5 Common Signs of a Healthy Mouth

Maintaining oral health is crucial for overall health and wellbeing. In fact, many experts believe that oral health is a window into the overall health of a person. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs of a healthy mouth. In this article, we will discuss five common signs of a healthy mouth and preventive tips to keep it that way.

Strong Teeth & Restorations

The first sign of a healthy mouth is strong teeth with no decay. This includes having fillings or crowns that are in good condition and not loose, cracked or broken. If you have had dental work done before, it’s important to ensure your restorations are also strong and functioning properly, so they don’t cause any problems down the road.  One often overlooked facet of teeth is not just whether they currently have decay, but whether they are at risk of fracture.  A heavily-filled tooth may not have decay, but the structural weakness is a fracture waiting to happen.

Your dentist will be able to tell if there has been any decay on your teeth by looking at them during routine checkups. You can also look inside yourself for signs of trouble like sensitivity when eating hot foods/drinks, cold temperatures etc.

Healthy Gums

Healthy gums are another sign of a healthy mouth. They should be pink in colour and free from any sores, bleeding or inflammation. If you experience any of these symptoms, it could mean that you have gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. See your dentist if you suspect that you may have gum disease so they can diagnose and treat it accordingly.

Pleasant or Neutral Breath

A healthy mouth will also produce pleasant or neutral breath. This means no bad odour coming from your mouth! Halitosis (bad breath) can be caused by many things such as poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, cavities, gum disease and many other things. If you are experiencing bad breath and not sure why then go see your dentist as soon as possible to diagnose the cause of it.

Proper Alignment & Tooth Spacing

A healthy mouth also has proper alignment with no gaps between teeth or crowding where too many teeth are in one area. See your dentist if you suspect that something may be wrong. They will examine your mouth and determine what needs to be done to correct any problems found during this examination process.

Healthy Oral Tissues

Healthy oral tissues include the tongue, cheeks and gums, which should all look pinkish-red in colour without any sores, ulcers etc. These areas should feel smooth when touched gently with a finger as well. If you notice anything abnormal or different about these areas, see your dentist right away so they can determine what needs to be done. We routinely perform examinations of oral tissues to help detect cancer or other oral pathologies.

Preventive Dentistry Tips

Here are a few preventive care tips for a healthy mouth and preventing future problems from arising. First, make sure to see your dentist twice yearly for checkups. Your dentist will examine all areas of the oral cavity, including teeth, gums, tongue palate inside cheeks etc. They may even take x-rays if they think something suspicious is going on with any part of your mouth that cannot be seen just by looking at it during routine examinations.

Next, you should be brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day before bedtime to remove plaque buildup between teeth where your toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth and gums, or use an electric toothbrush. If you wear dentures, make sure they fit properly, so they don’t cause irritation when eating or drinking hot foods and drinks. And finally, drink plenty of water each day to help keep your mouth hydrated.

If you are experiencing any of these five signs, it means that you have a healthy mouth and should continue taking care of your oral health. However, if you are experiencing any dental issues, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Elston Wong Dentistry for help. We can help get your smile back to its healthy state in no time. Contact us today to learn more!