When you think about your teeth, or teeth in general, which color comes to mind? For most people, the answer is white. You can’t flip through a magazine or watch a television show without being bombarded by images of gleaming white teeth and healthy smiles. And while white may be the color most commonly associated with dentistry, it’s interesting to think what other colors might suggest about your oral health. The dentists at Modern Dentistry of Shrewsbury share their color-coded guide to cosmetic dentistry in Shrewsbury, MA and the psychology of color.

What Does Your Favorite Color Say About You?

Your favorite color is RED: Fiery, passionate red conveys energy, desire, and heat. Studies show that red has the power to increase your blood pressure and respiration, and it’s the color of blood and fire.

Your favorite color is ORANGE: Orange communicates fascination, stimulation, and attraction. People find that orange produces an invigorating effect on the brain.

Your favorite color is YELLOW: Yellow is undeniably cheerful and has been linked to feelings of enthusiasm, optimism, and joy.

Your favorite color is GREEN: You’re all about nature, personal growth, and freshness. Green also conveys stability and longevity.

Your favorite color is BLUE: Blue suggests oceans and air, as well as trust, loyalty, and wisdom. Studies hint that blue might actually have appetite-suppressing qualities.

Your favorite color is PURPLE: You have a regal air about you, and you’ve been described as ambitious, noble, and powerful. You crave all things luxurious.

What Do Different Colors Say About Your Oral Health?

What RED means for oral health: Unfortunately, red also triggers warnings, hence the phrase “red flags.” When we’re talking about your gums, red is bad news. Gingivitis and advanced periodontal disease produce red, puffy, shiny gum tissue that bleeds when you brush or floss.

What ORANGE means for oral health: Oranges, orange juice, and other citrus fruits and juices are loaded with vitamin C, which benefits teeth and gums. However, they’re also highly acidic and can damage the tooth enamel. After enjoying citrus fruits, wait half an hour to brush your teeth; in the meantime, rinse your mouth with plain water.

What YELLOW means for oral health: Yellow looks great on cars and in floral bouquets, but it’s not flattering on your teeth. Poor hygiene, tobacco use, and a highly acidic diet can all lead to stained teeth. Professional teeth whitening is one option to treat stains; porcelain veneers are an alternative for teeth that have been too badly stained to treat with whitening products.

What GREEN means for oral health: Actually, we don’t see a lot of green in patients’ teeth. However, we’ve read countless horror stories of people who have walked around an entire day with a hunk of spinach or lettuce in their metal braces. This makes us think of Invisalign and ClearCorrect invisible braces, which eliminate wires and brackets, making your grin safe from green.

What PURPLE means for oral health: Several popular purple foods and liquids have the power to cause stained teeth. These include red wine, grape juice, and various berries. If your love of purple foods has caused your teeth to appear yellow, consider professional teeth whitening.

Is your smile a bit too colorful? To learn more about teeth whitening in Shrewsbury, MA, or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, contact us at (508) 842-8838. We welcome residents of Shrewsbury, North and South Grafton, Hopkinton, Boylston, and the surrounding communities.