There is also currently a glut of inexpensive veneer techs doing grey market work right now resulting in a huge increase in people, especially on social media, getting these hyper white smiles with teeth that look too big for their mouths.
Ugh! I have two veneers on my front teeth after 15 years of a bad crown I got in elementary school. It took weeks of appointments, fittings, whitening and temporaries just to look slightly better than a regular tooth.
My dentist refused to make my teeth too white at risk of it being noticeable and the veneers themselves have small fluoride marks in them to blend with the rest.
When I see too-perfect insta veneers now itās so noticeable and eerie.
I hate the veneers I see online so much. Why are everyones teeth the exact same length?!?! YOUR INCISORS ARE ALLOWED TO BE LONGER THATS WHY THEYRE THERE FFS
I love my boyfriends smile, I would genuinely be so sad if he went off and got veneers. Id support him if he wanted to have his teeth adjusted but I fell in love with his smile as is š„°
Many Americans spend a lot of money on their teeth and their childrenās teeth. Many kids get braces to straighten their teeth when they are younger. Many adults spend a lot of money on whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwash, special whitening products or treatments at dentist offices, etc.. Some people, many celebrities, do end up getting veneers to get that āperfectā white smile.Ā
Even my own dentist say I have pretty teeth on occasion. Admittedly, I do only go twice a year for a cleaning. Other than that, I do regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash on my teeth.
I'm 33 and I've never gone to the dentist for a tooth cleaning lol
ETA: I'm not recommending or bragging about this lol it's just dentists are reserved (in my world) for abscesses, extreme cavities, broken teeth, etc.
They're very expensive and unless there is a significant problem clove oil and bare knuckling can't get me through I don't go to them. The idea of "regularly" going to any medical professional let alone a dentist in particular is just such a financially unviable unfathomable thing to me. Like many people I live in a rural area, work a casual job and have so far been genetically blessed not to run into any major problems skimping on the medical extras of life. It is fine, until one day it is not lol
100% can relate and I wasn't flexing either it just... Yeah feels like some people live in a different world.
Dentists are reserved for abscesses and excessive cavities in my world lol.
It def helps that Iām in a city, but I pay less than $20/month for dental insurance and it comes with 2 free cleanings a year. I havenāt had any cavities so IDK how much that ends up being, but coworker had a root canal for maybe $250.
Dental insurance is really worth it.
I always buy toothpaste and whitening stuff whenever Iām visiting the US. Here in Norway, all the ingredients that makes it actually work is illegal because itās not healthy enough or something. So all our āwhiteningā products are basically useless.
Some of it is genetics. I'm American, and my siblings and I never had braces and have 2.5 cavities with a combined age of 50 years. My family is a very small percentage. Most kids get braces in 4 - 7th grade. So, under the age of 15, usually corporate family insurance which is free or at a super low cost.
I know my parents are soooooo thankful. My father had messed up but had extremely strong teeth and needed braces in his 30s. My mother had perfectly straight teeth, but she's had root canals, veneers, whatever. To deal with the weak enamel. My parents also got "sealants" (sp?) On our grown teeth when they were coming in, and we never ate sugar or junk food. As adults, we don't like sweets.
Also, bad teeth = bad health/ bad life in general in America = no work. If you can't take care of your teeth, why would I hire you for anything?
Having good teeth is just a factor in American society. I wouldn't date a girl with bad teeth or do business with anyone with bad teeth or buy from anyone. If they are foreign, then they get grace.
It's an Ick. It means you dont have insurance, you dont have a job or are too lazy to get state funded medical care
. I don't understand why other countries are so normalized by it. It's gross, we don't even have dental insurance, and our teeth are a world known factor for identifying Americans.
I totally get what you mean by dental hygiene and keeping your teeth white and all but just cuz you got the money to do it dosent mean others have it as well.
I know a friend who's from a country where dental insurance are not that common and kinda expensive. Only top 10% of the population have it. Because of that, they have to prioritize other things and going to the dentist would be the last thing they prioritize.
Hahahaahha, you think we have money here? Most Americans are wages slaves or in massive student loan debt.
We know to brush our teeth, somehow. Like I said we don't have free healthcare, and we still figure out how to take care of our teeth.
Americans having nice teeth is our culture for success and we don't have the money for it, but we still make it happen.
I have an American friend who has pearly whites but never had braces, never whitened and doesn't have veneers. She brushes her teeth after every coffee is all I know.
I'm European and after I'd taken my braces off I went to whiten my teeth - the results were disappointing and *then* they told me that the peroxides and whatever that they use in the States are forbidden in the EU and that the most you can get out of whitening here is to restore your natural tooth color. So unless you have veneers or naturally very white teeth (which is rare) you're not going to have pearlies even with whitening, so there's that.
We brush and floss too btw lol
Teeth are not supposed to be bright white like liquid paper. I find it extremely distracting when a smile is unnaturally white. $0 years ago the only people with perfectly straight white teeth were people with dentures. To this day overly white teeth make me think of dentures.
Totally, I wouldn't want them to be creepy white, but they weren't exactly the "nice" white you'd expect if you know what I mean. Some ppl on TV who go overboard give the uncanny valley vibes for sure.
[like this guy?](https://lasentinel.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/12/steveharvey_tshms_web120.jpg)
(I think these might even be the smaller ones he replaced his first set of piano keys with)
Oh yeah! My friend had been avoiding fluoride with expensive water filters and fancy toothpaste. Her last checkup was a wake-up call and she got some fluoride toothpaste.
Don't be disappointed. If those things are banned, they probably should be. In America, they are fine with letting us get poisoned most of the time. The EU will say "no, you can't put that cancer causing preservative in baby food! That's bad for people and it's not ok." The US says "poison them, it's fine, they pay their own healthcare. We make lore money off them when they are sick".
Fyi, the only preservatives in every baby food I've ever looked at in the US is citric acid/lemon juice. I can't remember if that's by law or not though
Different public health officials and different corporations. In the US, it's because of corporate interests which will lobby against legislation banning things if it will cost them money. I don't know what substances are banned here and not in the EU, but it probably has to do with how they figure into manufacturing and how much pull the industries have. There are a lot of situations in the US where something was discovered to be harmful and toxic, but still peddled to people because it would cost money to change it, or make it harder to produce. They care more about who lines their pockets the people dying.
The US doesn't care much about its people. You can die because you can't afford healthcare. You know we literally dropped an atomic bomb on an area within a few miles of a town, which is still suffering all sorts of issues and cancers even more than 3 generations later. They have allowed pesticides and chemicals and were the last to ban trans fats. They don't do anything about it until it becomes a recognized problem, and people get loud enough about it most of the time.
Or the opposite, if it would benefit them to prevent us having a substance because it would cost them money to give it to us, they will ban it. Weed mainly became illegal because of lobbying by the lumber industry because hemp plants were able to be used rather than lumber, so the powerful industry kicked up a fuss and spread misinformation about it. Meanwhile they will leave recognized harmful substances in food even if people are bothered if it isn't causing a big enough public health issue.
What substances do you allow that we do not?
I rinse for 30 seconds almost every day with 3% hydrogen peroxide that we can get in a grocery store or pharmacy very easily. Any longer and could cause damage, but I've been doing it for ten years. Had my teeth cleaned at the Periodontist yesterday.
I switch between an Periodontist and a Dentist. The Periodontist is more specialized in gum care and they do a far better cleaning, but they don't check for cavities or do fillings, so they make sure I see my regular Dentist too.
Evey 3 months I get a cleaning, and swap between the two. I had a minor dental surgery on one tooth years ago so they want me to go more often. 6 months is more typical.
Interesting: last time I was at the dentist I kept thinking how much more important gum health has been for overall mouth health than my teeth, and why dentists donāt emphasize them more.
Now I know thereās an entirely different profession for that!
