My Teeth Are Clean: 5 Things the World Gets Wrong About Britain

Let’s scale the slippery slopes of stereotype to set the record straight, shall we? And if you like this list, why not head over to WatchMojo UK  for more Brit-based brilliance…

Our Teeth are Terrible

A myth made mainstream by Austin Powers, Britain’s pearly whites seem forever under scrutiny – but without any real reason. The scathing stereotypers might’ve had a valid point about a century ago, but today’s figures say the UK rivals (and often outdoes) the US for oral hygiene.

Cosmetic dentistry is bigger business in America, but cosmetic everything is bigger in the States. But, while Britain isn’t quite so desperate to keep up with the Kardashians, kids get free dental and orthodontic work on the NHS, and tooth decay percentages have fallen dramatically in the last few decades.

The celebrity smile has attracted attention on this side of the Atlantic too, however. Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Jimmy Carr all sport a glorious grin.

We All Went to School in a Castle

It’s not hard to see where this falsehood magicked from. We’d probably give our right wand hands for even five minutes in a real-life Hogwarts, but high school education meant a humble Comprehensive for most of us. Swap spiral staircases for half-lit corridors, and you’re pretty much there.

Of course, this idea is further ingrained thanks to Oxford and Cambridge Universities (which really do boast some majestic examples of classic architecture), and because the Royal Family tend to study at stately joints like Eton or Harrow.

Our Food Sucks

Signature dishes are a point of pride around the world, with tourists visiting France, Italy and Japan just to book a table at any given restaurant. But British cuisine rarely features on bucket list menus, and fish ‘n’ chips never seems quite as fashionable as sushi or spaghetti carbonara.

But there’s more to British meal times than battered cod and mushy peas. Curries are quintessential, especially in Birmingham and Manchester. And try finding a better loaf of bread (or chocolate shortcake) than at a traditional British bakery. You can’t, and you won’t.

And not to counteract one cliché with another, but isn’t Britain also famous for afternoon tea? With diners paying over the odds for some sample sandwiches and sweet treats, the UK’s culinary qualities are clear to see.

We’re All English

British. English. Scottish. Irish. All the same thing, right? Definitely not! There’s centuries of history behind the various nationalities which make up Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland – and there’s rarely an umbrella term that everyone’s happy with.

And if you want proof of the pride between nations, just get tickets for an England/Scotland rugby match, or try and tell a Welshman that London is his capital city. And lazily labelling the Republic of Ireland as British is like calling Canada American. It’s just not cricket.

It Rains All the Time

OK, so this one’s probably true. But contrary to popular belief, we don’t talk about the weather all the time. Really, we don’t. Much.

Unless it’s raining…

For more myth-busting madness (and some mighty fine top 10s!), be sure to check out WatchMojo UK… It’s the wisest thing to do!