How to Tell if Your Teeth are Healthy - Dental Health Tips

Looking at the Color of Your Teeth

The color of your teeth can give you clues about their health. Healthy tooth enamel is usually a light yellowish-white color. If your teeth are bright white, it may indicate that you've had them whitened or bleached. An unhealthy gray, yellow or brown hue may signal staining, aging or chemical damage.

Here are some common tooth discolorations and what they mean:

• Yellow teeth - This is usually a sign of surface stains from foods, drinks or smoking. The enamel underneath is still healthy. These stains can often be removed by brushing, flossing and professional teeth cleaning.
• Gray, black or brown spots - Discoloration in a particular spot may indicate tooth decay or a cavity. See your dentist to determine the cause and for treatment.
• Translucent teeth - If your teeth appear slightly see-through near the biting edges, your enamel may be thinning. This requires dental care to prevent further damage.
• Chalky white spots - These spots indicate enamel damage. They may be caused by tooth decay or chemical exposure from fluorosis, tetracycline staining or other conditions.

Pay attention to any changes in your tooth color over time. Sudden color changes may signal an underlying dental issue. Schedule a checkup with your dentist if you notice anything unusual.

Checking for Cavities

Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. They are also called caries or carious lesions. Cavities are more likely to occur in places where dental plaque accumulates and where your enamel is weaker.

You can sometimes spot the early signs of decay before a cavity forms. Look closely at your tooth surfaces for any tiny spots of white, brown or black discoloration. Frequently examine your teeth in the mirror under good lighting. Areas that look abnormally softened or discolored may indicate decay.

As the decay worsens, you may start to feel a slight ache or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet. More advanced cavities form dark holes in the teeth. They can become sensitive to touch and pressure.

Small cavities are best treated early by your dentist. They will remove the decayed material and fill the space. Extensive cavities may require crowns, root canals or tooth extraction.

When to See a Dentist

See your dentist right away if you notice any of the following signs of potential cavities:

• Toothache or sharp pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• Brown, black or white spots on any surface of your teeth
• Stained, discolored areas between teeth
• Sensitivity to hot, cold or pressure
• Unexplained bad breath or bad taste in your mouth

The sooner you treat cavities, the better chance you have of reversing the decay and preventing further damage.

Inspecting Your Tooth Enamel

Enamel is the thin, outer layer of your teeth. It's the hardest substance in the human body and helps protect teeth from daily wear and tear. Healthy enamel is smooth, glossy and pale yellowish-white.

Here are some signs of unhealthy enamel:

• Rough spots - Enamel damage from chewing hard foods, teeth grinding or abrasive brushing can leave tiny dents or grooves.
• Chipping or cracking - Chips and cracks expose inner tooth layers to decay and infection. They may cause pain when biting or temperature sensitivity.
• Staining - Coffee, tea, wine and tobacco can permanently discolor thin or porous enamel.
• Erosion - Acidic foods and drinks like citrus, vinegar and soda can cause enamel to wear away.

Protect your enamel by brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Avoid abrasive whitening toothpastes. See your dentist promptly for cracks, chips or unusual wear.

Detecting Gum Recession

Gums provide a protective seal around your teeth. When they shrink back, it exposes sensitive tooth roots and increases decay risk. It also forms gaps that trap bacteria. This is called gum recession or receding gums.

Look closely in the mirror for these signs of receding gums:

• Tooth roots becoming visible
• Teeth looking longer or larger
• Yellowish tartar deposits near the gumline
• Notches, gaps or craters between teeth
• Increased sensitivity to hot and cold

Gum recession is often painless so you may not notice it right away. It's frequently caused by periodontal disease but can also result from brushing too hard. Consult your dentist if you see any recession around your gumline.

Checking for Plaque and Tartar

Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. Proper oral hygiene can prevent it from building up and causing harm. Tartar (calculus) is plaque that becomes hardened on your teeth.

You may be able to see and feel plaque building up on your teeth, especially along the gumline or between teeth. Signs include:

• A pale yellow or white sticky substance on your teeth
• A feeling of dental film on your teeth
• Inflamed or irritated gums

Tartar is difficult to self-detect as it bonds firmly to teeth and can form below the gumline. Warning signs may include:

• Yellowish or discolored teeth
• Visible crusty deposits on your teeth
• Bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing

Professional dental cleanings can remove hardened tartar from your teeth. Be sure to brush and floss thoroughly each day to control plaque.

Home Plaque Detection Tablets

There are also over-the-counter plaque disclosure tablets that you can use at home. When chewed or swished with water, these tablets react with plaque and dye it a visible color for a short time. This allows you to see any plaque buildup on your teeth.

Monitoring for Gum Disease

Gum disease occurs when plaque forms below and between the gums. The bacteria in plaque infects the gums and can damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Gingivitis is the early stage and periodontitis is more advanced gum disease.

Look for these possible signs of gum disease:

• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Bleeding when brushing teeth
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Loose or separating teeth
• Consistent bad breath or taste

Periodontal disease is largely preventable with daily brushing, flossing and professional dental cleanings. See your dentist immediately if your gums bleed often or look infected. You may need deep cleanings or antimicrobials.