As an American living in Europe I have to say that in my experience average hygiene is not on the same level here - dental or otherwise.
I showed 2 of my ex girlfriends how to floss for the first time. My current GF does floss somewhat regularly, but I had to point out to her that if she eats or drinks after ābedtime brushingā it isnāt exactly ideal.
I had the same experience in Japan. It seems most Japanese people donāt floss, even though they sell floss picks at the drug store. One ex told me he didnāt realize people actually did it until he studied abroad in the US.
Central Europe. Iāve traveled around Europe a fair amount and I have lots of friends and colleagues from other European countries also though.
But I spend a lot of time in UK and Spain too and they seem much more closely aligned to American averages. I think the further East you go the further from hygiene standards you drift.
Obviously there are plenty of people with white smiles and good hygiene even here, but thatās my experience with averages.
Oh and, happy cake day!
Honestly it doesn't surprise me, I can say yikes all I want because I know my friends and I have good hygiene, but every few years or so the statistics come out where it says most of the ppl in my country brush once a week. The statistic is based on averages I guess and most normal people don't fall into that category, but if most of my country is rural areas it makes total sense. It's insanely disgusting XD And thanks!
Fluoride in our water system. But also: not all Americans have beautiful teeth and dental care here is WILDLY expensive. Had to have a bridge with 2 implants and 2 crowns & the whole endeavor cost $20,000.
A lot of TV/Film actors and influencers will get their teeth done before theyāre on tv etc so we export a kind of ābeautiful teethā image but itās not really that homogeneous.
Fluoride has such a huge impact. I know someone that spent his first 6 years in a country without fluoridated water. Just that fact that he went without it ruined his teeth.
I also want to point out that the US has very strong education in terms of dental hygiene starting from a young age. And people more vulnerable to neglecting their teeth have the most social programs and outreach education resources provided to them.
My sister-in-law is a special education teacher for children under about age 10 with severe disabilities. (*Very* severe. She has five students and two parapros this year.) One of the things they work on every day is brushing their teeth and other activities of daily living.
Most of her students will never be able to brush their teeth on their own, so her instruction is geared towards simply allowing someone else to do it for them.
The education system considers this a priority because of how distressing and potentially exploitative dental work can be for at-risk children.
>I know someone that spent his first 6 years in a country without fluoridated water. Just that fact that he went without it ruined his teeth.
How would that affect his permanent teeth?
Only some water systems treat their water with fluoride. Itās not as widely spread as some think. It does have an impact. But it is a very polarizing issue. And itās on a city by city basis depending on the opinions of whoever is running things
Itās a combination of things.
Culture. Pearly white teeth are the goals for many Americans. Through veneers, whitening, braces, etc. Not having straight or white teeth is seen as a huge turn off/hygiene/class issue. Many Americans have normal teeth by the worldās standards but will still bleach them until they are dazzling or just get veneers instead. Itās also not weird to see adults with braces to straighten their teeth either.
Water. Water treatment plants in the US put fluoride in the tap water. Usually found in toothpaste elsewhere, this passively helps with dental hygiene.
Marketing. Even with how expensive Dental insurance is here you can buy inexpensive teeth whitening kits at any drugstore and there are commercials for them all the time. There is a Reddit sub called The10thDentist which pokes fun at the line ā9/10 Dentist approve this productā in all of our oral hygiene commercials.
In the film industry itās becoming a joke that you can tell who are the Americans actors in period pieces because they have usually white/straight teeth and it sticks out like a sore thumb lol
I was surprised it took me this long to find someone talking about the fact that āimperfectā teeth are seen as a borderline health issue in America. At least in my experience, itās not the same level as not going to the doctor, but I do think many people consider orthodontics to be necessary. I donāt have kids yet but I already plan on getting them whatever orthodontics needed. Me and my spouse had orthodontics growing up (I still wear a retainer once a week), it just feels like a natural part of growing up š¤·š¼āāļø
Bad teeth are a health issue. I have heart surgery on hold until I can find a dentist to deal with some mouth issues (not covered for some insane reason my regular health insurance). I know someone who had to have a knee replacement redone because an infection from a bad tooth spread to the surgical site (obviously his orthopedic surgeon didn't require a dental clearance like the cardiac surgeon does).
I have said that dental health affects heart health so many times on various subs and Iāve always been shouted down by people who think the corollary is that people who donāt have a dentist often donāt have a gp. Nope, itās that inflammation and plaque in your mouth can infect your heart!! Our circulation is all connected!!
I hope you get everything sorted and recover well.
From some reading I have tried to do, this ideological split between Doctors and dentist has that as one of the causes for the split. Of course, this was back when people were still arguing about the the Germ theory of disease. No one today should disagree with that today.
I think it's the fluoride. I was just talking to my mom about this. Our city water supply was fluoridated in 1973, and when I was in elementary school, they had us swish with a fluoride supplement once a week. It tasted horrible, but I really do think it helped.
Smoking is less common than in Europe and smoking has a negative impact on gums and teeth. There is also a prevalence of watered down coffee compared to espresso-based drinks Europeans tend to have multiple times a day, which also reduces the whiteness of teeth.
When I lived in Spain for 6 months I noticed a big difference in my smile by the time I came back to the states.
I think its more of a trending thing that has become the norm due to movie stars and influencers. Look back quite a few years and this wasn't a thing. Hell, there's some dentists that, if you go to have your teeth cleaned and ask about "bleaching" them, they literally ask if you want them "normal" or Instagram white. Teeth should not be that white.
Itās like those purple toothpastes that look incredible in ads because 95% of the population canāt understand color contrast. Wash out the purple slime in between your teeth and theyāll be the same they were before.
Personally, my parents paid for me to have braces when I was a teen.
After I got them off, Iāve been using whitening strips off and on for over a decade. They last for years so a touch up every few years isnāt too much maintenance.
A lot of people invest in veneers, especially if they work in career fields where your image is important.
Side story: My husbandās cousin visited from France and remarked on how white our teeth were. He asked if we could take him to the store to get some. This was when Crest Whitening Strips were newly on the market. He said they didnāt sell them back home. By the time his trip was over he had bright, white teeth.
The images you see are the ones that are thoughtfully curated for your view. That doesn't mean that all Americans have perfect teeth, but insanely straight white teeth are pushed upon everyone as the pinnacle of good dental health.
The American dental system is much for focused on aesthetics. There are whitening products everywhere, both from dentists and in stores. Orthodontia is really common, even just just cosmetic proposes.
There's this concept that anything except pearly white teeth isn't "right" or "healthy", while there is a wide spectrum of shades of teeth colors that are just fine from a health standpoint. And people also think white teeth means healthy teeth, which is also not necessarily true.
I've seen a lot of pushing for veneers too- not just for celebrities, but for anyone who doesn't like how their teeth look. Improperly made or improperly maintained veneers can also destroy the teeth under them.
In general, it's because Americans are taught that only straight, white teeth are healthy.... But neither of those are actually indicators of dental health.
I've been getting cleaning every 6 months since I was a small child and I had braces. That was pretty standard for everyone I grew up with. The cleaning trend continues into adulthood. Brush twice a day. Never floss.
Braces, whiting regiments (strips or professional, and veneers. I grew up dirt poor but my parents made sure we all got braces because that was the key to open doors for better opportunities.
I donāt know about the rest of Europe but in the UK dentistry is free until youāre 18 and most children spent their teen years in braces. At least in my area anyway.
Because dental care and orthodontia are very common and widespread. And because celebrities in America have good teeth, so if you don't, you can get whitening and veneers and braces and caps.
Sadly it doesn't mean we actually have better teeth. I have straight, even teeth that never needed braces. But they are also rapidly breaking down do to health issues, and most of my molars are more filling and crowns the teeth.
We also most often get our wisdom teeth removed fairly young, so they don't push and shift our teeth together later in life.
