Why do a lot of Japanese people have such poor teeth when they live in a developed nation?

During my 6 months there, I saw many Japanese people that had really terrible teeth, yellow,black,and severely disformed teeth. Why is that when they live in such a wealthy country? I am very interested to know this.

Why do a lot of Japanese people have such poor teeth when they live in a developed nation?
Well, just like America, Japan has its share of uneducated, unhygienic, unhealthy people too.


Those who look after themselves, have great teeth, and those who don't, don't!


One thing that reeeeeally gets me though, is (and I ride the train every day, so I know!!) Bad breath!!! And I mean, disgusting, rancid breath from the deepest levels of hell!! Not the women; the men!!! The ones in suits!!! They are the foulest creatures on the face of this planet!! Whenever a salary man sits down next to me, I move! If I don't, I'm gagging every time he sighs (because he's tired) or yawns (also because he's tired)


Oral hygiene among the men (35 and up) of Japan is, on the whole, non existent!! And that's a fact!!!
Reply:Good question. I wanna know too.
Reply:I know what you mean, I saw some shocking teeth when I Lived there my thoughts are that dental care isn't state funded, and they don't have a school dental nurse as some countries do, also apparently there is no fluoride added to their water which helps protect teeth, its important for children teeth esp.


I dont think socio-economics has a huge impact on peoples teeth in Japan as it does in other nations. I feel the same way as the asker of the question.
Reply:I lived in Tokyo and Kyoto for 12 years and I never noticed.


Where did you live? Maybe the area where you lived had something to do with it. 90% of my friends are Japanese and they all have normal white teeth.
Reply:In the past having perfectly straight teeth was not so important as in the west. Remember Japan was a poor country up until after WWII, so dental services to our level is still a growing field. You can get excellent dental care but if your parents didn't grow up with that influence it takes a couple of generations to become a social part of societies norms. Many Japanese I know in Tokyo if not most of my "cosmopolitan" friends have fine teeth. For those with slightly off colored or that extra fang tooth on top of the other, there is not the same social stigma attached like in America where people will wonder why the hell you don't get them fixed. Heck in California its almost normal to have your teeth professionally whitened as if that is super important in life. The soy and other sauces that many use also doesn't help with stains or acidic levels in their mouth either.
Reply:Yellow and black teeth are not considered attractive, but crooked teeth are not necessarily a bad thing. It's considered a "cute" imperfection to have. If it were otherwise, talento etc. could well afford to have their teeth straightened, but they don't. If you compare North American style dental care to any other place in the world, then North American teeth are probably going to come out on top. I suppose from the Japanese perspective cosmetic dentistry is no different from breast enhancement or ROK-style let's make our eyes round. For the most part, they're happy with the teeth God gave them.
Reply:I have no idea but that made me laugh...a lot. Good question.



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