Teeth are a vital part of living. They are not only a vital process of the digestion process (digestion begins in the mouth) but also an important element in enhancing beauty and promoting someone’s self esteem. Given the importance of teeth, it is vital that they are cared for to ensure optimum oral health which also leads to good overall health. So, how do you know when your teeth are healthy and when they are not? Here are tips that will help you compare healthy and non-healthy teeth:

Worn out and Flat teeth accompanied by headaches are not healthy
‘Tooth grinders’ often experience flat and worn out teeth. Most people may not even know they grind or clench their teeth when stressed, as this can at times occur at night. If your teeth feel flat when you touch them with your tongue or when you experience periodic pains in your gums, then this is a sign of non-healthy teeth. If you are experiencing these signs then you should consider buying a mouth guard and placing it your mouth as you sleep. The guard will protect your teeth from the effects of grinding at night. Consulting a dentist many also are required to remedy the situation. So, when you compare healthy and non-healthy teeth you should check for worn out and flat a tooth, which indicates unhealthy teeth.

Non-healthy teeth crack and crumble
Cracked and crumbled teeth are often experienced by older adults. As human beings age their enamel begins thinning out and may gain a translucent color. However, this erosion of the enamel is not only specific to the aged as it can occur at any age. This is as a result of the acid emitted by the stomach, which begins to slowly dissolve the teeth. Most occurrences of crumbled and cracked teeth are experienced by individuals with acid reflux disease, also known as Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and bulimia. As you compare healthy and non-healthy teeth check to see if your teeth are crumbled and cracked, if this has occurred visit a dentist.

Sensitive and painful Teeth are not healthy
If you are suffering from sensitive teeth then you may not think much of it, but this might be one of the factors to use to compare healthy and non-healthy teeth. This is because; most times sensitive teeth occurring as a result of periodontal disease that has caused an erosion of the gums. This disease does not exhibit any signs when it starts so you might not even know you have it until real damage has occurred.

Painful, bleeding and red gums
Gums are what hold teeth. This means that if there is a problem with your gums there is a problem with your teeth. If you have noticed a little blood coming out of your gums as you brush your teeth, or you are experiencing pain from your gums or your gums are not their usual pinkish color you should be concerned. All these are symptoms of diseases such as periodontal and even oral cancer.

Tongue and overall mouth dryness
Saliva is regarded as a teeth elixir that ensures healthy teeth. So, when your mouth begins to dry up and your tongue feels dry, then this is a basis to compare healthy and non-healthy teeth. This condition might be as a result of the medication you might be taking such as antidepressants. If this occurs when you are not using any medication, you should visit a dentist. However, if this is as a result of prescribed medication you should ask your doctor to change your medicine, otherwise if dryness is allowed to continue it might result in more serious oral health issues.
Now that you can compare healthy and non-healthy teeth, you are aware of the red flags that should be a cause for alarm. If you have any of these red flags, see a dentist as soon as possible. However, it is not enough for you to know what healthy teeth are, you must also know some of the things you can do to ensure that you obtain and maintain healthy teeth. Here are some tips on how you can acquire and maintain healthy teeth:
The most basic thing you can do to attain healthy teeth is to brush them at least twice a day.
You should also floss your teeth regularly to keep your gums healthy, by breaking colonies of bacteria making them easy to wash away.
Use a germ killing mouthwash regularly to wash away any remaining germs after brushing and flossing teeth.
Bear in mind that your teeth are the only ‘real or original’ set you will ever have, so take care of them. Also remember that healthy teeth result in general well being so, use the above tips to compare healthy and non-healthy teeth.

Author's Bio: 

I'm just your average hygienist with a passion for excellence. I do what I do best, which is to help my patients achieve healthy smiles and provide & educate them with oral health care solutions and lifelong cosmetic procedures. Dr. Nicholas and Associate Dr. Lutz are Maryland area dentists who are part of a tradition of dental comfort and care. Dr. Nicholas, a 1987 graduate of the University of Maryland Dental School, has dedicated his professional career to providing you with the best that dentistry has to offer.