People often leave dental check-ups to their dentist, but this is a mistake. You should monitor your oral health just as you do any other part of your body. Tooth health is very important and finding problems early can prevent tooth loss. Let us take a closer look at teeth and find out what we should look for.
Tooth Alignment and Straight Teeth
Having crowded gums and crooked teeth can cause dental hygiene problems, and if untreated can cause longer-term health problems in other areas of the body. Crooked teeth make parts of the mouth hard to reach properly when brushing and will cause a build-up of plaque and bacteria that can cause gum disease and infections. Take a look here to find out how to fix a bad bite. Teeth straightening in the UK has never been easier, or simpler. Modern teeth straightening technology can make the process almost painless, and many teeth aligners are close to invisible, keeping your teeth straightening efforts private.
Regular dental checkups are essential to maintaining good oral health, especially for those undergoing teeth straightening procedures. Dentists and orthodontists can monitor the progress of teeth straightening treatments, and catch any potential issues early on. In case of any dental emergencies, urgent care centers like My Doc Urgent Care Baychester can provide immediate attention and relief, ensuring that any unexpected dental problems are taken care of quickly and efficiently. A healthy smile is not just a confidence booster, but it is also an indicator of overall health, and taking care of your teeth should always be a top priority.
Regularly Check Your Tongue and Gums
Your tongue and gums can act as an early warning system for tooth decay and underlying problems in the mouth. By regularly checking them you can keep a close eye on your dental hygiene. Gums should be pink if they are healthy. Red or white patches or spots on the gums are a sign of gum disease and plaque build-up. Run your finger across your gums and make sure they are firm to touch, and you do not feel any sudden pain or discomfort. The tongue should also be pink in colour and firm to touch. Look for any discoloured patches. You should clean your tongue when you brush your teeth and remove any white film using a tongue scraper or brush.
Brush and Floss with Care
Brushing your teeth can feel like a chore. When brushing your teeth after a long day, you can be forgiven for wanting to get it over with and get into bed. Take care when brushing and flossing and pay attention. Blood from the teeth and gums in your toothpaste when you spit is a sign of tooth decay and gum disease. You may miss it if you are not looking. Flossing regularly is not only good for oral health, but it also gives you an opportunity to inspect your teeth closely and monitor your gum line.
Tooth Colour and Sensitivity
If you are noticing yellowing of your teeth, particularly at the base of the tooth where it meets the gums, then you may have a build-up of plaque and bacteria that brushing is not dealing with. Tooth sensitivity is also a sign of decay. If you feel pain when drinking hot or cold beverages, then you may have an issue that requires attention. You should consult your dentist and have them check the tooth and the rest of your mouth for signs of decay. With regular brushing and flossing your teeth should be healthy. It is important to keep an eye on them though and inspect your mouth for signs of disease. These tips should help you know what you need to look for.