You may have heard the expression, “the eyes are the window to the soul,” but your teeth can reveal a whole lot more about who you are than you may have thought. While your teeth certainly help you speak in a literal sense, they also do plenty of talking of their own. Here are four of the many answers to the question, “What do your teeth say about you?”
Age
Younger people typically have central incisors (two front teeth) that are more rectangular in shape. 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 between one and five millimeters of tooth enamel over the course of their lifetime.
Sex Assigned at Birth
The two front teeth of individuals who were assigned female at birth tend to be longer than the lateral incisors on each side. They also usually have more rounded edges. People who were assigned male at birth, however, typically have lateral incisors that are longer, with a squarer shape.
Mental Health
Like fossils, your tooth enamel can preserve “memories” of your body and its past 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, think about what it’s saying to other people. And if you want to improve the message your smile is sending, don’t be afraid to ask your dentist!
About the Practice
At Advanced Smile Design, we have two experienced dentists proving quality care to patients in the Willow Grove, PA area. Dr. Krunal Patel graduated from the Pacific Dental College & Hospital in India before moving to the United States and earning his dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Barry Isdaner has been practicing in the field for 45+ years and counting. To learn more about making sure your teeth give off the right message, visit their website or call their office at (215) 659-3334.
