Why do so many British people seem to have reallly bad teeth and poor oral health?

I've noticed over many years of watching documentaries that an inordinate number of British subjects have very bad looking teeth. I'm sure genetics plays a part, but it seems to be the case that poor oral hygiene does also. I watched a special on the Windsors the other day, and noticed that socioeconomic status seems to have little bearing. Both the elite and the lower classes represented in interviews on this program had horrible teeth. They looked yellowed, half rotten, crooked, and a mish-mash of sizes, all in a single mouth. I've seen better teeth in the mouths of natives of third-world countries! What's up with that???

I'm from British stock...Dental care is expensive...Many dental problems come from both genetics, diet (sugary foods, cola etc), hygein (or lack of), oral care (regular dental visits) and accidents (ie fight, playing sport).
No matter what cards someone is dealt, the reality is that most people don't go for regular check-ups (ie minimum of twice a year). That is a direct quote from the dentist. Most people on go when they feel "pain" often that is too late. The later you leave it, the more expensive it becomes.
I go to the dentist approx 4 times a year. I had bad genetics as well as a painful jaw disorder. I have paid a fortune to have good teeth, but despite my vigilant efforts since I was 18 (I'm now 35), the genetics will do me in and i have done all the right things! . Also, dental care is expensive and many people cannot afford it. They are stuck waiting years on public waiting lists for treatment, and many of the expensive treatments are not funded. Examples of how expensive dental care is: a check up and clean cost over $120, a filling $150-$350, crown $1200+, root canal $1000+, extraction $400 etc. On a final note, just because someone is "British" doesn't mean you will have bad teeth. It's a bit of a generalisation.

I think it has something to do with no flouride in the water? It may also be a genetics thing but I do remember reading something about their bad water and poor dental hygiene standards.

I think Americans can be the complete opposite lately. They tend to have oddly super white teeth. Almost glow in the dark.

that's funny

They hate to brush their teeth. I was roomies with one and boy she never brushed her teeth. Yuck