes \*lighting up, not with teeth, damnit! ---
**Author:** ![simple\_homer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@simple\_homer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simple_homer)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/77 "2010-03-10T21:15:21Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > To my eye the teeth in the first one look fine (I think her whole look is unkempt though, and she has a terrible haircut). I can’t open the second. > > I’m talking about pictures like > [This](http://www.caughtoffside.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/ribery.jpg) > [This](http://media.ebaumsworld.com/picture/Dillion_Day/British.png) > [This](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ojZlmnaXmGE/R1TIRs7I06I/AAAAAAAAAXg/oHvs28EIWiI/s400/cusl01_hitchens0712.jpg) > [@Maastricht](#): > > The first one and last one would be normal here. The second one would probably been offered some work if she had seen a dentist. I am not able to view the second and third links, but you say they the first one would be normal there. Well, to my eyes, his teeth look bad, I would assume that he has bad breath, and if I were a woman, or gay, I could never kiss a mouth like that. It does not look like an attractive or healthy mouth. If I were an employer, I would probably not hire him to be a salesperson because I would fear that customers would not be comfortable looking at him. If I were him I would have my teeth fixed . ---
**Author:** ![badbadrubberpiggy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/57b2e6/32.png) [@badbadrubberpiggy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/badbadrubberpiggy)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/78 "2010-03-10T21:19:47Z")
> [@Maastricht](#): > > Fair enough, most people in the thread got it, and said they have healthy ordinary imperfect teeth without any social stigma. > > But the few who didn’t get it, did kind of prove my point. The best way to sell anything is [to inspire fear,](http://www.jstor.org/pss/1251038)and fear of being socially sub-par is excellent for that purpose. That is how the sellers of deodorant got rich. Not having an “healthy smile” is such a fear. I’m not sure how a minority opinion proves your point. I’m sorry, I’m really going to have to go with **Kyla** on this at this point. I don’t think you’re doing this intentionally, but it really seems like you had a pre-conceived idea of the answers you were going to get on this thread, and rather than listening to the majority who didn’t answer how you expected, you’re latching onto the very few who did and saying they proved your point. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/79 "2010-03-10T21:29:57Z")
> [@Kyla](#): > > \ Straight, white teeth are an indicator of healthy teeth. Yellowing or missing teeth are indicators of poor dental hygiene. \ I agree with your post except for this one point - I think white teeth are more highly valued in the US than perhaps you think. That said, I’ve had all my silver amalgam fillings changed out for white resin ones as they needed updating, and I’m quite happy with having what looks like teeth again, instead of having a mouth full of black spots (I have fillings in all my molars and some of my front teeth). ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554/80 "2010-03-10T21:50:36Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > Interesting. My purely American take on those pics is that the third one is by far the most disgusting. It would be shocking for any sort of professional to let their teeth fall into that sort of neglect. A twice a year scaling (removal of hardened plaque) and cleaning is typical in the US. That guy looks like he hasn’t had his teeth cleaned in decades. I looked at Number 3 just now. As unattractive as the lower teeth are, under normal circumstances I don’t think I’d notice them. It’s a person’s upper teeth that you really see when they smile or talk. Why is this man going around which his lower lip stretched down in such an unnatural, exaggerated position? I know–it’s the same reason why, in all those commercials for weight reduction remedies, every fat person is followed at 15 paces by a guy banging on a pair of kettledrums. One can imagine the train of thought; person viewing thinks, “I know I’m overweight. But there’s actually someone banging a pair of tympani behind me as I walk? Is that what people think when I pass by?” And immediately reaches for the phone. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americans-tell-me-about-the-social-significance-of-perfect-teeth-by-expensive-dentistry/531554.md?page=5)