# Why Do many Brits and Japanese have bad teeth? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 13, 2012, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626 "2012-03-13T07:31:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![njtt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ecd19e/32.png) [@njtt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/njtt)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/41 "2012-03-13T19:27:52Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > It should be noted that the same polling firm determined that Armenians have the least body hair and elderly Korean women are the world’s best drivers. And all American racist stereotypes are uncontrovertibly accurate. ---
**Author:** ![miss\_elizabeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/838e76/32.png) [@miss\_elizabeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miss_elizabeth)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/42 "2012-03-13T19:55:22Z")
**TokyoPlayer** already said it, but in Japan crooked or crowded teeth are considered cute and youthful looking, and in fact some women get caps put on their canines to make them look more crowded. In fact, some of the pictures of Japanese teeth posted are the same I’ve seen on articles about this cosmetic practice (so, actually, those might be FAKE “bad” teeth). I think the answer here is just that beauty standards are different in different cultures. ---
**Author:** ![cuberdon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/45deac/32.png) [@cuberdon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cuberdon)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/43 "2012-03-13T20:11:00Z")
> [@njtt](#): > > The question that _should_ be being asked is “Why do Americans think that it is necessary or normal to spend hundreds of dollars to have their children fitted with ugly and uncomfortable metal braces or headgear, often during the stage of life when they are most likely to be severely embarrassed and even psychologically scarred by such things, just so that they may have a better chance of having unnaturally straight teeth later in life?” > > (A related question is “Why do Americans believe that a woman’s (but not a man’s) natural armpit hair is utterly disgusting, and that all right thinking people must surely agree?”) > > \ > > Human cultures are weird. On this point, however, it is the Americans, not teh British or Japanese who are being weird. > [@njtt](#): > > And all American racist stereotypes are uncontrovertibly accurate. Along with all stereotypes directed **toward** Americans? ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/44 "2012-03-13T20:34:41Z")
No, those are fake. Wait, are we still being sarcastic? ---
**Author:** ![Candyman74](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Candyman74](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Candyman74)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/45 "2012-03-13T21:15:25Z")
Oh, god. SDMB has now turned into [FARK.com](http://FARK.com). Insulting racial and national stereotypes FTW! > [@Corcaigh](#): > > I have a friend in England who is so scared of the dentist, she has to be under anaesthetic for just a check-up I do not believe that your “friend in England” found a dentist willing to put her under for a mere check-up. ---
**Author:** ![Bootis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e8c25b/32.png) [@Bootis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bootis)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/46 "2012-03-13T21:46:23Z")
> [@Brynda](#): > > When I was in Kenya, I noticed that Kenyans have, by and large, gorgeous teeth. Straight, white, beautiful. For obvious reasons, this is not a country “obsessed with Hollywood teeth.” As far as whiteness goes, what cause teeth to be non white? Don’t some of the biggest culprits for staining/damaging teeth include coffee,tea,refined sugar, and cigarettes? I’m not certain, but these things may be consumed in a lot more abundance in other places like the UK and the US than in Kenya. ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/47 "2012-03-13T21:54:15Z")
A lot of tea is grown in Kenya, so I be they drink it. **njtt** , was I just whooshed? ---
**Author:** ![Anne\_Neville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Anne\_Neville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anne_Neville)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/48 "2012-03-13T21:55:05Z")
> [@Bootis](#): > > As far as whiteness goes, what cause teeth to be non white? Don’t some of the biggest culprits for staining/damaging teeth include coffee,tea,refined sugar, and cigarettes? I’m not certain, but these things may be consumed in a lot more abundance in other places like the UK and the US than in Kenya. Could some of this also be greater contrast between the average Kenyan’s skin tone and tooth color, and the average Briton or American’s skin tone and tooth color? ---
**Author:** ![Rigamarole](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/49 "2012-03-13T22:47:50Z")
> [@PrettyVacant](#): > > The more I reflect on this the more the view firms up that ‘Hollywood teeth’ speaks very clearly to that persons self-esteem. It’s a bit desperate. I agree that it speaks to the person’s self-esteem, but you have it backwards. People who care about their appearance and generally not looking gross tend to have high self-esteem. The ones with gross, crooked teeth who don’t give a shit, especially when they have the option to fix them and choose not to, are the ones who are desperate not to appear “vain”. Or they really just don’t give a shit, in which case they are slobs. ---
**Author:** ![Candyman74](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Candyman74](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Candyman74)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2012, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/50 "2012-03-13T23:31:33Z")
> [@Rigamarole](#): > > I agree that it speaks to the person’s self-esteem, but you have it backwards. People who care about their appearance and generally not looking gross tend to have high self-esteem. The ones with gross, crooked teeth who don’t give a shit, especially when they have the option to fix them and choose not to, are the ones who are desperate not to appear “vain”. Or they really just don’t give a shit, in which case they are slobs. Jesus. So the 6 billion people in the world without US style teeth are slobs, huh? Nice. Does this apply to anyone else? Fat people? Those without perfect haircuts? Perfect clothes? The best cologne? Oh, can we see a picture of you, you supermodel, you? I’ll try not to get too aroused by your perfect non - slob like appearance. ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/51 "2012-03-14T01:43:00Z")
Add another voice to the chorus of ‘having imperfect teeth isn’t such a big deal in Japan and can actually sometimes be a social advantage’ crowd. It’s a good song, but kinda hard to dance to. ---
