If there’s one thing that we should keep healthy, it’s your mouth. This is the gateway to your stomachs and the main body part that lets you talk to other people. Obviously, you need to keep your mouth clean because a lot of problems can pop up if you don’t. 

Of course, you know that you need to brush your teeth at least 2 times a day to keep it clean. But there are also signs that you should look out for to know whether your mouth is clean or not. Listed below are the signs of a healthy mouth and ways you can keep it healthy. If yours doesn’t seem to meet any, better pay a visit to your dentist immediately.

Signs of a Healthy Mouth

There are several indicators for a healthy mouth. You should be able to check each one off your list to guarantee that your mouth is indeed healthy. Should you miss one sign, then definitely have it checked by your dentist.

1.Pale Pink and Firm Gums

To know whether your gums are healthy or not, you have to first check the color. It has to be pale pink in color and firm, not tender or sore when touched. If the color is anything but, then something is definitely wrong. Healthy gums don’t easily bleed when you’re brushing your teeth or flossing. They also don’t have any pus-filled pimples that hurt when you accidentally hit them.

Between your teeth, the gums should extend in a triangular shape and fill that space, only leaving about 2 millimeters for flossing. If the space is too big and the gums look blunt, it can accumulate tartar and plaque which is bad for your mouth. The gum should also hold your teeth firmly in place. If your teeth feel loose, it can also be a bad sign.

2.Pink Tongue 

You might already know that a pink tongue is the healthiest. The white film that you see, if there’s ever any, is a sign of accumulated bacteria which you can just brush off with tongue scrapers or cleaners. But what you might not know is that your tongue can keep bacteria at unhealthy levels, if you don’t clean it with a tongue scraper or cleaner. Lifestyle can have an effect on your tongue, including sores and discoloration which are not only painful but also alarming.

Your tongue can be a good indicator for diseases like anemia or diabetes; so, if anything looks or feels wrong, don’t hesitate to go to a dentist or a doctor and ask 

3.Fragrant Breath

Constant brushing, flossing, and gargling of mouth wash can help your breath smell pleasant or, at least, neutral. If you do all three and still have bad breath, then something is definitely wrong. Though, don’t mistake morning breath as a bad sign because it’s normal after hours of sleep, with little saliva production. Bacteria can also accumulate while you’re sleeping so it’s not something you should be worried of.

If you have persistent bad breath, it could be halitosis or a sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis, if not treated immediately, can cause worsening of bad breath, teeth loss, and gum disease which are all equally difficult to solve naturally. 

4.Healthy Teeth 

Having shining, white doesn’t mean that it’s strong and healthy. In fact, unnaturally white teeth can also have its bad indications. There are a lot of aspects that dentists check to know if it really is healthy. Strong teeth have no cavities and intact. Those who have a habit of always grinding their teeth together can seriously wear down their teeth, resulting to cracks or crookedness.

Others who have had their teeth done for fillings or root canal treatments must also have well-maintained restorations to avoid encountering previous problem again. Chips and cracks are two of the things that indicate your teeth are weak and must be treated. Teeth must also be properly aligned to lessen the chances of cavity build-up.

5.Normal Jaw Alignment 

It’s not just what’s in your mouth that’s important to its overall health, your jaw also contributes to it. A proper jaw aligned includes the upper teeth slightly over your lower teeth. Your front teeth shouldn’t be on top of each other and the molars should fit perfectly with each other. If your jaw, or bite, makes it hard for your teeth to fit together, then it poses a bigger problem for your mouth. 

It doesn’t just make it hard for you to chew or speak, but it’s also a threat to the alignment and health of your teeth. A misaligned jaw can lead to a crowding of teeth in one place and crooked teeth in another. It can also encourage bruxism or grinding of the teeth which causes more serious problems. 

Ways to Keep It Healthy

With all the signs to help you know whether your mouth is indeed in perfect condition, you should also be informed of how you should take care of it. Here’s a few easy things you can do, other than just brushing your teeth 3 times a day:

1.Visit the Dentist Regularly

And by regularly, we mean at least once every 6 months. It’s not just so your dentist can clean your teeth, but it’s also to check if you have subtle problems that need to be corrected immediately. Don’t just visit your dentist when you feel pain or see something wrong, it pays to prevent anything from happening.

2.Avoid Smoking

Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs, they’re also bad for your mouth. You won’t just end up with black lungs and yellow teeth, you’ll also lose your gums. If that’s not enough to stop you, I don’t know what will. 

3.Use the Right Toothbrush

The right toothbrush will clean your teeth and won’t make your gums bleed. Look for a toothbrush with soft bristles that gently clean your teeth and everything in between. Don’t go for hard bristles because they don’t clean better and make your teeth whiten faster. And change your toothbrush every 3 months, don’t be stingy on that, as well.

4.Floss Correctly

There’s also a correct way for flossing to avoid causing too much friction on your gums. The secret to a fresh breath and healthy teeth is flossing after you brush your teeth. As much as possible, get a different floss for each teeth or clean it after going through each one.

All these information are crucial to helping you keep your mouth clean and fresh. It’s not just about your teeth, it’s everything inside your mouth. By constantly checking with the signs and following the tips to keep it clean, maintaining a healthy one won’t be so difficult.