Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so having a healthy mouth is something to be proud of! But how do you know if you’re in good oral health? If you meet the following five criteria, it is highly likely that you are!
1. Flossing does not make your gums bleed.
Because gingivitis (an infection of the gums) is quite common, many people attribute the symptoms of gingivitis to be normal as well. One of the main symptoms of this gum issue is bleeding gums, particularly when you brush or floss. Bleeding gums is indicative of inflamed gums that could ultimately lead to more serious issues down the road if left untreated. Therefore, if you do not experience bleeding or inflammation of the gums, it is a good sign for your oral health!
2. You don’t struggle with unpleasant discoloration on your teeth.
Generally speaking, a healthy smile is a beautiful smile. If your teeth are naturally white, this is a good sign that you’re not struggling with any of the oral health issues that can cause a yellowish tint or discoloration—including gingivitis, tooth decay, and more. It can also be a good indicator that your oral healthcare routine is sufficient!
3. Your gums are firm and pink.
It is very important for your overall oral health that you have healthy gum tissue. This means your gums should be pink and firm to the touch. If your gums appear inflamed or red, have sores, or appear to be receding, this can be indicative of periodontal issues and should be looked at straight away.
4. Your breath smells nice.
Halitosis (or bad breath) can be caused by a number of oral health issues including dry mouth, tonsillitis, stomach problems and more. Unpleasant breath can also result from a buildup of harmful bacteria and food particles in the oral cavity. Therefore, someone with a healthy mouth will generally have pleasant breath as well.
5. You can enjoy cold and hot foods without any issues.
Do you know anyone who has had difficulty eating ice cream or hot soup because it hurts their teeth? This hypersensitivity can be caused by a number of issues such as receding gums or tooth decay. Essentially, when the nerve of your tooth is exposed, it becomes extremely sensitive to outside stimuli to the point of causing pain. Therefore, if you never have to worry about dental pain while you eat, it is likely that the nerve of your tooth is adequately protected!
Do you meet the above criteria? If you don’t, never fear! It can actually be quite easy to maintain good oral health. For starters, you’ll want to follow a proper dental hygiene routine—brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and using a mouth rinse to kill any remaining harmful bacteria. Secondly, you’ll want to make sure you get a dental check-up every six months! To get started on the track to good oral health, call Metro Square Dental Associates to set up your appointment today!