Finally, fluoride in water. It helps a lot.
You can buy whitening toothpastes and teeth whitening kits in stores. It isn't difficult to whiten teeth. Dental care isn't universal. But even if you can't afford to actually care for your teeth at a dentist, most will scrape up the $ for some whitening teeth products. Don't be fooled by all the white though.... it doesn't necessarily mean great oral healthcare. ;)
My first thought (as an American) is that orthodontics is extremely common for us in our adolescent years. Basic dental care may not always be the best as adults, but our teeth will be straight at least.
Because we make such a big deal about it if someoneās teeth are ugly. Everyoneās had braces or something like that, the dental industry is built on shame
Iāve heard that the fluoride in the toothpaste they buy is higher levels than legally permitted in the EU so might be one factor but idk shit about it honestly.
There is an expectation in American society that everyone takes care of his/her teeth by brushing twice a day and going to the dentist twice a year. Not everybody does this, and only some people actually floss, but this general expectation has definitely maintained a good standard of dental care for at least the last fifty years. Also, most people of means (upper middle class and above) get orthodontic (straightening) work for their kidsā teeth if needed. Add to this the fact that most celebrities do some bleaching or veneers, and that should explain it.
Itās been beaten into our heads from a young age that we have to get our teeth cleaned by a dentist every 6 months (or 3 months if youāve got bad gums). During the check up, they will polish your teeth. Itās also customary for kids to get braces in their teens. For parents, being able to afford braces for your kids is a sign that youāve made it. So lots of families I knew growing up saved money for the procedure or the kids themselves worked summer jobs to pay for it themselves usually at Western Dental, a low cost dental office chain. We are taught that first impressions are everything. You can be poor and wearing last yearās fashion but if you have at least a beautiful smile then just maybe the universe will smile back at you.
š¤£š¤£š¤£ you should see half my co-workers. Dipping is a regular thing in the US and most who do it have their teeth falling out and corroded by 40 years old.
Itās very common in the military regardless of geography, but obviously this is also pretty niche. I donāt personally know anyone outside of the military who dips or chews.
Iāve spent 10k on my teeth and Iām still working on them.
I think for Americans good teeth are perceived as a sign of good health.
Weāre also a very image conscious, vain society compared to the other places Iāve lived.
Gotta go, I have a dentist appointment.
As an American, a lot of fucking money that some of us donāt have. Right now I have 2 cavities that are causing me constant pain and need to be fixed asap, my gums bleed all the time, and I can only shew on one side of my mouth. I brush and floss everyday but I need dental surgery that costs 1800$ and I donāt have insurance.
Its a beauty standard in the US to have nice teeth. Everyone gets braces when theyre young so theres pressure to have nice teeth. Whitening products, flossing, brushing twice a day. I think its an unhealthy habit tbh but yea its the norm so people go with the norm
For decades teeth have one of the most prominent exterior indicators of class in America. Braces and cosmetics dental work is very expensive, if you have bad teeth and never had the needed work done to improve the aesthetics, itās likely because it was so expensive.
Other than the obvious points already stated, Iām pretty sure itās also due to the fact that Americans are smoking less, especially compared to Europe. After living in England and traveling to adjacent countries, Iāve noticed that so many people smoke. Like everywhere, constantly, and they all have smokerās mouth. Smoking does horrible things to your oral hygiene, no matter how much you brush, floss, etc.
It's recommended to go to the dentist every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning. There's also fluoride added to 75% of our tap water.
We also have extensive dental care that starts as children. Honestly, most people probably have had braces growing up.
As an American, I will say I am "shocked" when I see someone with imperfect teeth, due to how common dentistry and orthodontics are in my area. It's something I'm not proud of, but I'm not going to lie and say it doesn't happen.
Where are you from?
Fluoride in the water & dental insurance being relatively cheap help. If you're across an ocean from the US, there's some selective bias in relation to wealth.
I believe it's all about genetics. I spend literally thousands on my teeth (state of the art sonicare toothbrush, regular checkups, fillings and root canals). They still break regularly and look like shit.
As a preteen, my parents put a lot of time and money into my mouth to make sure I had good self esteem when I got older. Iāve had 4 molars pulled, an expander, spacers and then braces + other less extensive regular dental care. I take extra special care of my teeth now as an adult so all those years of dental visits and money spent werenāt wasted.
I canāt thank my parents enough for that. My teeth were awfully crooked and crowded on top of each other beforeā¦. Would have sucked to have that situation during puberty and adulthood.
I do now, but it wasn't always so! I got my braces at 29, and got them off after 22 months. After many years of being insecure about my teeth, getting braces was the nicest thing I've ever done for myself. :)
Teeth are one of the subtle signs of wealth or poverty. You can tell a lot about how someone grew up based on their teeth. Americans are pathological about not appearing poor
American culture kinda pushes it forward and is a part of the unrealistic beauty standards thatāve been set to chase. Braces used to be more common but Invisalign is much more popular and isnāt much more expensive, hardly anyone can see it. Whitening solution is in the majority of toothpastes and many say fluoride plays a part in it as well.
Fluoride in the water, veneers for celebrities, widespread whitening agents in toothpaste and professional whitening services, and (formerly) widespread access to dental care. The dental care is much more expensive these days as fewer employers provide dental insurance and the coverage keeps getting worse.
my parents brushed my teeth up until i was about like 11 or 12 not because i wouldnāt do it myself but just because they wanted to ig anyways this kind of formed a really strong habit for me when i was able to brush my teeth on my own and along side with a fear or having dental problems like cavaties , bad breath etc . i hate bugs so just thinking that cavaties are like mouth bugs i take EXTRA steps to make sure my mouth is throughly clean , thankfully i was blessed with straight teeth
I thought it had to do with healthcare coverage. I thought I had heard that the NHS in Britain doesn't cover any dental care. Whereas in the US, a lot of health insurance (if you can get it) will cover dental for fairly cheap.
NHS dental service is free for children under 18! In my experience myself and most kids at school got braces for free but maintenance as an adult can definitely be a bit pricier
I had braces twice growing up, and I also have a permanent retainer on both my top and bottom teeth to maintain the straightness. My sister's basically had the same treatment and my teeth aren't perfectly white by any means but I'm pretty strict with my teeth cleaning routine. I brush, floss, and use mouthwash twice a day. Sometimes I floss more tbh.
For me people with (obviously) fake teeth seem superficial and fake. When in conversation, I try not to look at them (the teeth) because they kind of creep me out.
Fluoride, emphasis on early dental hygiene, emphasis on straight teeth leading to orthotics/braces.
Itās not universal is the US but people with the ability to spend $$ on dental care usually do.
Children's medicaid and CHIPS cover dental care and some schools even arrange for dental care at the school such as basic cleanings and teaching children about dental hygiene.
More readily available dental that's often covered by medical insurance. Also we put flouride in our water which doesn't clean the teeth. But it does help to a capacity
Dental work is super expensive here, but there is some societal expectations and a lot of media/celebrity exposure that drives people to replicate their smile.
The latest trend among my friends (and some family members) is veneers, some look quite natural, while others are unrealistically white.
Where are you seeing these Americans?
Yes, some people here have great teeth but over the last few years, actually I think its over a decade, I have noticed more people with frankly poor looking teeth and there really are fewer people smiling (although that might be due to other reasons).
Considering you're probably basing your opinion from movies and TV shows, it's not totally accurate.
People who have insurance from their employer have dental care.
But that wouldn't cover cosmetic procedures like veneers, braces and whitening, so not everyone has that Hollywood smile.
Fluoride treated water. Itās everywhere here as most places have fluoride treated programs and facilities. Its stops tooth decay
(https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/water-fluoridation-and-cancer-risk.html)
Dentures. Lots and lots of people wearing either partial or full dentures. Most people can't tell the difference.
