Teeth was Re: teachers' personal lives

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 190267

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "willsonteam" <willsonkmom at ...> wrote:
...
> 
> Potioncat:
> Agreed. I think in many ways Snape's appearance also reflects his character in the sense that he probably doesn't take care of himself.
> 
> 

I think this touches on it the most, when JKR describes teeth, it is part of a character study. It sets the mood and tone for that character. 

As to teeth in general, though most Brits will deny it, this is something of a running joke. Craig Ferguson (Scotish) makes jokes about it all the time. As do many other comedians, but like many joke of this nature, it is part truth and part hyper exaggerated stereo type. 

I think part of the problem is the the British don't put fluoride in their water, or at least not to my knowledge. Fluoride really strengthens and re-calcifies teeth, but if you get too much, it can hyper-calcify your teeth thought that take a lot of fluoride. 

I (USA) have one filling and one crown, and the only reason I have a crown is because that tooth broke, not because it was decayed. I think I'm something of a freak in my family as I've got about the best teeth of any one around. No, not perfectly white, and not perfectly straight, but this original equipment has served me well for many decades.  

Some of that is fluoride, part good genetics, and part good care.

As to the stereo type of bad British teeth, look at the teeth of the primary young characters in the HP films. They are all British, and they all have excellent teeth. Tom Felton has had braces for years, but the braces are white and barely noticeable. 

I've a theory, though I've admittedly strayed even farther off topic, but I think the British have narrow jaws, and that crowds their teeth and causes problems. But, of course, that's certainly not universal.

Rambling again ...

Steve/bboyminn