Dentist in White Bear Lake MN Shares 3 Signs of Healthy Teeth

As with all parts of the body, it is usually easy to tell if something is wrong with your teeth. Pain, sensitivity, discoloration, or chips or breaks in teeth are clear signs that you may have dental issues. Other problems, though, are not quite as straightforward or even detectable without a dentist’s exam. So how can you tell if your teeth are healthy? These 3 characteristics are usually indicative of healthy teeth. 

 

Healthy enamel

 

You may wonder how you can possibly determine if your enamel is healthy simple by looking at it. In truth, only a dentist can provide an accurate report on the state of your enamel. Still, there are some things to look for that can indicate your enamel is in good shape. Enamel is the whitest part of the tooth. If your teeth appear to be yellowing or seem to have gotten thinner over time, you may have lost tooth enamel. Keep in mind that just because your teeth appear a bit yellow does not necessarily indicate an enamel problem—some people simply have darker teeth than others. But sufficient enamel that is more or less white in color is a sign of strong teeth.

 

Good Breath (or at least not bad breath)

 

Believe it or not, the aroma of your breath may be a sign of dental problems. Bad breath can occur when bacteria and plaque builds up on the teeth or gums. This buildup is responsible for cavities and gum disease and, when left untreated for a while, can emit some pretty offensive odors. If you can rule out almost all other reasons for having bad breath, it might be time for a consultation with your dentist. 

 

Teeth that are immobile

 

All teeth have a small degree of mobility which is necessary for bearing the load of the many forces they are subjected to. But this kind of movement is rarely detectable. If you have teeth that shift when you bite down, or teeth that you can move with your finger, this is a sign that you need to see your dentist soon. Mobile teeth typically correspond with some degree of gum disease. On the contrary, teeth that are firm and don’t appear to move or shift is a good sign of dental health. 

 

Keep in mind that even if your teeth exhibit these positive characteristics, that does not completely rule out the possibility of dental problems. That is why it is essential to see your dentist in White Bear Lake, MN every 6 months for a cleaning and exam. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!