The Top 5 Signs of a Healthy Mouth

Our Lethbridge dentists review 5 key components that can help determine the overall health of your mouth.

Strong Teeth & Restorations

At each exam, your dentist will assess the strength and condition of your teeth. He will check for chips and cracks, and for any cavities that may be developing.

He will also check teeth that have existing restorations, such as fillings, crowns and dental implants, to make sure that they are still in good shape.

Healthy Gums

Healthy gums should be pink, free of discomfort and firm to the touch. If they are red, white, swollen or tender, it may be a sign that gum disease is developing.

During your appointment at Ivory Dental in Lethbridge, your dentist will review your previous dental x-rays, and check your gums for any of the above problems, as well as loose teeth or periodontal pockets.

Neutral Breath

If your mouth is healthy, you will naturally have neutral breath. The presence of bacteria and residual food particles in the mouth is often the cause of persistent bad breath, and so making improvements to your dental hygiene routine can often remedy the problem.

However, bad breath can also be an indicator of other health issues, such as diabetes or sinus problems. Certain medications cause dry mouth, which can also lead to unpleasant breath.

If you are struggling with bad breath, your dentist will be able to determine the cause, and provide appropriate solutions.

Proper Alignment & Spacing

The way your teeth fit together in your mouth and jaw is an important factor in determining the health of your mouth.

Teeth that are in proper alignment are easier to brush and floss than misaligned ones are, resulting in better breath and fewer opportunities for cavities or gum disease to develop.

Misaligned teeth can cause a variety of health problems, such chewing and digestion issues, gum disease, jaw disorders, bruxism (clenching or grinding), migraines, and other neurological symptoms.

Healthy Oral Tissues

Healthy oral tissues are usually pink, firm and moist. During your oral exam, your dentist will look for issues like dry mouth, infections (such as thrush), painful sores, swelling, or tenderness.

He will also look for the warning signs of oral cancer and other serious issues, like cysts.