The human body is full of secrets and miracles. We have been bestowed with so much that we should always be thankful for the fine artwork of the creator. But this masterpiece i.e our body should be taken care of, no matter what. Let's discuss something that’s very visible and evident to the outside world, let’s discuss our smile.

In this article, we aim to make you understand about different aspects of maintaining a healthy smile. By the end of this article, you should be able to know how to maintain a healthy smile. Once we understand the science behind it, we should be able to take care of it. As discussed, let's go through these factors one by one.

1. The Saliva - Mobile and Tasteless:

Did you know that your saliva does a lot more for you than you might realize? Not only does it neutralize acids, limit bacterial growth, and wash away leftover food particles, but the enzymes in your saliva also help with digestion. So if you want to keep your mouth healthy, make sure you have enough saliva.

A dry mouth, or a lack of adequate saliva, can have different causes, including certain medications, aging, chemotherapy, diabetes, and stroke. Chronic dry mouth can contribute to various conditions like tooth decay, gum disease, mouth sores, and oral yeast infections. Chronic dry mouth qualifies for a trip to the dentist. However, you can keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water, avoiding mouthwashes containing alcohol, and limiting acidic drinks like orange juice and soda. Seek help for severe snoring, and if the air in your bedroom is dry, consider using a dehumidifier to help relieve dry mouth.

2. The Gums - Color And Feel:

Healthy gums, much like skin tone, can vary in color.

Yours may be red, pink, or dark brown. The key thing to pay attention to is whether or not the color is consistent throughout your entire mouth and over time. If your gums change color in a short period of time, or if certain areas of your gums are darker or lighter than usual, this could be cause for concern. If you notice a change in the color of your gum tissue, it could be due to something innocuous like an amalgam tattoo (which is harmless and occurs when particles from dental fillings and crowns become dislodged). However, it could also be a sign of something more serious, like gingivitis or trench mouth.
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that causes inflammation and bleeding of the gums, while trench mouth is a more severe form of gingivitis that results in the buildup of dead tissue over the gums. However, gum color isn’t the only indicator of healthy gums. Gums, also known as gingiva, are important for keeping teeth in line and protecting them from shock. They are made of fleshy tissue and are covered with a layer of the mucous membrane. They attach to your teeth with tiny fibers called the periodontal membrane. In a healthy mouth, your gums will appear to be snug against your teeth with little to no gaps in between. This snug fit prevents bacteria from getting into your roots and causing gum disease.
Healthy gums are also firm to the touch - you shouldn't be able to push them down with your finger - and they rarely bleed when you brush or floss. Puffiness and bleeding are early signs of gum disease, so it's important to keep an eye out for those symptoms. Gum disease can progress to the point where teeth may need to be extracted, which can lead to the need for replacement options such as dentures.

3. The Breath - That You Should Be Proud Of:

We've all had moments where our breath wasn't quite as minty-fresh as we would have liked, whether it was first thing in the morning or after eating garlic fries. However, halitosis - which is chronic bad breath - is a different story altogether. Having a healthy mouth doesn't necessarily mean that it smells like roses round the clock, but there shouldn't be an overpowering and pungent odor that sends people running for the hills either. In most cases, halitosis is simply a sign of poor oral hygiene.
When not cleaned away on a regular basis, bacteria in your mouth produce sulfur compounds which result in an unpleasant smell. Other causes of halitosis can include infections, tooth decay, and rotting food that's trapped beneath dentures or crowns. If your breath is fresh and pleasing, keep it that way with good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular trips to the dentist.

4. The teeth - Shining, Strong With No Sensitivity:

Your tooth enamel is the hardest and most calcified tissue in your body, and it acts as the first line of defense for your teeth against everything life throws at them. Directly below the enamel is your dentin, which contains microscopic canals that lead directly to nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
When the enamel of your teeth is weakened, it creates tiny openings for food and drinks to reach the center of your tooth and cause sensitivity. This is because the root of your tooth is exposed. Hot or cold beverages, sweet or acidic foods, or even a quick intake of cold air can cause sharp temporary pains. If you experience any of these sensations, it's best to see your dentist right away.

5. Dental Implants - The Saviors of Your Smile:
During our lifetime we keep losing our teeth for one reason or the other. It is something that we have no control over. But this doesn't mean that we should leave the spaces empty affecting the neighboring teeth. Therefore, it is very important that you fill these gaps with dental implants that help you bring back the sheen of your smile.
We must understand the fact that these processes should only be done under expert guidance otherwise there can be problems for a lifetime. Smiles are precious. Take good care of them for a healthier and shinier lifestyle. You can start today by saying yes to healthier eating and cleaning habits.