Many actors and celebrities wear them too once they hit 40's, 50's, 60's, etc. You can tell because the shape of their teeth changes completely.
I know a few people in their 20's and 30's who wear full dentures. It's unfortunate, but it is what it is.
Whitening treatments are a big thing here, so much so that my dentist recommended an inexpensive and an expensive professional option recently, neither of which I've done, but now I understand why everyone else's teeth are white. Also, dentists tend to do a lot of work to make sure teeth are functional and healthy as well as aesthetically pleasing. Braces and other devices are used, as well as other technology. Some dentists I've used in the past have had pictures hanging of "before" and "after" pictures of how they've improved the look of people's teeth. Lots of money in the dental industry, and most people can only afford to go to dentists if they have dental insurance through work.
As other have said lot of people spend lots of money on straightening and whitening. I was lucky and born with āgreatā according to every dentist Iāve had so I got that going for me
If you came to where I'm at (one of the lowest average income cities in the country) you would see a big difference in how many people have beautiful, straight, white teeth. Quality dental care is a luxury here, if you're seeing a lot of great teeth in one place, you're in a high income area.
It's socially expected to correct crooked teeth when young when the insurance companies will actually cover having them done (they often won't for adults). We also have LOTS of whitening peroxide in our toothpaste.
Peroxide (bleach, basically). Many US teeth whitening treatments have it in, including ones you can get over the counter, but itās banned in the EU and presumably other places.
I think they look like crap. Natural teeth are less of a distraction. Imagine all the post apocalypse actors having perfect teeth. Makes no sense. I recall a few like that. Even in pirates of the Caribbean.Ā
Many of us don't have the white, straight, perfect teeth you see on actors. However, orthodontics and whitening treatments are a pretty big industry here.
We are made to feel like absolute shit if we do not brush at least twice a day. Braces are the norm for most areas. Family dentists are in every neighborhood. Our society is fairly superficial, not to say entirely.
Because dental care standards are high in American society. People donāt want to be the only ones in the community whose kids have ugly teeth because they were the only ones who didnāt get braces. For example.
But other than that, there are tons of teeth whitening products on the market and people judge you if you have ugly teeth. The social incentive to protect your smile is super high.
But also, most foreign people donāt interact personally with many Americans. If you do, then you are likely interacting with wealthy Americans who have the opportunity to live and work abroad, or at least travel. So your sample size is skewed. And what that leaves is Americans you know through social media. And all of them are using teeth whitening filters on their instagram pictures. But also itās the same effect. If they make their living via social media, then they are likely privileged to begin with and therefore more likely to have good teeth.
because we live in a hypercompetitive culture, and you need to muster any and all advantages you can, including your looks to succeed in this godforsaken place
We, much to the chagrin of certain individuals, put fluoride in the water.
Studies showed that kids with fluoridated water had less cavities than those who grew up with well water.
But remember dear asker... White, straight and bright doesn't always mean HEALTHY.
Some of these people who whiten their teeths have weakened enamel, sensitivity, and other countless issues (former dental assistant here, I saw it all)
A new soft bristled toothbrush is a LOT cheaper than some of these whitening products. (And yes use soft bristled and no kung fu grip force. You'll literally brush away your enamel and that's supposed to be the strongest thing in your whole body)
braces are and teeth whitening are the norm rather than an exception. I'm the only one in my family who hasn't had braces. I whiten teeth for special occasions(mostly to avoid comments of my yellow teeth in photos by my mom)
I had tetracycline stains on my teeth at a very early age, always got teased and called horrible names. In 1984, got veneers when I was in my early '20s. They were thick and didn't look natural, but I had white teeth for the first time. Somewhere around 2005, I got new veneers that looked much better. My reason was strictly cosmetic and improved my confidence.
In germany those teeth will do you no favors as people perceive them as unnatural and scary.
Alot of times i have heard the same comment on american actors.
"Wtf is up with his teeth?"
There is a thing where its too straight and too white and it has an uncanny valley effect to it.
Veneers are by far the #1 plastic surgery performed in the US. Plus most people put braces on their kids and there are a huge amount of whitening products on the market. Basically we pay a huge amount of money for this beauty standard.
One of the few pros of our healthcare "industry," imho. Dental work for kids is usually super inexpensive, and most insurance only charges pennies for maintenance work (some plans pay 100% even)
There's definitely some exceptions. Braces can be hella expensive on some plans. Restorative procedures (capping, crowning, implants, etc) are prohibitively costed, but canals and getting teeth pulled is usually super cheap.
So, it's kinda like drugs. They get you coming in regularly, doing the protective coating and maintenance cleaning on the cheap, making sure your smile is amazing, so they can fleece tf out of you when it comes time for something big.
And it will come. The food industry loves using additives and other things that completely destroy your chompers.
But you've had that perfect smile for so long, you're likely willing to go ahead and go in debt to keep it.
My parents gave me braces growing up, we brush and floss a lot But if you're talking about famous people, veneers are also a thing
There is also currently a glut of inexpensive veneer techs doing grey market work right now resulting in a huge increase in people, especially on social media, getting these hyper white smiles with teeth that look too big for their mouths.
I'm so surprised how these people with their "2 day course certifications" are still practicing. It has malpractice written all over it š«
100% because they have no real certifications
Itās not malpractice when you donāt have a license. Itās just simply criminal.
Ugh! I have two veneers on my front teeth after 15 years of a bad crown I got in elementary school. It took weeks of appointments, fittings, whitening and temporaries just to look slightly better than a regular tooth. My dentist refused to make my teeth too white at risk of it being noticeable and the veneers themselves have small fluoride marks in them to blend with the rest. When I see too-perfect insta veneers now itās so noticeable and eerie.
I hate the veneers I see online so much. Why are everyones teeth the exact same length?!?! YOUR INCISORS ARE ALLOWED TO BE LONGER THATS WHY THEYRE THERE FFS
Sexy when longer too! Iāll never do my bottom teeth because I would hate to lack the character of slightly off teeth
I love my boyfriends smile, I would genuinely be so sad if he went off and got veneers. Id support him if he wanted to have his teeth adjusted but I fell in love with his smile as is š„°
I shudder to think how all of it will age especially for those who run into unexpected financial difficulties..
Itās mostly just because of all the fluoride
Yup exactly and most toothpaste are labeled/geared towards lightening
And it's like taking a Mr Clean Magic Eraser to your teeth.
Many Americans spend a lot of money on their teeth and their childrenās teeth. Many kids get braces to straighten their teeth when they are younger. Many adults spend a lot of money on whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwash, special whitening products or treatments at dentist offices, etc.. Some people, many celebrities, do end up getting veneers to get that āperfectā white smile.Ā
Even my own dentist say I have pretty teeth on occasion. Admittedly, I do only go twice a year for a cleaning. Other than that, I do regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash on my teeth.
Cleanings are recommended every 6 months so thatās quite normal.
I'm 33 and I've never gone to the dentist for a tooth cleaning lol ETA: I'm not recommending or bragging about this lol it's just dentists are reserved (in my world) for abscesses, extreme cavities, broken teeth, etc. They're very expensive and unless there is a significant problem clove oil and bare knuckling can't get me through I don't go to them. The idea of "regularly" going to any medical professional let alone a dentist in particular is just such a financially unviable unfathomable thing to me. Like many people I live in a rural area, work a casual job and have so far been genetically blessed not to run into any major problems skimping on the medical extras of life. It is fine, until one day it is not lol
I havenāt been to a dentist since I was 10, still have my wisdom teeth too. (Not flexing just poor)
100% can relate and I wasn't flexing either it just... Yeah feels like some people live in a different world. Dentists are reserved for abscesses and excessive cavities in my world lol.
