A bright, shiny smile is not always indicative of a healthy mouth. In fact, the whiteness of your teeth, more often than not, is unrelated to the health of your teeth. Many dentists actually worry, that those who have whiter smiles have a false sense of security when it comes to their oral health. Tooth decay and serious gum disease could still be lingering in a bright mouth.
Your mouth can say so much about your overall health. Recent studies show early signs of diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, immune disorders, drug issues, and more, appear in the gums, teeth and tongue long before other symptoms. There are also studies that show oral health problems can harm your overall health, as we address in our article below, How Oral Health Care Affects Your Overall Health.
So, what do your teeth say about you?
Similar to determining the age of a tree by counting its rings, there are a number of personal traits your teeth say about you. They can indicate daily habits, social status, and as mentioned above, health conditions. Check out what these six attributes say about you!
Shape & Size
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- Your two front teeth can actually tell your age. According to Carrington College, people who are younger tend to have central incisors that are rectangular with slightly rounded corners.
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- The teeth next to your two front teeth reveal your gender. The lateral incisors on a male are long and square, nearly as long as the two front teeth.
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- Your personality may be noted by your canine teeth. If they are longer and pointed, you may be more aggressive than others. If they are less prominent, you may have more of a passive nature.
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- If your teeth are larger, studies have shown you may be more dominant. Therefore, if you have small teeth, you may be easier to influence.
Spacing
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- A gap in your two front teeth, while unique and charming, may also say you’re optimistic, fearless and a risk taker.
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- The drawback, gaps in teeth are a breeding ground for bacteria, causing tooth decay and cavities.
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- Thanks to braces, and Invisalign, your teeth may be beautifully aligned and won’t reveal these positive or negative details.
Bite
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- An overbite may give the impression you’re more of an introvert, timid or shy.
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- While mostly genetic, an overbite can be worsened by sucking on a pacifier/thumb for too long, or biting your nails.
Color
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- Also hereditary, the color of your teeth can portray bad habits like smoking, or excess use of caffeine, or even bad hygiene.
- A white smile portrays success and happiness!
Gums
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- Your gums can tell so much about your hygiene and health. If you don’t brush and floss, bacteria builds up on your teeth and can inflame your gums causing them to become swollen.
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- Pale gums could be the sign of anemia, meaning your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells, or your red blood cells don’t contain enough hemoglobin.
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- Small or receding gums may be a sign of periodontal disease, the deterioration of the supporting structures of the teeth.
Breath
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- You are what you eat, and your breath reflects that.
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- That said, constant bad breath or halitosis can reveal poor oral hygiene and tooth decay.
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- Fresh breath, on the other hand, says you’re ready to take on the world!
Your smile says so much about you, and it’s not great at keeping secrets! If you have concerns about your oral health, please contact our office. We offer free consultations and second opinions.
Once Dr. Espinosa decides on a treatment course, we will always be sure to fully explain what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and what the next steps are. We are committed to making your experience a pleasant one, and will answer every question you have along the way.
Additional Articles You May Find Interesting
Through the Years: Life Stages of Your Teeth
There is a misnomer that you will lose all your teeth as you age. This doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, if you care for your teeth through stages of your life, your smile can last you a lifetime! As you age, your mouth ages too. Here are the pivotal points in life, which you need to be aware of, in order to maintain a healthy smile. Read More
How Oral Health Care Affects Your Overall Health
We know brushing and flossing regularly is important in keeping our smile healthy and bright, but did you ever think not practicing this daily could have a serious impact on your overall health? Research shows that it can. In fact, according to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, people with gum disease were four times more likely to have Rheumatoid Arthritis. People who smoke or use tobacco, have a much greater risk of cancer. Plus, people with gum disease are more likely to have compromised immune systems. And, these are just a few. Â Read More
The Secret to a Healthier Smile 
A beautiful smile is usually a sign of a healthy mouth. Whether you have been blessed with great oral hygiene or you work consistently to keep cavities at bay, there are a few secrets that can help you maintain or improve the health of those pearly whites. Here are some tips Dr. Espinosa likes to relay to his patients. Read More
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Five Stars from Lilia M.
Yes!!! I’m finally done with my dental implant with Bonita Del Rey and Dr. Kay. I really commend Dr. Kay for his awesome job. Dr. Kay was the best dentist I’ve ever gone to for dental care. He is very calm in performing the procedures. He is very considerate with his patients, especially with pain. In the past I thought having a dental implant is having to go through a lot of pain but it proves me wrong, not with Dr. Kay. I’m very happy and satisfied with my dental implant.
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