**Author:** ![Anne\_Neville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Anne\_Neville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anne_Neville)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/52 "2012-03-14T01:43:36Z")
> [@Rigamarole](#): > > I agree that it speaks to the person’s self-esteem, but you have it backwards. People who care about their appearance and generally not looking gross tend to have high self-esteem. The ones with gross, crooked teeth who don’t give a shit, especially when they have the option to fix them and choose not to, are the ones who are desperate not to appear “vain”. Or they really just don’t give a shit, in which case they are slobs. Or they don’t have the discretionary income to spend on things like cosmetic dentistry, which is generally not covered by insurance. ---
**Author:** ![brittekland](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/aeb1de/32.png) [@brittekland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brittekland)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/53 "2012-03-14T04:25:24Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Why who did what? Mike Myers is an actor - it’s his job to appear in movies. If I must spell out: > [@](#): > > “the teeth are stage prosthetics” ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/54 "2012-03-14T05:09:20Z")
Some pretty extreme opinons here. UK folk, it is hard to hear the assertion that crooked teeth are better, cooler, more masculine with a straight face. Saying you don’t care is believable, but saying you prefer wonky teeth just seems defensive. US folks, no need to assume anything about someone’s self esteem based on their teeth (and yes, I know they started it.) It isn’t the done thing in the UK, or at least not the paid for thing. Plus, my personal theory, too many Angles, Saxons, and Romans in the woodpile. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/55 "2012-03-14T08:05:37Z")
> [@brittekland](#): > > If I must spell out: Mike Myers plays two characters in the movie - Austin Powers and Dr Evil. One has bad, protruding teeth, the other does not. Nobody ever comments that Liz Hurley, the English actress who co-stars in that movie, has quite nice teeth, as also does Michael York, the English actor who plays Basil Exposition. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/56 "2012-03-14T08:22:56Z")
> [@Brynda](#): > > Ok, which is it? Either it’s not true that crooked teeth are more common in the UK or you like 'em that way. Can’t be both, really. > [@Brynda](#): > > Some pretty extreme opinons here. UK folk, it is hard to hear the assertion that crooked teeth are better, cooler, more masculine with a straight face. Saying you don’t care is believable, but saying you prefer wonky teeth just seems defensive. It’s not a black-and-white landscape wherein you have to either like Hollywood-chiclet teeth, or like to see a mouth that resembles a derelict graveyard - and the stereotype that is the subject of this discussion has several components, including: Plain Ol’ Ignorance. The stereotype has become a meme that people repeat without critically evaluating it. Pretty sure that’s behind this thread; (“have you noticed that many British people have bad teeth?” / “Which people, where?” / “Austin Powers”. Really. ). What you’ve noticed is not that many/most Brits have bad teeth (regardless whether that is even true) - you’ve only noticed the repetition of the stereotype itself. Hollywood has imposed a defacto standard of unrealistic perfection, that simply not everybody subscribes to. Not all the world is Hollywood. Differing definitions of ‘bad’. To me, ‘Bad teeth’ means teeth that are in a state of decay, disrepair or poor cleanliness - not just teeth that are a bit wonky or some pale cream colour that falls short of blinding fluorescent white. Confirmation bias. It’s easy to cherry-pick examples, but hand-picked data points don’t make for good statistics. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/57 "2012-03-14T08:44:58Z")
> [@Brynda](#): > > Some pretty extreme opinons here. UK folk, it is hard to hear the assertion that crooked teeth are better, cooler, more masculine with a straight face. Saying you don’t care is believable, but saying you prefer wonky teeth just seems defensive. I don’t believe any Brit here has said that crooked teeth are better, cooler, more masculine. The assertion is that ‘slightly less than perfection’ is no big deal. Just as it’s no big deal to be slightly too tall or too short, or carry a few extra pounds, or have a few wrinkles. Americans might strive for perfect Hollywood teeth, many British people do not, and think that excessive cosmetic dentistry looks fake, just like a boob job or a face lift. [Simon Cowell](http://www.wallpaperss.com/simon-cowell) being a prime example. Pass me the sunglasses. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 8:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/58 "2012-03-14T08:54:07Z")
We were talking teeth yesterday, as one of my coworkers had a dentist in his close future. Three Spaniards, a Romanian, ages 30-44. Terms that came up were “irregular”, “yellow”, “tetracyclines” (a common, un-whitenable cause of yellow teeth for Spaniards in our early 40s/late 30s), “caries”, “holes”. “Bad” was applied to “missing teeth” and “caries”, but not to “irregular” or “yellow”, and “tetracyclines” give you a pass on any color. My mother took me to the dentist when I was 12 or so to ask about braces, as I’ve got irregular teeth. He ran a bite test, asked whether I was planning on becoming a model or actress, and recommended NOT putting me on braces, since I have a perfect bite and moving my teeth would likely cause stomach trouble; other dentists have remarked on the superb bite. Same dentist put braces on Middlebro; the roof of his mouth was too high and narrow - it was not done for cosmetic reasons, but because of a medical problem. Littlebro didn’t even get considered for braces; his teeth are a bit crooked but well within what’s considered normal here. Any of us would have unacceptable teeth by American-dentist standards, but any dentist who wants to put braces on me is invited to place his finger in my mouth and test that bite. ---
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/59 "2012-03-14T09:43:55Z")
[![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/E8L8JFWY8cc/hqdefault.jpg "high fidelity intro") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8L8JFWY8cc) Oh my God. Americans all have terrible teeth. Look how crooked that lower level is. ---
**Author:** ![sandra\_nz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@sandra\_nz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sandra_nz)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2012, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626/60 "2012-03-14T09:56:28Z")
I never realised Brits and Japanese were the two cultures with bad teeth. I’ve always thought it was just America having an obsession with unnaturally white and straight teeth. It’s the only thing I don’t like about \*\*Justified \*\*- Boyd Crowder’s perfect pearly whites. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-brits-and-japanese-have-bad-teeth/615626.md?page=4)