5 key signs of a healthy mouth

Good oral health is so important. Not only does it make for a beautiful smile, but it is also a sign of good overall health as well.

So how do you know if you mouth is in good shape? The team at Benfleet Dental Centre have put together their 5 top points for a healthy mouth.

1. Healthy Gums

Healthy gums should be pink and firm to the touch, they should not be red or white, swollen or tender. Teeth should be secure and should not feel loose. Gums should sit flush to the teeth, with no flaps, pockets or places they appear to be receding and when brushing your teeth your gums should not bleed.

In order to maintain healthy gums, you should maintain a good oral hygiene routine; brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and using interdental cleaning aids daily. The dentist may also advise that you attend for regular appointments with the hygienist who will be able to scale and polish your teeth and will be able to provide you with the tools to keep your teeth looking their best in between appointments.

2. Strong teeth and dental restorations

At each appointment the dentist will check your teeth for strength and condition. Grinding or clenching is a common issue that can increase the wear on teeth and restorations. Decay and other issues may not always be visible to the naked eye and this is why the dentist will take dental x-rays at regular intervals so that they can check the areas between teeth and tooth roots.

If you suffer with grinding or clenching the dentist will be able to advise you on the best treatment to meet your needs, possibly a night guard or building up teeth with composite fillings to protect them from wear. By focusing on preventive dentistry problems can be treated quickly and effectively without the need for extensive treatment.

3. Fresh Breath

A healthy mouth should have naturally pleasant or neutral breath. The presence of food particles is directly related to persistent bad breath. Bad breath can also be an indicator of other health issues such as diabetes and sinus issues and can be caused by medications.

Your dentist will be able to get to the cause of your bad breath and can advise on tweaks you can make to your oral hygiene routine to have your breath smelling fresh in no time. If they believe you may have underlying health issues that is causing your bad breath, they may refer you to your GP for further investigations.

4. Proper jaw alignment and teeth spacing

Your dentist examines not just your teeth, but how they fit together in your mouth and jaw as a whole. Teeth that are straight and aligned properly are much easier to brush and floss, meaning better breath and fewer places for cavities or gum disease to develop. Crowded teeth can impact chewing and normal digestion, and may be related to clenching or grinding, gum disease, jaw disorders such as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), migraines or other neurological symptoms.

Your dentist may advise that you consider bite guards or teeth straightening to help improve symptoms.

5. Healthy oral tissues

Your dentist is trained to examine the entire mouth, including your tongue, lips and cheeks. Healthy oral tissues are pink, firm and moist. Issues may appear in the form of dry mouth, infections, painful sores, swelling or tenderness. Your dentist is also trained to spot the early signs of mouth cancer and will refer you to the hospital for further assessment should they notice anything of concern.

A healthy smile goes far beyond surface appearances. Oral health has a direct impact on self-confidence, social and professional relationships, and is truly the mirror of the body. Give Benfleet Dental Centre a call on 01702 557766 or stop by to schedule an appointment or simply to learn more about how a healthy mouth and teeth can be the key to your overall health.