Teeth body language

Techniques > Use of body language > Parts-of-the-body language > Teeth body language

Biting | Smiling | Noise | Tapping | See also

There's not a lot of body language with teeth, but this is a complete section, so here's details.

Biting

Teeth are made to bite, tear and grind. Exposing the teeth in a snarl is saying 'I am thinking of biting you' and is hence a primitive and potentially scary threat.

Actual biting is rare, but indicates the person has been reduced to a base position and is probably not thinking rationally.

Biting can also be affectionate, for example where lovers chew the other person's lip or ear. This can create arousal from the basic fear instinct but the person knows from the context that they are not in danger and hence reframes the arousal as pleasure. Gentle biting also stimulates nerve receptors and is thus similar to touch.

Young animals at play pretend to bite one another as they prepare for adulthood. When people play with friends they may also expose their teeth.

Smiling

Exposing the teeth in smiling tends to indicate extreme pleasure. People who are self-conscious and particularly if their teeth are not that attractive may try not to show their teeth when smiling.

Noise

Teeth can make a noise when banged or slid together. Chattering teeth may indicate extreme fear and is usually accompanied by shaking of the body. This may also indicate extreme coldness.

Grinding teeth can indicate suppressed anger or frustration as the person tensely tries not to speak.

Light tapping of the teeth can be mild frustration or thinking (it is similar in effect to tapping of a finger).

As with other repetitive action, teeth noise can also just be habit.

Tapping

Sometimes people tap their teeth with their nails, making a noise that echoes in the mouth. This can signal thinking or boredom. It may also be a deliberate interruption or irritant, although this is less likely.