If you pay attention to your teeth and gums, you will notice that they can tell you a lot about your dental hygiene and your overall health. You may be familiar with common symptoms of dental problems, such as pain, swollen gums, and sensitivity, but have you ever thought more about the signs of healthy teeth and gums? Knowing what to look for in a healthy mouth can help you set goals to prevent future dental issues.
The importance of good oral health
Do you care for your teeth the way you should? Having good oral health is vitally important. Healthy gums provide a strong foundation for eating and speaking, and good oral health results in fewer oral diseases.
In addition to a reduced risk of oral complications, excellent oral health also means a healthier body overall, as the mouth and body are interconnected. And with data showing that dental hygiene has improved over the past 30 years, there’s no excuse not to have beautiful, clean teeth.
So, how can you tell whether you have good oral health or not?
Visiting your dentist is one way, but there are also other signs of good oral health you should watch for.
Prevention is always better than cure. Book your appointment today.
7 signs of healthy teeth and gums
A good dental hygiene routine is the key to healthy teeth and gums, and in addition to practicing good dental hygiene, it’s important to monitor your teeth and gums with regular dental visits.
As part of your daily dental hygiene routine, here are seven signs you should check for that indicate your teeth and gums are healthy.
1. Pink and firm gums
When we think about dental problems, we often think of our teeth, however, our gums are also an essential and important part of our overall dental hygiene.
Your gums are crucial for keeping your teeth healthy, and there are some very clear signs that indicate they are in good condition. When you look in the mirror, your gums should appear pink. Red or white gums can be a sign of gum issues that could also affect your teeth.
A good test is to wash your hands and then run your finger along your gums. They should feel firm to the touch, and there should be no pain or tenderness. Firm, pink gums are an excellent sign of gum health, but it’s important to closely monitor any changes.
2. A healthy tongue
In addition to monitoring the health of your gums, your tongue is also an important and integral part of your overall oral hygiene.
Like your gums, your tongue should be a healthy pink color and also moist. A quick daily check in the mirror should reveal any potential issues, such as discoloration (usually a white tongue), plaque buildup (a white coating on the tongue), or an unpleasant smell/taste.
If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to see your dentist.
As part of your overall oral hygiene routine, you should regularly brush or scrape your tongue to remove plaque buildup and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
3. Strong teeth
By adulthood, your teeth should be fully developed in your mouth. Although you may have issues with wisdom teeth later in life, most people should have strong, solid teeth as they age.
Any signs of loose teeth could be an indication of an underlying issue. Teeth should not feel loose in the mouth. If they start to wobble, it could be a sign of gum disease, and a dentist should address it as soon as possible.
If you’ve had any prosthetic dental work, such as crowns or fillings, they should also feel firm, so pay attention to anything that feels loose. Although your dentist will monitor all such work during regular check-ups, if you notice something between visits, it’s always best to have it examined, as it could indicate other oral problems.
4. Neutral-smelling breath
Although everyone experiences bad breath occasionally, especially in the morning, neutral-smelling breath is generally a good sign that you have good oral health.
Coffee, garlic-based foods, and even dehydration can cause temporary bad breath – that’s normal and can easily be fixed by rinsing with mouthwash, chewing gum, or brushing your teeth. However, if you still experience bad breath after your daily dental hygiene routine, it could be a sign of an underlying oral health problem.
A healthy mouth has no odor, and a good way to check your own breath is to wash your hands and gently scrape your tongue with your nail during the day. If the smell is neutral, that’s a good indication that your teeth and gums are healthy.
Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, including decaying food particles trapped between the teeth and gums, which can lead to other issues if not resolved. Neutral-smelling breath is an excellent indicator of a healthy mouth, so be sure to check regularly.
5. Teeth are not sensitive to temperature
Although sensitive teeth are not always a sign of an underlying dental or gum problem, they can be an indicator, especially if the sensitivity appears suddenly.
Tooth sensitivity can be very uncomfortable, particularly when consuming hot or cold food and drinks. This can cause discomfort in everyday life, and you may need to consider how your diet affects your teeth.
There are numerous causes of tooth sensitivity, and for some people, it’s something they have to live with. One of the most common causes is enamel erosion, which can lead to discomfort and sensitivity.
If your teeth are not sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks, that’s another positive sign of overall dental and gum health.
6. Your gums do not bleed when flossing
Flossing is an essential part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Healthy teeth and gums should not bleed when you floss (or brush). If they do, don’t ignore it.
Occasionally overenthusiastic flossing can cause bleeding gums, and if it happens only once, it’s usually fine. However, if you start seeing blood regularly when flossing or brushing, it’s often a sign of a deeper problem. The main cause of bleeding gums is plaque buildup along the gumline, which causes swelling and makes gums more sensitive.
When your gums swell due to plaque accumulation, it can also make flossing more difficult, so it’s important to floss daily to prevent plaque buildup.
Brushing too hard can also cause gum bleeding, so make sure to brush gently in circular motions and choose a toothbrush softness that suits your teeth.
7. White teeth
Over time, teeth can change color. The food and drinks we consume can contribute to the “staining” of teeth over time, even if you brush and floss daily.
Although some discoloration can naturally occur due to the food and drinks we consume, there are certain signs to watch for that could indicate underlying issues. If you have one specific tooth that is darker than the others, it could be a sign of a problem with the tooth, its root, or surrounding gums.
One of the most common causes of tooth discoloration is nerve damage or a possible infection. If you notice a tooth that appears discolored compared to the others, it’s best to have it examined right away, as the sooner the issue is addressed, the easier it will be to treat.
Conclusion
Now that you know the signs of healthy teeth and gums, are you ready to take the necessary steps to keep your mouth healthy? If you’re looking for experienced and friendly dentists who can help you keep your teeth in the best possible condition, visit us and schedule your free first consultation.