Periodontal Probing

A periodontal probe is a thin instrument that dentists use to measure the depth of gum pockets around each tooth. This test can detect periodontitis and determine if you have lost gum or bone tissue. Generally, depths of 1-3 mm are healthy. Deeper pockets indicate gum disease.

Checking for Damage or Wear

Your teeth endure enormous amounts of pressure each day during chewing and grinding. Cracks, fractures, chips and excessive wear can threaten your dental health over time.

Look for these signs of possible tooth damage:

• Cracks - Very thin cracks are common in adult teeth. Moderate cracks may cause pain while biting or temperature sensitivity.
• Fractures - Broken cusps, edges or bigger cracks often require crown treatment or extraction.
• Wear - Excessive attrition flattens the edges of your teeth making them thinner. It's often caused by teeth grinding.
• Chips - Small chips may smooth out over time. Large broken chunks require dental repair.

Protect your teeth by avoiding hard foods, chewing ice, teeth grinding and other sources of excessive force. Use a mouthguard if you play sports. Seek dental care for any major fractures, breaks or unexplained pain.

Evaluating Your Bite

Look inside your mouth to see if your upper and lower teeth meet properly when you bite. Signs of a faulty bite include:

• Upper and lower teeth that don't align
• Pain or discomfort when chewing
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Worn tooth enamel or fillings

Misaligned bites put abnormal force on teeth and bone. This can require braces or other orthodontic treatments to prevent further damage.

Testing Temperature Sensitivity

Healthy teeth can withstand hot and cold foods or drinks without discomfort. Temperature sensitivity may indicate dental problems like cavities, cracked teeth, receding gums or tooth grinding.

Try testing your teeth for sensitivity at home:

• Drink hot coffee or tea. Does it cause a sharp pain in any teeth?
• Breathe cold air onto your teeth. Do you feel a temporary sting?
• Bite into a frozen treat. Does one area hurt more than the rest?

If any teeth react to hot or cold with more than a minor twinge, contact your dentist. Sensitivity to temperature is often the earliest sign of trouble. It's best to seek treatment before it turns into a dental emergency.

Distinguishing Between Sensitivity and Pain

Temperature sensitivity is mild discomfort or a sharp zing that quickly subsides. Lingering pain that lasts several seconds or more can indicate a significant problem like an abscess, fracture, cavity or loose filling.

See your dentist immediately if you have prolonged pain in any part of your mouth that can't be attributed to temperature sensitivity.

Monitoring for Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, is usually caused by the bacteria and food debris that build up on your teeth and tongue. Gum disease and dry mouth can also contribute to unpleasant odors.

Some signs that may indicate dental problems:

• Bad breath that doesnt resolve with brushing and flossing
• Chronic white or yellow film on your teeth or gums
• Bitter, acidic or metallic taste in your mouth
• Bad breath that worsens, especially in the morning
• Foul odor noticed by friends, family or your dentist

Use a mouthwash containing zinc, chlorine dioxide or cetylpyridinium chloride to help control bacteria. If odor persists, consult your dentist to identify potential sources like gum disease, dry mouth, abscesses or cavities.

Organoleptic Testing

Your dentist can use organoleptic testing to rate the level of odor in your breath on a numerical scale. This provides an objective measure of halitosis and helps determine the origin.

Assessing for Signs of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer screening is an important part of your dental checkups. Early detection gives you the best chance for successful treatment. Look for these possible warning signs between visits:

• Sores, lumps, bumps or rough spots in your mouth
• Red, white or black patches in your mouth
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving parts of your mouth
• Numbness or pain in any area of your mouth
• Changes in your bite or how dentures fit
• Loose teeth without an obvious cause

Contact your dentist if you experience any unusual symptoms that don't resolve within 2-3 weeks. Early treatment is key for oral cancer.

Self Oral Cancer Screening

The American Dental Association recommends monthly self-exams to check for signs of oral cancer. Use a bright light and mirror to examine all surfaces of your mouth, throat and tongue.

Regular Dental Visits are Essential

While you can watch for some early warning signs, your dentist can detect issues like cavities, gum disease and oral cancer long before they become visible. They have the tools and training to perform a thorough assessment.

The American Dental Association recommends dental cleanings and checkups twice per year. High risk patients may need more frequent visits. This allows plenty of time for preventive services like:

• Dental cleanings to remove tartar and plaque
• Oral cancer screenings
• X-rays to find decay between teeth
• Polishing treatments to prevent stains
• Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel

Don't wait until you have a dental emergency or obvious symptoms. Regular exams and hygiene visits can find and treat issues early before they become serious problems.

Protecting your oral health is essential to your overall well-being. Be proactive and schedule a complete evaluation with your dentist every 6 months.

Create a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

Between dental visits, be diligent about brushing and flossing each day to control plaque buildup. This will help keep your teeth and gums healthy while preventing many common dental problems.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.