While Albuquerque is one of the fittest cities in the country, according to Men's Health magazine, and that can contribute to overall teeth health (since exercise boosts circulation to your gums), the state ranks no. 49 in dentists per capita (according to statehealthfacts.org) and no. 41 in dental visits*, which means many residents aren't taking regular care of their teeth. Dr. Smigel says regular dentist visits are important to remove tartar, which can only be done professionally. Albuquerque also has hard water, which can stain teeth, and a dry climate, which can contribute to gum disease by limiting saliva.
*According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Data, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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No. 13: Little Rock, Ark.
Arkansas as a whole doesn't seem to put healthy teeth on their priorities list. The state ranks no. 50 in dentists per capita and dental visits and no. 15 (with no. 1 being the worst) in natural teeth loss*. Proof that there are consequences when you ignore the dentist.
*According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Data, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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No. 12: St. Louis, Mo.
Missouri ranks no. 3 in cola consumption, and all that sugar and artificial coloring can wreak havoc on your teeth's health and appearance. The state does have one of the lowest coffee consumption rates though, so that helps a bit. But soda combined with low dental visits (Missouri ranks no. 46) and high loss of teeth (ranked no. 13, with no. 1 being the worst), doesn't bode well for smiles in St. Louis.
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No. 11: Miami, Fla.
Florida residents love their coffee and wine, and that puts them on this list. They are no. 2 in coffee consumption and also imbibe an average of 4.09 gallons of wine a year per person* (the U.S. average is 3.02 gallons annually). That plus hard water and a rank of no. 37 in dental visits means there are some seriously stained teeth in Miami.
*According to Adams Beverage Group, which publishes the "Wine Handbook."
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No. 10: Las Vegas, Nev.
Fortunately for Vegas residents, Nevada ranks low on natural teeth loss (no. 44, no. 1 is the worst). However, it's also low in dental visits (no. 45), humidity (which helps keep gums healthy) and has hard water to boot. It's average 5.75 gallons of wine a year isn't helping keep teeth white either. Plus, its rank as one of the nation's fattest cities means residents may not be eating many teeth-healthy foods (like celery, apples and carrots) or getting much exercise, which boosts gum circulation.
What makes for a beautiful smile? We asked Irwin Smigel, DDS., founder and president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics (ASDA) and creator of Supersmile, for his criteria: Regular dentist visits, not smoking, minimizing your coffee, soda and red wine intake and brushing and flossing. Other factors, like having hard water or a dry climate, can also stain teeth or create a dry mouth (which can hurt gums). We looked at these factors and found 14 cities that fell short on what it takes to have a healthy, attractive smile. If your city is on the list, it might be time to make an appointment with your dentist.
