Nice Face, Nasty Teeth

One of the first things foreigners notice when staying in Hong Kong for any length of time is the abhorrent dental condition of some folks.

That isn't to say that all Westerners have perfect teeth; far from it. But one can't help observe that a greater percentage of Hong Kongers have visible, serious dental difficulties.

This is never more apparent than when I take my wife shopping. Nothing is more appalling than to be greeted in a shop by a lovely young woman whose smile reveals a mouth full of brown snaggle-teeth.

My immediate thought is always the same: she had a nice face until she smiled. That observation applies to men as well. It's tragic when an otherwise handsome fellow grins to display a set of rotting choppers. Let's not even discuss public service personnel with hellish halitosis.

According to an oral health survey, close to 75% of adults do not seek regular dental checkups.

Excerpts from the report include other disturbing attitudes:

· ... tooth decay and gum diseases ... are usually overlooked by Hong Kong people ...

· The level of tooth decay and gum disease continued to increase with age and the risk in the development of gum disease was already noticeable at age 12 because of the common occurrence of calculus.

· ... about one-third of adults (aged 35-44) had untreated decay.

· The adults in general did not perceive the need for regular dental check-ups. Most had experienced various oral health problems such as bad breath, bleeding gums, sensitivity to hot and cold, and pain that disturbed sleeping. However, the percentages seeking dental treatment for these conditions were relatively low (four to 47 per cent).

· many people, especially the elderly group, wrongfully considered tooth loss as a natural eventuality of life.

Overall, the oral health of Hong Kongers has improved, but refusing to get treatment when problems are causing pain is insane. Is it a pathological fear of the dentist or just obstinance?

Thanks to education initiatives, most kids are taking care of their teeth and thus have nice smiles when they get older.

But adults who ignore the horrid state of their mouths defy reason. How can they look at themselves in the mirror and not perceive that teeth which are turning brown from the gums down need extensive cleaning? It can't be the money; basic dental care isn't that costly.

Whatever the explanation, it's sad when attractive people allow their teeth to ruin their looks.

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