Orthodontic treatment is a great way to achieve a smile you may have thought impossible. But before you get braces, it’s a good idea to make sure your mouth is ready for the months ahead! Orthodontists love to see signs of good oral health before they begin your treatment – it ensures your teeth will be ready for the process.
Here are some of the easiest to spot signs of good oral health, read on to learn more!
No Tooth Sensitivity
Healthy teeth don’t hurt! If you’ve been experiencing prolonged tooth sensitivity, then you should talk with your dentist right away. This can be an indication that your enamel has deteriorated and that your teeth are exposed to cavity risks.
The treatment is simple whatever the problem is, so call your dentist today! He may suggest a few options in regards to what kind of treatment will work best for you personally, but he or she will recommend something that is sure to get the job done.
Good Oral Health Means Strong, Smooth Teeth
Have you ever felt your teeth? The front surfaces should feel smooth to the touch. If they feel bumpy, gritty, or rough, chances are you have some build up that will contribute to decay. Even if they feel smooth, it’s hard to tell the exact nature of your teeth’s health without the assistance of a dentist.
In addition to how they feel, teeth should be strong and solid when you have good oral health. That means no cracks! The tiniest breach in your tooth’s surface creates a massive hiding spot for bacteria. Over time, that means decay. Healthy teeth will be solid all the way across!
When it comes time for braces, damaged teeth are a non-starter. You’ll need to have them fixed before your treatment starts! While braces are designed to be comfortable and improve your oral health, the treatment process needs your mouth to be prepared for the adjustments that will happen over time.
Pink Gums Are Healthy Gums
Have you ever walked out of the dentist’s office wondering what they meant when they told you your gums are healthy? Healthy gums are often a shade of pink; the closer they are to a red color, the more likely they are to be suffering inflammation.
Healthy gums are plump and elastic. When you press on them, they bounce back. Keeping your gums healthy helps keep a cavity-free mouth. After all, the bacteria on your teeth that causes issues are the same bacteria that affect your gums!
Gum health is important to your overall oral health. They help to trap food and keep bacteria from entering your bloodstream. They also help to keep tooth and bone in place, which is important if you intend to get braces.
Good Breath Points Towards Good Oral Health
A person’s breath can say a lot about their oral health. After all, your breath isn’t supposed to be offensive! A healthy mouth should have fairly neutral-smelling breath, outside of short-term influences like recently consumed foods or drinks. When you take great care of your teeth and gums, your breath will reflect that!
On the other hand, persistently bad breath is a great indicator that something may be impacting your ability to maintain good oral health. There are a variety of potential causes behind it:
- Bacteria in your mouth is the number one source of persistent bad breath
- Smoking can make your breath have a consistently foul odor
- Diabetes
- Sinus infections
Even medications which cause dry mouth can leave your breath a little worse than you’d hope for. Ultimately, when looking for signs that you have good oral health, a quick breath check can give you a hint whether you’re doing fine or need some extra attention!
Your Gums Don’t Bleed When You Brush & Floss
When you have good oral health, your gums will be resilient to moderate abrasions. In simple terms, that means your daily dental care routine won’t cause discomfort or bleeding. Healthy gums are used to being brushed and dealing with floss. Normal dental routines should be easy and, more importantly, free of even slight bleeding.
If your gums are bleeding, swollen, or tender, you may have gum disease. That’s a sign that your oral health is on the decline. Of course, early gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and is reversible. For most people, all you need to do is make improvements to your brushing and flossing routine. That may mean not skipping your twice daily brushings – or making sure you’re spending enough time to get your mouth truly clean.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Do you have questions about Invisalign or orthodontic treatment? We can answer your questions to keep your teeth and gums healthy – schedule a free consultation! Contact us online or call 440-842-8015
Stay connected with Doctor Andy on Social Media!