It def helps that Iām in a city, but I pay less than $20/month for dental insurance and it comes with 2 free cleanings a year. I havenāt had any cavities so IDK how much that ends up being, but coworker had a root canal for maybe $250. Dental insurance is really worth it.
0/10 dentist recommend this.
Yeah but it doesn't matter what they recommend, it matters what they cost.
That's what you are supposed to do, so you are good. If you go more than that, it's to get something fixed because it's wrong. š
I always buy toothpaste and whitening stuff whenever Iām visiting the US. Here in Norway, all the ingredients that makes it actually work is illegal because itās not healthy enough or something. So all our āwhiteningā products are basically useless.
Oh damn, I thought our whitening toothpastes were just really abrasive. I have stopped using them because I don't wanna keep grinding them down.
Which leads to regular Americans seeking the same, and often through the same means.
Some of it is genetics. I'm American, and my siblings and I never had braces and have 2.5 cavities with a combined age of 50 years. My family is a very small percentage. Most kids get braces in 4 - 7th grade. So, under the age of 15, usually corporate family insurance which is free or at a super low cost. I know my parents are soooooo thankful. My father had messed up but had extremely strong teeth and needed braces in his 30s. My mother had perfectly straight teeth, but she's had root canals, veneers, whatever. To deal with the weak enamel. My parents also got "sealants" (sp?) On our grown teeth when they were coming in, and we never ate sugar or junk food. As adults, we don't like sweets. Also, bad teeth = bad health/ bad life in general in America = no work. If you can't take care of your teeth, why would I hire you for anything? Having good teeth is just a factor in American society. I wouldn't date a girl with bad teeth or do business with anyone with bad teeth or buy from anyone. If they are foreign, then they get grace. It's an Ick. It means you dont have insurance, you dont have a job or are too lazy to get state funded medical care . I don't understand why other countries are so normalized by it. It's gross, we don't even have dental insurance, and our teeth are a world known factor for identifying Americans.
I totally get what you mean by dental hygiene and keeping your teeth white and all but just cuz you got the money to do it dosent mean others have it as well. I know a friend who's from a country where dental insurance are not that common and kinda expensive. Only top 10% of the population have it. Because of that, they have to prioritize other things and going to the dentist would be the last thing they prioritize.
Hahahaahha, you think we have money here? Most Americans are wages slaves or in massive student loan debt. We know to brush our teeth, somehow. Like I said we don't have free healthcare, and we still figure out how to take care of our teeth. Americans having nice teeth is our culture for success and we don't have the money for it, but we still make it happen.
I have an American friend who has pearly whites but never had braces, never whitened and doesn't have veneers. She brushes her teeth after every coffee is all I know. I'm European and after I'd taken my braces off I went to whiten my teeth - the results were disappointing and *then* they told me that the peroxides and whatever that they use in the States are forbidden in the EU and that the most you can get out of whitening here is to restore your natural tooth color. So unless you have veneers or naturally very white teeth (which is rare) you're not going to have pearlies even with whitening, so there's that. We brush and floss too btw lol
Teeth are not supposed to be bright white like liquid paper. I find it extremely distracting when a smile is unnaturally white. $0 years ago the only people with perfectly straight white teeth were people with dentures. To this day overly white teeth make me think of dentures.
Totally, I wouldn't want them to be creepy white, but they weren't exactly the "nice" white you'd expect if you know what I mean. Some ppl on TV who go overboard give the uncanny valley vibes for sure.
[like this guy?](https://lasentinel.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2016/12/steveharvey_tshms_web120.jpg) (I think these might even be the smaller ones he replaced his first set of piano keys with)
>$0 years ago I assume this means 40 years, right?
We also often have fluoride in the water. So that strengthens the teeth passively.
Oh yeah! My friend had been avoiding fluoride with expensive water filters and fancy toothpaste. Her last checkup was a wake-up call and she got some fluoride toothpaste.
Don't be disappointed. If those things are banned, they probably should be. In America, they are fine with letting us get poisoned most of the time. The EU will say "no, you can't put that cancer causing preservative in baby food! That's bad for people and it's not ok." The US says "poison them, it's fine, they pay their own healthcare. We make lore money off them when they are sick".
Fyi, the only preservatives in every baby food I've ever looked at in the US is citric acid/lemon juice. I can't remember if that's by law or not though
Interesting take cause a lot of substances that are allowed are banned in the US.
No kinder eggs in the USA though
Yes because it is logical to allow plastic toys inside of chocolate.
Different public health officials and different corporations. In the US, it's because of corporate interests which will lobby against legislation banning things if it will cost them money. I don't know what substances are banned here and not in the EU, but it probably has to do with how they figure into manufacturing and how much pull the industries have. There are a lot of situations in the US where something was discovered to be harmful and toxic, but still peddled to people because it would cost money to change it, or make it harder to produce. They care more about who lines their pockets the people dying. The US doesn't care much about its people. You can die because you can't afford healthcare. You know we literally dropped an atomic bomb on an area within a few miles of a town, which is still suffering all sorts of issues and cancers even more than 3 generations later. They have allowed pesticides and chemicals and were the last to ban trans fats. They don't do anything about it until it becomes a recognized problem, and people get loud enough about it most of the time. Or the opposite, if it would benefit them to prevent us having a substance because it would cost them money to give it to us, they will ban it. Weed mainly became illegal because of lobbying by the lumber industry because hemp plants were able to be used rather than lumber, so the powerful industry kicked up a fuss and spread misinformation about it. Meanwhile they will leave recognized harmful substances in food even if people are bothered if it isn't causing a big enough public health issue. What substances do you allow that we do not?
Yeah you speak as someone who is highly opinionated but not very knowledgeable about the subject
Exactly this. (Also sounds like a lot of redditors.)
do you have any evidence to back these claims?
I rinse for 30 seconds almost every day with 3% hydrogen peroxide that we can get in a grocery store or pharmacy very easily. Any longer and could cause damage, but I've been doing it for ten years. Had my teeth cleaned at the Periodontist yesterday. I switch between an Periodontist and a Dentist. The Periodontist is more specialized in gum care and they do a far better cleaning, but they don't check for cavities or do fillings, so they make sure I see my regular Dentist too. Evey 3 months I get a cleaning, and swap between the two. I had a minor dental surgery on one tooth years ago so they want me to go more often. 6 months is more typical.
Interesting: last time I was at the dentist I kept thinking how much more important gum health has been for overall mouth health than my teeth, and why dentists donāt emphasize them more. Now I know thereās an entirely different profession for that!
Growing up my mom always emphasized mouth hygiene and she always took us to a periodontist.
As an American living in Europe I have to say that in my experience average hygiene is not on the same level here - dental or otherwise. I showed 2 of my ex girlfriends how to floss for the first time. My current GF does floss somewhat regularly, but I had to point out to her that if she eats or drinks after ābedtime brushingā it isnāt exactly ideal.
I had the same experience in Japan. It seems most Japanese people donāt floss, even though they sell floss picks at the drug store. One ex told me he didnāt realize people actually did it until he studied abroad in the US.
Yikes, where in Europe do you live?
Central Europe. Iāve traveled around Europe a fair amount and I have lots of friends and colleagues from other European countries also though. But I spend a lot of time in UK and Spain too and they seem much more closely aligned to American averages. I think the further East you go the further from hygiene standards you drift. Obviously there are plenty of people with white smiles and good hygiene even here, but thatās my experience with averages. Oh and, happy cake day!
Honestly it doesn't surprise me, I can say yikes all I want because I know my friends and I have good hygiene, but every few years or so the statistics come out where it says most of the ppl in my country brush once a week. The statistic is based on averages I guess and most normal people don't fall into that category, but if most of my country is rural areas it makes total sense. It's insanely disgusting XD And thanks!
Has to be France, they stink
I enjoy cooking.
