Many patients who visit our Arlington Heights dentist office struggle with not knowing how to tell whether or not they are suffering from dental concerns. This is completely understandable because we all see our own smiles daily, making it hard to tell when something might be off. Additionally, many dental concerns do not cause immediately noticeable symptoms. Fortunately, Dr. Engelberg, your local Arlington Heights dentist, has put together three general indications of good oral hygiene and health. Here are the three best ways to determine whether or not you are in good dental health:
Your teeth are clean and free of buildup.
Brushing and flossing twice a day is essential to maintaining good dental health. If your teeth are clean, they will be free of any plaque or tartar buildup. After brushing your teeth, inspect them to ensure that you have removed all of the debris they’ve collected throughout the day. If you notice any hardened gunk between your teeth or lining your gum line, this is what is known as plaque. If plaque remains on your smile for an extended amount of time, it will harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove. You may need to schedule a dental cleaning with your local Arlington Heights dentist office if you notice buildup surrounding your dental structures. Patients should schedule biannual dental cleanings every six months for routine preventative care.
Your gums are pink and do not bleed when you brush or floss.
Make sure to check your gums regularly, as they are a great indication of your overall dental health. If you notice signs and symptoms of gum disease development, this is a sign that you may need to improve your at-home oral hygiene routine. Signs and symptoms of gum disease development include bleeding, discolored, or inflamed gums. This irritation occurs because of unaddressed plaque and tartar buildup. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more likely it is that the bacteria in this residue will begin to eat away at your healthy soft tissues, causing irritation. Contact your dentist if you have questions about improving your gum health. Our office offers periodontal therapy to help patients suffering from gum disease restore their dental health.
Bad breath is not a constant problem.
It’s normal to experience bad breath occasionally. However, when bad breath does not go away, it’s important to contact your dentist. Bad breath can be a symptom of many dental concerns. One common cause of bad breath is excess buildup on your dental structures. This buildup contains old food residues and bacteria, which means that it can and will make your breath stink. Another cause of bad breath is dry mouth. Keeping your mouth moist throughout the day by rinsing your mouth with water or chewing sugar-free gum should help resolve your bad breath. However, you will need to contact a dentist if your breath does not improve or if you experience frequent bouts of bad breath. Dr. Engelberg has helped many of his patients overcome halitosis, or bad breath, by offering comprehensive general and restorative dentistry treatment options. If you suspect you are suffering from an undiagnosed dental concern, schedule an appointment with our Arlington Heights dentist office today.