In many ways, a smile is like a business card.

You smile when you meet new people and it acts as a base for people to judge you. Studies have found that people who have well-aligned, whiter teeth are more likely to be taken seriously in social groups and at work, while also being seen as more trustworthy.

And while it is interesting to consider what people think of you in a social sense from looking at your teeth, what do your teeth reveal about you to a dentist Bondi Junction?

Yes, during a dental check-up, your teeth will be checked for signs of decay, plaque and even your gums will be examined for gum disease, but what can your dental team learn about you from looking at your teeth?

Smoking

Everyone knows that smoking can stain your teeth, but were you aware that stains are not the only damage that this habit can cause?

Excess smoking can cause your gums to recede, which in turn can heighten sensitivity and put you at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Should you wish to quit smoking, talk to your dental team for cessation help.

Diet

Do you have a sweet tooth? Or are you a fan of wine bars? It will show on your teeth.

While staining from things like coffee and wine will leave a more physical mark on your teeth, consumption of acidic drinks like carbonated sodas and even fruit juice can lead to enamel erosion.

One way your dental team may be able to prevent such damage is with a fluoride sealant or, in more extreme cases, the placing of a veneer.

Heart health

You may have already heard that there is a link between dental health and heart health.

Specifically, there is a link between how much plaque you have in your mouth and the condition of your cardiovascular system.

From a cursory examination of your teeth, your dental team will be able to determine if you are at an increased risk of heart disease based on the amount of plaque you have.

Should there be an excess amount, your team will usually aim to remove it via a scale and polish.

Brushing

Did you quickly brush your teeth before attending a dental appointment? Or do you brush your teeth twice a day as recommended by dental teams?

Irrespective, your dental team will know.

While you may think that a quick brush is enough to remove plaque, if you don’t regularly brush your teeth, you may have excess amounts of plaque in harder to reach areas, which will be detected during a dental check-up.

Gastrointestinal issues

If you suffer from recurring acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, then it will show up on your tooth enamel.

Acid damage from these disorders will usually appear on the back of the teeth. If you have acid damage from these issues, your dental team will usually apply a fluoride sealant to protect the teeth against further damage.

DISCLAIMER

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.