Fluoride in our water system. But also: not all Americans have beautiful teeth and dental care here is WILDLY expensive. Had to have a bridge with 2 implants and 2 crowns & the whole endeavor cost $20,000. A lot of TV/Film actors and influencers will get their teeth done before theyāre on tv etc so we export a kind of ābeautiful teethā image but itās not really that homogeneous.
Fluoride has such a huge impact. I know someone that spent his first 6 years in a country without fluoridated water. Just that fact that he went without it ruined his teeth. I also want to point out that the US has very strong education in terms of dental hygiene starting from a young age. And people more vulnerable to neglecting their teeth have the most social programs and outreach education resources provided to them.
My sister-in-law is a special education teacher for children under about age 10 with severe disabilities. (*Very* severe. She has five students and two parapros this year.) One of the things they work on every day is brushing their teeth and other activities of daily living. Most of her students will never be able to brush their teeth on their own, so her instruction is geared towards simply allowing someone else to do it for them. The education system considers this a priority because of how distressing and potentially exploitative dental work can be for at-risk children.
>I know someone that spent his first 6 years in a country without fluoridated water. Just that fact that he went without it ruined his teeth. How would that affect his permanent teeth?
Good question. I wonder this also. I assume the fluoride somehow makes its way up to the adult teeth? Youād have to ask a dentist.
So true! My family moved to London for a while growing up and the timing of it caused my brother to have more teeth issues than my sister and I.
Only some water systems treat their water with fluoride. Itās not as widely spread as some think. It does have an impact. But it is a very polarizing issue. And itās on a city by city basis depending on the opinions of whoever is running things
Thank you! Fluoride is such a huge impact!
Celebrities are a lot less common than meth addicts in America, and anyone whoās been around those teeth can attest to their quality
Yes also other chronic issues like in my case: depression. That can wreak havoc on your teeth.
I hope you're not basing that judgement on seeing American celebrities, because most of them have fully-capped teeth.
Itās a combination of things. Culture. Pearly white teeth are the goals for many Americans. Through veneers, whitening, braces, etc. Not having straight or white teeth is seen as a huge turn off/hygiene/class issue. Many Americans have normal teeth by the worldās standards but will still bleach them until they are dazzling or just get veneers instead. Itās also not weird to see adults with braces to straighten their teeth either. Water. Water treatment plants in the US put fluoride in the tap water. Usually found in toothpaste elsewhere, this passively helps with dental hygiene. Marketing. Even with how expensive Dental insurance is here you can buy inexpensive teeth whitening kits at any drugstore and there are commercials for them all the time. There is a Reddit sub called The10thDentist which pokes fun at the line ā9/10 Dentist approve this productā in all of our oral hygiene commercials. In the film industry itās becoming a joke that you can tell who are the Americans actors in period pieces because they have usually white/straight teeth and it sticks out like a sore thumb lol
I was surprised it took me this long to find someone talking about the fact that āimperfectā teeth are seen as a borderline health issue in America. At least in my experience, itās not the same level as not going to the doctor, but I do think many people consider orthodontics to be necessary. I donāt have kids yet but I already plan on getting them whatever orthodontics needed. Me and my spouse had orthodontics growing up (I still wear a retainer once a week), it just feels like a natural part of growing up š¤·š¼āāļø
Bad teeth are a health issue. I have heart surgery on hold until I can find a dentist to deal with some mouth issues (not covered for some insane reason my regular health insurance). I know someone who had to have a knee replacement redone because an infection from a bad tooth spread to the surgical site (obviously his orthopedic surgeon didn't require a dental clearance like the cardiac surgeon does).
I have said that dental health affects heart health so many times on various subs and Iāve always been shouted down by people who think the corollary is that people who donāt have a dentist often donāt have a gp. Nope, itās that inflammation and plaque in your mouth can infect your heart!! Our circulation is all connected!! I hope you get everything sorted and recover well.
From some reading I have tried to do, this ideological split between Doctors and dentist has that as one of the causes for the split. Of course, this was back when people were still arguing about the the Germ theory of disease. No one today should disagree with that today.
I think it's the fluoride. I was just talking to my mom about this. Our city water supply was fluoridated in 1973, and when I was in elementary school, they had us swish with a fluoride supplement once a week. It tasted horrible, but I really do think it helped.
Smoking is less common than in Europe and smoking has a negative impact on gums and teeth. There is also a prevalence of watered down coffee compared to espresso-based drinks Europeans tend to have multiple times a day, which also reduces the whiteness of teeth. When I lived in Spain for 6 months I noticed a big difference in my smile by the time I came back to the states.
I think its more of a trending thing that has become the norm due to movie stars and influencers. Look back quite a few years and this wasn't a thing. Hell, there's some dentists that, if you go to have your teeth cleaned and ask about "bleaching" them, they literally ask if you want them "normal" or Instagram white. Teeth should not be that white.
The ones that are almost blue theyāre so white
Itās like those purple toothpastes that look incredible in ads because 95% of the population canāt understand color contrast. Wash out the purple slime in between your teeth and theyāll be the same they were before.
If you look at a 70s/80s high school yearbook, a LOT more people have crooked/gap teeth or weird jawlines
Personally, my parents paid for me to have braces when I was a teen. After I got them off, Iāve been using whitening strips off and on for over a decade. They last for years so a touch up every few years isnāt too much maintenance. A lot of people invest in veneers, especially if they work in career fields where your image is important. Side story: My husbandās cousin visited from France and remarked on how white our teeth were. He asked if we could take him to the store to get some. This was when Crest Whitening Strips were newly on the market. He said they didnāt sell them back home. By the time his trip was over he had bright, white teeth.
They whitening or do veneers.
Lots of veneers if can be afforded.
I heard veneers, dental treatment in US is expensive, so some people fly to Mexico to do it?
Over the counter products containing Hydrogen Peroxide for teeth whitening are heavily restricted in the EU and UK.
The images you see are the ones that are thoughtfully curated for your view. That doesn't mean that all Americans have perfect teeth, but insanely straight white teeth are pushed upon everyone as the pinnacle of good dental health.
The American dental system is much for focused on aesthetics. There are whitening products everywhere, both from dentists and in stores. Orthodontia is really common, even just just cosmetic proposes. There's this concept that anything except pearly white teeth isn't "right" or "healthy", while there is a wide spectrum of shades of teeth colors that are just fine from a health standpoint. And people also think white teeth means healthy teeth, which is also not necessarily true. I've seen a lot of pushing for veneers too- not just for celebrities, but for anyone who doesn't like how their teeth look. Improperly made or improperly maintained veneers can also destroy the teeth under them. In general, it's because Americans are taught that only straight, white teeth are healthy.... But neither of those are actually indicators of dental health.
I've been getting cleaning every 6 months since I was a small child and I had braces. That was pretty standard for everyone I grew up with. The cleaning trend continues into adulthood. Brush twice a day. Never floss.
Since you never floss, dont you ever get gum problems like gum disease?
Not even once. I inconsistently use mouth wash.
Iām surprised. Good for you though
Mouth wash can cause all sorts of issues with drying out your gums.
Braces, whiting regiments (strips or professional, and veneers. I grew up dirt poor but my parents made sure we all got braces because that was the key to open doors for better opportunities.
I donāt know about the rest of Europe but in the UK dentistry is free until youāre 18 and most children spent their teen years in braces. At least in my area anyway.
Iām in Canada, orthodontics unfortunately is not free
Because dental care and orthodontia are very common and widespread. And because celebrities in America have good teeth, so if you don't, you can get whitening and veneers and braces and caps. Sadly it doesn't mean we actually have better teeth. I have straight, even teeth that never needed braces. But they are also rapidly breaking down do to health issues, and most of my molars are more filling and crowns the teeth. We also most often get our wisdom teeth removed fairly young, so they don't push and shift our teeth together later in life. Finally, fluoride in water. It helps a lot.
