The British are widely known for their brilliant red-carpet smiles. After all, some of the most famous Hollywood stars were born or raised in Britain. However, while on the one hand, Brits are among the most attractive people in the world, on the other hand, they have one of the worst teeth. Do you want to know why? Let’s find out! Wrinkly-faced Winston Churchill and posh-accented Prince Charles are just a few examples of how the British upper class is stereotyped as having bad teeth. However, this negative view is so widespread that even Americans think Brits have terrible gnashers. But why do Brits have bad teeth? Below we’ll explain everything you need to know about this topic:
Why Do Brits Have Bad Teeth?
1. Sugar And Bad Dental Hygiene
The first reason why Brits have bad teeth is due to our sweet tooth. It may come as no surprise that sugar is the biggest culprit for bad dental hygiene. This substance is highly acidic and can quickly decalcify teeth, causing them to demineralize. When teeth demineralize, they become softer, more porous, and more susceptible to decay. To make matters worse, sugar is often eaten with foods that promote bacterial growth – like carbohydrates. This creates an environment that’s conducive to tooth decay, increasing your risk of cavities. To prevent tooth decay, brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is recommended. Flossing daily is also important – to remove food particles that are trapped between teeth. If you’re worried about your bad dental hygiene, you can visit your dentist. They’ll be able to provide you with advice and recommend treatments to suit your needs.
2. Lack Of Access To Dental Care
The second reason why Brits are likely to have bad teeth is the lack of access to dental care. There are many people across the country who don’t have the ability to access dental care. This is largely due to financial reasons. As such, many people are unable to afford the cost of visiting the dentist. Unfortunately, tooth decay and gum disease are progressive diseases. Left untreated, they can worsen and cause irreversible damage. This can often lead to other health complications – like diabetes. If left untreated, tooth decay can even lead to tooth loss. Therefore, it’s important that people with poor dental hygiene receive treatment. For those without the means to visit the dentist, there are some services that offer to treat people for free. It’s important to note that not all of these services are legitimate.
3. Genetics
The third reason why Brits have bad teeth is due to genetics. Genetics plays an important role in our oral health. If your parents had bad teeth, there’s a chance that you may too. Inherited genes can lead to the development of dental issues such as gingivitis and periodontitis. These are the most common forms of gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that’s usually curable. On the other hand, periodontitis is a more serious condition that can cause damage to the bones that support your teeth. Gingivitis occurs when bacteria in the mouth form plaque and attach to the gums. This irritates the gums and causes them to swell and become tender. When gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, the bacteria begin to eat away at the gum and bone tissues. This can ultimately lead to the loosening and loss of teeth.
4. Aging Population
The fourth reason why Brits have bad teeth is due to the aging population. As the UK’s population continues to age, more Brits are suffering from poor dental hygiene. Age-related gum disease is the most common form of gum disease. This is usually caused by a decrease in the amount of collagen in the body. This loss of collagen leads to a drop in the strength of the connective tissues that support your teeth. This makes your gums more likely to be irritated by bacteria in the mouth. As such, many elderly Brits are at risk of developing gum disease. Gum disease is the fifth most common chronic condition in the world. It’s estimated that half of all adults over the age of 50 will suffer from it. This is particularly worrying when you consider the fact that it’s preventable with the right oral care routine.
5. Faulty Oral Care Habits
The fifth and final reason why Brits have bad teeth is due to faulty oral care habits. What you do with your teeth has a big impact on your health. When people have bad oral hygiene, they usually adopt poor oral care habits. Examples of poor oral care habits include not brushing teeth regularly enough, using the wrong brushing technique, and neglecting to floss. If you’re guilty of any of these habits, it’s likely that your dental health is suffering. Unfortunately, it’s common for people who have bad dental hygiene to not realize it. This is because dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease are painless.
Why Are British Teeth Discoloured?
- Bad teeth are mainly caused by a lack of dental hygiene. Most of the British people who have discolored teeth don’t visit the dentist, and don’t brush their teeth properly – or at all.
- Bad teeth are also caused by the high sugar content in popular alcoholic beverages. When you drink a lot of beer, cider, or other sugary drinks, the bacteria from your mouth start to work on the sugar and break it down.
- This process is what causes bad teeth. Bad teeth can also be caused by smoking and poor diet. If you don’t brush your teeth properly and also eat a lot of sugary foods, you will notice that they start to go yellow or brown.
- Bad teeth are also caused by genetics, some people are just born with bad teeth.
How To Fix Brits Bad Teeth?
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day
You might have heard this many times before but it is the first step to Fixing Brits Bad Teeth. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is the best way to remove plaque which can lead to gum disease and cavities. If you want to avoid a trip to the dentist, you will need to be diligent when it comes to brushing your teeth. While brushing once a day is a minimum required, it’s recommended to brush twice a day for two minutes each time. Not only does this ensure your teeth are thoroughly clean, it also prevents the build-up of bacteria which can cause bad breath and lead to tooth decay.
2. Floss Once A Day
When we were kids, we were taught to floss our teeth but as we got older, we start pushing it to the back burner. The truth is, flossing is an important part of your oral health. In fact, it’s just as important as brushing. While brushing removes plaque and food particles from the surface of your teeth, flossing goes into the crevices and gets rid of the bits that your toothbrush can’t reach. This helps prevent gum disease and cavities which are the main causes of bad teeth. You might not enjoy flossing but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Find what works best for you and make it part of your daily oral hygiene routine.
3. Cut Back On Sugar And Drink Less Alcohol
We all love to indulge in that occasional ice cream or cake or Brits Bad Teeth Fix, you are likely to find that your dentist will recommend cutting back on sugar. Consuming sugary drinks, sweets, and processed foods are some of the main culprits behind bad teeth. Sugar is a bacteria magnet that can lead to cavities and red, swollen gums. When you’re eating sugary foods, bacteria in your mouth turn them into acid. This acid can damage your teeth and cause cavities. To minimize this damage, you should try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks. You can also use an oral rinse, like ACT Anticavity Fluoride Rinse, which helps reduce the amount of acid in your mouth.
4. Visit The Dentist Regularly
It is important to visit the dentist regularly so they can check your teeth for any signs of decay or other potential problems. If left untreated, a small problem could turn into a large one very quickly which could result in serious dental bills. You should visit the dentist at least once a year for a thorough check-up. Depending on your previous dental history, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits (e.g. once every 3 months). If you notice any signs of bad teeth, you should visit the dentist sooner rather than later.
Conclusion
Teeth are an important part of our overall health, and poor dental hygiene can lead to a host of serious health issues. To avoid these problems, it’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to visit a dentist for regular cleanings. Bad teeth are not only aesthetically unpleasing, but they can also be painful and lead to other health problems. If you have bad teeth, there is hope. You can maintain good dental hygiene through daily brushing and flossing and by visiting the dentist for regular cleanings.