Good oral health largely depends on our everyday ways to show that we care how our teeth and gums will fare in the long run. Do you have healthy teeth? Here is a checklist to guide you:

Checklist No. 1 – You brush your teeth everyday. If you brush your teeth everyday, chances are you are going to face a lot less difficulties when it comes to the state of your teeth and gums. Brushing your teeth ensures that you are constantly cleaning away any food residue that may turn to plaque and spread bacteria all over your mouth, resulting to periodontal disease.

Checklist No. 2 – You don’t see signs of cavities. Cavities are a sure-fire way of telling that a tooth or several teeth are under attack by cavities and losing unfavourably.Cavities manifest in the enamel of your teeth as teeth decay, which creates a black spot on the clear white surface, or it can also be completely hidden, and only with time will it show itself and after several bouts of tooth pain. This is considered as a periodontal disease as well, as it is caused by bacteria that have multiplied and eat away at the surface and on the ridges of the teeth. The enamel of your teeth can only protect the sensitive tissues for so long until it can’t anymore.

Checklist No. 3 – You don’t see signs of swollen or inflamed gums. Gums are the ones that keep the tooth in place, so with just this very important “job description” tells exactly how vital they are to keep our teeth right where they belong. Healthy gums have a pinkish color, sometimes looking like coral or a pinkish-red depending on the skin tone of the person. But you will know that you have a gum problem when the color turns a dark red or with grayish cast. Periodontal disease on the gums can range from cysts, wounds or blisters, and even receding gums.

There is never an excuse to not take care of our teeth properly. Did you know that the teeth do not only make for a bright smile, but it is one of the reasons why the face retains a specific shape and your cheeks do not cave in? That is how your teeth and jaw support your face, too. That’s why it’s imperative to take good care of it and ensure that you are doing your part to strengthen its defenses!