You can buy whitening toothpastes and teeth whitening kits in stores. It isn't difficult to whiten teeth. Dental care isn't universal. But even if you can't afford to actually care for your teeth at a dentist, most will scrape up the $ for some whitening teeth products. Don't be fooled by all the white though.... it doesn't necessarily mean great oral healthcare. ;)
My first thought (as an American) is that orthodontics is extremely common for us in our adolescent years. Basic dental care may not always be the best as adults, but our teeth will be straight at least.
Because we make such a big deal about it if someoneās teeth are ugly. Everyoneās had braces or something like that, the dental industry is built on shame
Iāve heard that the fluoride in the toothpaste they buy is higher levels than legally permitted in the EU so might be one factor but idk shit about it honestly.
itās so funny cause growing up poor in america, i know so many people, including myself who canāt afford dental care.
There is an expectation in American society that everyone takes care of his/her teeth by brushing twice a day and going to the dentist twice a year. Not everybody does this, and only some people actually floss, but this general expectation has definitely maintained a good standard of dental care for at least the last fifty years. Also, most people of means (upper middle class and above) get orthodontic (straightening) work for their kidsā teeth if needed. Add to this the fact that most celebrities do some bleaching or veneers, and that should explain it.
Itās been beaten into our heads from a young age that we have to get our teeth cleaned by a dentist every 6 months (or 3 months if youāve got bad gums). During the check up, they will polish your teeth. Itās also customary for kids to get braces in their teens. For parents, being able to afford braces for your kids is a sign that youāve made it. So lots of families I knew growing up saved money for the procedure or the kids themselves worked summer jobs to pay for it themselves usually at Western Dental, a low cost dental office chain. We are taught that first impressions are everything. You can be poor and wearing last yearās fashion but if you have at least a beautiful smile then just maybe the universe will smile back at you.
š¤£š¤£š¤£ you should see half my co-workers. Dipping is a regular thing in the US and most who do it have their teeth falling out and corroded by 40 years old.
I wouldnāt say itās regular. Definitely regional, socioeconomic, and industry-related. Itās not super rare, but not common by any means.
I personally only know one person who uses chewing tobacco and itās my cousinās redneck fiancĆ©. So definitely regional
Itās very common in the military regardless of geography, but obviously this is also pretty niche. I donāt personally know anyone outside of the military who dips or chews.
Dipping is definitely regional. I can't say I see many people in my city do it.
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I know a few people younger than me who have a full set of false teeth. Perfectly straight and white.
This. I worked with a girl that had dentures by the time she was 20. She grew up in poor Appalachia where dental care was not a priority.
I've never met anybody who chews tobacco. I can count the smokers I know on one hand.(actually on one finger) I think your experience is an exception.
Or maybe yours is.
or both. we could be opposite ends of the spectrum with a true average in the middle.
I live in the Bay Area and have only ever met one person who does this. Not very common here at all
Iāve spent 10k on my teeth and Iām still working on them. I think for Americans good teeth are perceived as a sign of good health. Weāre also a very image conscious, vain society compared to the other places Iāve lived. Gotta go, I have a dentist appointment.
As an American, a lot of fucking money that some of us donāt have. Right now I have 2 cavities that are causing me constant pain and need to be fixed asap, my gums bleed all the time, and I can only shew on one side of my mouth. I brush and floss everyday but I need dental surgery that costs 1800$ and I donāt have insurance.
Its a beauty standard in the US to have nice teeth. Everyone gets braces when theyre young so theres pressure to have nice teeth. Whitening products, flossing, brushing twice a day. I think its an unhealthy habit tbh but yea its the norm so people go with the norm
For decades teeth have one of the most prominent exterior indicators of class in America. Braces and cosmetics dental work is very expensive, if you have bad teeth and never had the needed work done to improve the aesthetics, itās likely because it was so expensive.
Other than the obvious points already stated, Iām pretty sure itās also due to the fact that Americans are smoking less, especially compared to Europe. After living in England and traveling to adjacent countries, Iāve noticed that so many people smoke. Like everywhere, constantly, and they all have smokerās mouth. Smoking does horrible things to your oral hygiene, no matter how much you brush, floss, etc.
It's recommended to go to the dentist every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning. There's also fluoride added to 75% of our tap water. We also have extensive dental care that starts as children. Honestly, most people probably have had braces growing up.
I brush and floss 24/7. Also, I have insurance for my healthā¦. Sooooooo, why not use it?
Do they?
As an American, I will say I am "shocked" when I see someone with imperfect teeth, due to how common dentistry and orthodontics are in my area. It's something I'm not proud of, but I'm not going to lie and say it doesn't happen.
Where are you from? Fluoride in the water & dental insurance being relatively cheap help. If you're across an ocean from the US, there's some selective bias in relation to wealth.
Braces and whitening treatments are very common
Definitely veneers. Especially in SoCal.
I believe it's all about genetics. I spend literally thousands on my teeth (state of the art sonicare toothbrush, regular checkups, fillings and root canals). They still break regularly and look like shit.
With the amount of money dental care costs, the least they can do is make it look nice.
As a preteen, my parents put a lot of time and money into my mouth to make sure I had good self esteem when I got older. Iāve had 4 molars pulled, an expander, spacers and then braces + other less extensive regular dental care. I take extra special care of my teeth now as an adult so all those years of dental visits and money spent werenāt wasted. I canāt thank my parents enough for that. My teeth were awfully crooked and crowded on top of each other beforeā¦. Would have sucked to have that situation during puberty and adulthood.
It became easier with the use of whitening strips
People judge you by your teeth
I do now, but it wasn't always so! I got my braces at 29, and got them off after 22 months. After many years of being insecure about my teeth, getting braces was the nicest thing I've ever done for myself. :)
Teeth are one of the subtle signs of wealth or poverty. You can tell a lot about how someone grew up based on their teeth. Americans are pathological about not appearing poor
Not this American lol
Braces, and different sense of what is ābasicā hygiene
Because we go to the dentist twice a year and clean our teeth properly at home by flossing and water picking
American culture kinda pushes it forward and is a part of the unrealistic beauty standards thatāve been set to chase. Braces used to be more common but Invisalign is much more popular and isnāt much more expensive, hardly anyone can see it. Whitening solution is in the majority of toothpastes and many say fluoride plays a part in it as well.
Fluoride in municipal drinking water supplies.
Fluoride in the water, veneers for celebrities, widespread whitening agents in toothpaste and professional whitening services, and (formerly) widespread access to dental care. The dental care is much more expensive these days as fewer employers provide dental insurance and the coverage keeps getting worse.
my parents brushed my teeth up until i was about like 11 or 12 not because i wouldnāt do it myself but just because they wanted to ig anyways this kind of formed a really strong habit for me when i was able to brush my teeth on my own and along side with a fear or having dental problems like cavaties , bad breath etc . i hate bugs so just thinking that cavaties are like mouth bugs i take EXTRA steps to make sure my mouth is throughly clean , thankfully i was blessed with straight teeth
I thought it had to do with healthcare coverage. I thought I had heard that the NHS in Britain doesn't cover any dental care. Whereas in the US, a lot of health insurance (if you can get it) will cover dental for fairly cheap.
NHS dental service is free for children under 18! In my experience myself and most kids at school got braces for free but maintenance as an adult can definitely be a bit pricier
I had braces twice growing up, and I also have a permanent retainer on both my top and bottom teeth to maintain the straightness. My sister's basically had the same treatment and my teeth aren't perfectly white by any means but I'm pretty strict with my teeth cleaning routine. I brush, floss, and use mouthwash twice a day. Sometimes I floss more tbh.
For me people with (obviously) fake teeth seem superficial and fake. When in conversation, I try not to look at them (the teeth) because they kind of creep me out.
I brush and floss my teeth.
