Reading this article (and from past conversations with British colleagues), I almost wonder if the same social/economic pressures that result in obesity in the US are similar to the ones that result in tooth decay in the UK.

In the UK (many) people view dental issues as inevitable -- everyone they know has bad teeth, parents get dentures by their 40's, and the link between preventitive care and quality of life is not recognized. It's viewed more as a cometic issue than anything else and since everyone has the issues, there is little stigma attached to it.

In the US, obesity is rampant and viewed as inevitable (to many); just think of all the jokes about putting on 20 lbs once you get married, "freshman 15", etc. If everyone you know is overweight, it eventually becomes a society norm. It eventually is viewed as a cosmetic problem, where concerns about the cost of buying new pants are generally more sincere than the long term medical costs (or declining quality of life).

Smart stuff.

I understand your link between British dentistry and American obesity, but let me tell you, I am British, have lived in England my whole life, and not one of my relatives or friends have bad teeth. I myself had to wear braces, and I have one filling aged 22. It was only once I started working in a bank, meeting people, I realised there are a few people with bad teeth, and I noticed the relationship between poor dental hygiene and a low income. These people receive benefits from the government and spend it all on booze and cigarettes. They have very poor hygiene and between the alcohol and smoking, their teeth are rotten and discoloured. Not only are these people an embarrassment to our country's hygiene and dental care, but I am appauled at how these people are so lazy and will not get off their butt's to get a job as our government will continue to pay them for doing absolutely NOTHING! I am proud to be English, and I am proud of my perfect smile thanks to the wonderful English dentists who do amazing jobs. I am not proud of the lowlives who unfortunately make up a fair percentage of the population who are too damn lazy to work or brush their teeth!