Why do so many Brits have bad teeth?

This is not a criticism, it is merely an observation and a question. As I view an abundance of documentaries on Netflix, I've noticed how many Brits on those docs have crooked and/or stained, missing teeth. Does the national health service not cover dentistry? Is there no such thing as orthodontics in the UK? Or, are Americans just overly concerned about how their teeth look?

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Ross19 · 31-35, M

The NHS only offers free dental care for people on benefits. To go to a private dentist is expensive and actually very hard to get registered at one. However I think most of us British do have healthy teeth. I know I do.

Flenflyys · 31-35, F

That's the same in Canada and we don't have this problem

Ross19 · 31-35, M

@Flenflyys: it's probably a mixture of money issues and lack of insurance. I see my dentist regularly and I'm English.

LedRobster · 61-69, M

Thank you for your reasonable answer. ☺

Flenflyys · 31-35, F

You're saying the English have more financial issues? From the sound of things our dental coverage is the same.

LedRobster · 61-69, M

@BarefootRoss: Maybe it's a characteristic of the older generation? I can see why the immediate post-WWII generation might not have that concern. It had bigger things to worry about.