Bristol is the second smokiest city, according to U.S. News & World Report, and Dr. Smigel says smoking can cause major staining on your teeth. Plus, the tar can contribute to gum disease. Smoking isn't Bristol's only fault though. The state is also no. 3 in most teeth lost and no. 47 in amount of exercise*, which means residents' gums have two strikes against them.
*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. 5: Baton Rouge, La.
Louisiana has more than a few factors working against a pretty smile. It ranks no. 43 in dentists per capita, no. 49 in exercise, no. 52 in fruit and vegetable consumption (and we know those crunchy veggies help fight plaque) and -- not surprising, considering these factors -- no. 5 in teeth loss.
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No. 4: Tulsa, Okla.
Tulsa is also on the list of the smokiest cities, coming in at no. 9. That, plus the area's hard water and low fruit and vegetable consumption, don't help the situation either. Could explain why Oklahoma ranks no. 6 in teeth loss.
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No. 3: Mobile, Ala.
Mobile has a lot working against healthy teeth. It's the no. 5 smokiest city, and the state is no. 4 in most teeth loss, no. 48 in dentists per capita and no. 47 in exercise. Their poor mouths!
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No. 2: Huntington, W.Va.
West Virginia ranks no. 1 in loss of teeth, which makes sense since it also ranks no. 47 in dental visits and Huntington is the no. 1 smokiest city in America. Their one redeeming factor is their very low wine consumption, less than a gallon a year on average. Huntington residents need to get themselves to a dentist stat!
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.
