You may have heard the expression, “the eyes are the window to the soul,” but your teeth also reveal a lot more about a person than you may have thought. While your pearly whites certainly help you speak in a literal sense, they also do plenty of talking in their own way. Here are some of the many answers to the question, “What do your teeth say about you?” from your cosmetic dentist in Fort Myers.
Age
Younger people typically have central incisors (two front teeth) that are more rectangular. In older folks, these same teeth tend to have rounded edges. Why? Over the years, teeth are subjected to a great deal of wear and tear. The average person loses 1-5 millimeters of tooth enamel throughout their lifetime.
Sex Assigned at Birth
The two front teeth of women at birth tend to be longer than the lateral incisors on each side. They also usually have more rounded edges. People who were born male, however, typically have lateral incisors that are longer and squarer.
Mental Health
Like fossils, your tooth enamel can preserve “memories” of your body’s experiences. By examining an older person’s teeth, researchers might be able to tell whether that person has a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or has been exposed to heavy metals. In the same vein, a young child’s teeth can reveal whether they are at risk for developing certain mental illnesses.
Personality
Believe it or not, your teeth can indicate your personality type:
- Anxious – Highly stressed or anxious people often habitually grind and clench their teeth, leading to worn-down or cracked enamel.
- Aggressive – Like anxious people, those with aggressive personalities are prone to chronic grinding. They also tend to have longer, more pointed canine teeth.
- Competitive – A competitive person’s teeth will likely show signs of teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and ice chewing.
- “Party animal” – People who live the party lifestyle often indulge in excessive drinking, smoking, and carbonated beverages. However, these habits can lead to gum disease, cavities, and other dental health problems.
- Passive – If you’re the kind of person who takes things easy and rarely gets stressed out, your canine teeth will likely be flatter with curvier tips because of a lack of clenching and grinding.
Your teeth are truly remarkable body parts that help you do so much more than look good in photos. The next time you flash your grin at someone, consider the perspective of “What do your teeth say about you?” And if you want to improve the message your smile is sending, don’t be afraid to ask your cosmetic dentist in Fort Myers!
About the Author
Dr. George Hoop earned his dental doctorate from Emory University. He has more than 30 years of experience and has studied at prestigious dental institutions like the Pankey Institute and the Dawson Academy. If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry to change what your teeth say about you, Dr. Hoop offers porcelain veneers, metal-free dental crowns, dental bonding, teeth whitening, gum recontouring, or smile makeovers. Schedule a consultation on his website or call (239) 939-7299.