Fluoride, emphasis on early dental hygiene, emphasis on straight teeth leading to orthotics/braces. Itās not universal is the US but people with the ability to spend $$ on dental care usually do.
Children's medicaid and CHIPS cover dental care and some schools even arrange for dental care at the school such as basic cleanings and teaching children about dental hygiene.
Because is a status symbol
More readily available dental that's often covered by medical insurance. Also we put flouride in our water which doesn't clean the teeth. But it does help to a capacity
wait wtf my dental isn't covered by medical š
Well it depends, but most jobs I see available that aren't entry positions tend to offer some level of dental.
Dental work is super expensive here, but there is some societal expectations and a lot of media/celebrity exposure that drives people to replicate their smile. The latest trend among my friends (and some family members) is veneers, some look quite natural, while others are unrealistically white.
Where are you seeing these Americans? Yes, some people here have great teeth but over the last few years, actually I think its over a decade, I have noticed more people with frankly poor looking teeth and there really are fewer people smiling (although that might be due to other reasons).
Considering you're probably basing your opinion from movies and TV shows, it's not totally accurate. People who have insurance from their employer have dental care. But that wouldn't cover cosmetic procedures like veneers, braces and whitening, so not everyone has that Hollywood smile.
Fluoride treated water. Itās everywhere here as most places have fluoride treated programs and facilities. Its stops tooth decay (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/water-fluoridation-and-cancer-risk.html)
Dentures. Lots and lots of people wearing either partial or full dentures. Most people can't tell the difference. Many actors and celebrities wear them too once they hit 40's, 50's, 60's, etc. You can tell because the shape of their teeth changes completely. I know a few people in their 20's and 30's who wear full dentures. It's unfortunate, but it is what it is.
Whitening treatments are a big thing here, so much so that my dentist recommended an inexpensive and an expensive professional option recently, neither of which I've done, but now I understand why everyone else's teeth are white. Also, dentists tend to do a lot of work to make sure teeth are functional and healthy as well as aesthetically pleasing. Braces and other devices are used, as well as other technology. Some dentists I've used in the past have had pictures hanging of "before" and "after" pictures of how they've improved the look of people's teeth. Lots of money in the dental industry, and most people can only afford to go to dentists if they have dental insurance through work.
I got braces and use whitening toothpaste, my smile is pretty great no ceramics or other whitening.
Teeth whitening. My normal colored teeth are no longer white enough.
Fluoride in the water
As other have said lot of people spend lots of money on straightening and whitening. I was lucky and born with āgreatā according to every dentist Iāve had so I got that going for me
If you came to where I'm at (one of the lowest average income cities in the country) you would see a big difference in how many people have beautiful, straight, white teeth. Quality dental care is a luxury here, if you're seeing a lot of great teeth in one place, you're in a high income area.
It's socially expected to correct crooked teeth when young when the insurance companies will actually cover having them done (they often won't for adults). We also have LOTS of whitening peroxide in our toothpaste.
Truly born this way
Unlike me I have big ass teeth
Crest white strips are the OG
Braces, whitening treatments, and yes the very rich get veneers. I prefer my hockey smile and a partial denture though
Its a status symbol, in a land where insurance is a privilege and not a right only the well off can invest in their teeth.
Because it is important to their parents!!!
I believe itās the fluoride in the water. Canadians have it too. Lots of countries do not though
Peroxide (bleach, basically). Many US teeth whitening treatments have it in, including ones you can get over the counter, but itās banned in the EU and presumably other places.
I think they look like crap. Natural teeth are less of a distraction. Imagine all the post apocalypse actors having perfect teeth. Makes no sense. I recall a few like that. Even in pirates of the Caribbean.Ā
Honestly bc beauty standards are higher in murica also it's hygiene Yeah
Many of us don't have the white, straight, perfect teeth you see on actors. However, orthodontics and whitening treatments are a pretty big industry here.
There is a tremendous amount of social pressure here in the US to have perfect looking teeth, regardless if the way we achieve it is healthy or not.
We are made to feel like absolute shit if we do not brush at least twice a day. Braces are the norm for most areas. Family dentists are in every neighborhood. Our society is fairly superficial, not to say entirely.
They donāt, they just only cast ābeautiful peopleā on tv.
Because dental care standards are high in American society. People donāt want to be the only ones in the community whose kids have ugly teeth because they were the only ones who didnāt get braces. For example. But other than that, there are tons of teeth whitening products on the market and people judge you if you have ugly teeth. The social incentive to protect your smile is super high. But also, most foreign people donāt interact personally with many Americans. If you do, then you are likely interacting with wealthy Americans who have the opportunity to live and work abroad, or at least travel. So your sample size is skewed. And what that leaves is Americans you know through social media. And all of them are using teeth whitening filters on their instagram pictures. But also itās the same effect. If they make their living via social media, then they are likely privileged to begin with and therefore more likely to have good teeth.
Social construct.
Fluoride
Crest white strips with Crest whitening toothpaste š
because we live in a hypercompetitive culture, and you need to muster any and all advantages you can, including your looks to succeed in this godforsaken place
I have surprisingly good genetics except I do get cavities. But my tooth couldnāt be straighter
Because they pay for them
We, much to the chagrin of certain individuals, put fluoride in the water. Studies showed that kids with fluoridated water had less cavities than those who grew up with well water. But remember dear asker... White, straight and bright doesn't always mean HEALTHY. Some of these people who whiten their teeths have weakened enamel, sensitivity, and other countless issues (former dental assistant here, I saw it all) A new soft bristled toothbrush is a LOT cheaper than some of these whitening products. (And yes use soft bristled and no kung fu grip force. You'll literally brush away your enamel and that's supposed to be the strongest thing in your whole body)
Trust me, not all of us do. It's probably just what you see on TV.
braces are and teeth whitening are the norm rather than an exception. I'm the only one in my family who hasn't had braces. I whiten teeth for special occasions(mostly to avoid comments of my yellow teeth in photos by my mom)
Americans are taught from an early age to take care of their teeth, not because they're superficial or shallow.
Fluoride in the drinking water. No joke. It makes a massive difference.
I had tetracycline stains on my teeth at a very early age, always got teased and called horrible names. In 1984, got veneers when I was in my early '20s. They were thick and didn't look natural, but I had white teeth for the first time. Somewhere around 2005, I got new veneers that looked much better. My reason was strictly cosmetic and improved my confidence.
I think at least part of it has to do with the willingness to pay a lot of money for nice teeth. I know I did.
There's fluoride in our public water. And dental care tends to be a bit of a priority out here along with medical
As an older American, I often wonder this myself. It's amazing how much nicer teeth everyone has today. It wasn't like this when I was young.
In germany those teeth will do you no favors as people perceive them as unnatural and scary. Alot of times i have heard the same comment on american actors. "Wtf is up with his teeth?" There is a thing where its too straight and too white and it has an uncanny valley effect to it.
Veneers are by far the #1 plastic surgery performed in the US. Plus most people put braces on their kids and there are a huge amount of whitening products on the market. Basically we pay a huge amount of money for this beauty standard.
It's a status symbol & some people do get procedure done . Whether it's crowns , veneers or filling
One of the few pros of our healthcare "industry," imho. Dental work for kids is usually super inexpensive, and most insurance only charges pennies for maintenance work (some plans pay 100% even) There's definitely some exceptions. Braces can be hella expensive on some plans. Restorative procedures (capping, crowning, implants, etc) are prohibitively costed, but canals and getting teeth pulled is usually super cheap. So, it's kinda like drugs. They get you coming in regularly, doing the protective coating and maintenance cleaning on the cheap, making sure your smile is amazing, so they can fleece tf out of you when it comes time for something big. And it will come. The food industry loves using additives and other things that completely destroy your chompers. But you've had that perfect smile for so long, you're likely willing to go ahead and go in debt to keep it.