Signs You Have a Healthy Mouth

The appearance of our teeth and gums says a lot about our oral health practices and overall health. While any dentist in Whittier, NC, believes that it’s essential to be cautious about signs of dental abnormalities, people should also know what a healthy mouth looks like. There can be many indications of this, and learning about it helps us set our goals.  

So, do you know if your mouth is in a good state? Dentists have set the standards for good oral health. If you have all these, you must be on the right track with your dental hygiene.  

What Are the Signs of a Healthy Mouth?  

Strong, White Teeth

While having a set of white teeth is legitimately the goal, making sure they are strong should also be considered. When you’re an adult, you are expected to have sturdy teeth, not loose ones. Strong, white teeth generally signify that your mouth is adequately cared for and your oral health is in good condition.  

Firm, Pink Gums

Healthy gums appear full and pink in color. At the same time, they are firm when you touch them, not painful and swollen. Red and swollen gums translate to bad dental hygiene, indicating gum disease. Receding gums will also make your teeth look longer or cause dark triangles to appear between the teeth and gums. When you see these, you have to immediately reassess your oral health habits as these are not indicators of a healthy mouth.  

Pink, Moist Tongue

Many people forget that the tongue is an essential part of the oral cavity. Thus, only a few take notice of it. However, your tongue says so much about your oral health. A healthy-looking tongue is pink in color and moist. Your tongue may hold millions of harmful bacteria when not cleaned properly.  

Because of this, you have to be mindful of it and give it the proper care it deserves. Otherwise, you will experience alterations in your food’s taste and abnormal changes in its color and appearance.  

Pleasant-Smelling Breath

The common cause of halitosis or bad breath is the overgrowth of bacteria and food debris in the mouth. It happens when you neglect proper oral health practices. You don’t brush your teeth as much as you should and refuse to rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouth wash.  

While our mouth does not always smell minty, thanks to regular toothbrushing and mouth washing, it should at least smell pleasant. A pleasant smell indicates that you observe good oral hygiene and that your mouth is healthy.  

No Blood When Brushing and Flossing

Aside from looking swollen, unhealthy gums are extra sensitive. Thus, they usually bleed when brushing and flossing. Gum bleeding is caused by the buildup of plaque around the gum line. So, the next time you brush your teeth, pay closer attention to the mirror and sink.  

However, bleeding gums may also be the result of brushing too hard. Be sure to use soft, circular motions when brushing your teeth. Otherwise, you will hurt your teeth’s enamel and cause it to wear off.  

Insensitivity to Heat or Cold

Have you experienced grimacing while eating or drinking cold foods? If so, you might want to see your dentist and consult them about it. Sensitivity to cold or heat typically signifies something wrong with your teeth and gums.  

Schedule a Regular Visit to Your Dentist in Whittier, NC!  

Your dentist plays an integral role in maintaining your oral health. They can diagnose, treat, and manage oral diseases to prevent future problems. Therefore, you should see them at least twice a year to ensure that your mouth receives its care. Give us a call at Cataloochee Dental Group to book your visit.