Korean Job Discussion Forums

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

The BBC, And Ricky Gervais (creator of The Office), attempt to explain the difference of attitude to teeth between Brits and Americans.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7633254.stm

Ricky Gervais says one US journalist complimented him on being prepared to wear unflattering false teeth for his role as an English dentist in his latest film, Ghost Town. Only he didn't.

"He was horrified that I could have such horrible real teeth. It's like the biggest difference between the Brits and the Americans, they are obsessed with perfect teeth," says Gervais.

As a Brit/Irish who has worked with a lot of Americans, it doesn't take long before you notice how they strive for perfection in some way. Not saying that's a good or bad thing. But the teeth thing is a good example. A Brit can accept off-white or slightly wonky teeth. An American can't. Your end-of-discussion comment, please.

VanIslander · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:00 am Post subject:

I really don't understand how a woman can make an effort to dress well and put on make up and look good until she smiles and shows a mouthful of grotesque teeth!

Denitistry is not that expensive and as a Canadian I assumed most of the developed world took advantage of it. But apparently the Brits and Japanese - both of whom can easily afford it - prefer to grow up with a mouthful of crooked, stained, chipped teeth.

If there is any "obsessive" tendency here in the 21st century, it is in avoiding basic dental care.

It all starts with parenting...

Join Me · Joined: 14 Jan 2008

I have wondered about this same subject lately. Living abroad I watch a lot more international news now. I frequently see Brits (academics, politicians, etc) with jacked up teeth. I think it adds character to the person and I secretly admire them for their who gives a piss attitude. But as an American...I am going to Thailand one of these days to get nice new white veneers put on all my teeth...and have been looking forward to doing this for a few years. If you can afford to keep you teeth decent , why wouldn't you?

Juregen · Joined: 30 May 2006

Sorry guys

But no one has a problem with my teeth, and they are far from perfect.

I believe people that who focus that much on teeth are poised only to look at what they see on the outside.

Teeth full of holes, yes that is a problem.

But a diamond white perfect stack, for everyone? No, thank you.

cj1976 · Joined: 26 Oct 2005

Crooked teeth or 60 inch waistline. I know which one I think is worse.

VanIslander · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:15 am Post subject:

Really there's nothing wrong with being a fattie either.

Don't be so superficial guys!

Join Me · Joined: 14 Jan 2008

crusher_of_heads · Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:39 am Post subject:

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

Yeah, what's the deal with Japanese dentistry? I was just promoting a foreign band that toured through Japan first, and they remarked on how much better everyone's teeth are here.

Incidentally, it doesn't really bother me. I've seen plenty of Japanese "models" with crooked teeth who were quite attractive.

PeteJB · Joined: 06 Jul 2007

Ah well, British have yellow teeth and Americans have yellow insides (all the fat that accumulates inside the body, I mean). Wink

cj1976 · Joined: 26 Oct 2005

One thing I know about dentists in the UK is that they are fooking expensive if you choose to go private. I had a root canal and 2 fillings.
Grand total : 750 of the Queen's pounds.
Cosmetic dentistry doesn't come cheap in Blighty.

Rae · Joined: 10 Oct 2007

Justin Hale · Joined: 24 Nov 2007 Location: the Straight Talk Express

A lot of the fixation Americans have about Britons' teeth goes back to colonial times (linked to this is the insult 'limey'). Nowadays, 150 million Americans lack dental insurance (85% of Americans have no dental upon retiring) and 37 million lack any health insurance whatsoever. And yes, the slimmest state is Massachusetts with a whopping 55% of adults overweight and 20% obese. That's the slimmest state! Even if the stereotype of the American with polished white teeth (as opposed to the reality of half the population with no dental insurance) were true, I totally fail to see what good can come from having nice teeth if you weigh 300lbs and have an arse the size of a small country. I don't usually take sides if there's a UK v US thing going down because I have family in both, but who needs a discussion on dental hygiene from a morbidly-overweight lardass with no dental or health insurance?

BS.Dos. · Joined: 29 Mar 2007

It only seems to be N. Americans who notice it. Continental Europeans (or any other nationality for that matter) don't seem to pick up on it (cue Ozzie/NZ'ders/Canadians'/South African ridicule). I personally think it's pretty shallow to pass judgement and ground your opinions on someone based on the absence of anything less than perfectly straight and brilliantly white teeth. Unless of course, you've a set which resemble a broken can-opener.

I can't say that every N. American who I've met during my 8 trips there over the last 17 or so years has had a perfect set of teeth, but then again, I don't really pay that much attention to other peoples teeth. I think this is just one of those Anglo-American cutural differences that, and speaking from the perspective of the former, we neither obsess about or attach such aesthetical value to in quite the same way.

Big_Bird