Bacteria that Lives in Your Mouth — Understanding The Oral Flora
More than 700 types of bacteria are found in our mouths. Each tooth can actually host between 100 million and 1 billion bacteria. They are not a problem and most of them don’t cause any problems. But, this is not true for all types. This article will teach you everything you need to know about bacteria found in your mouth.
Bacteria can be found in all parts of our oral cavity, from the teeth to the tonsils and even between the tongue papillae. Most of these microorganisms, while good for your oral health, are harmful. However, harmful bacteria can also be found in our mouths and can lead to serious health issues. Proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent them.
It will be very difficult to reverse the damage done by the bacteria and other diseases if you allow them to flourish. This can lead to many health issues and a less attractive smile. You can correct some of the damage with veneers or implants at Dental Matters. But it is easier to prevent it.
Headline H2: Useful Bacteria In Your Mouth
We have already mentioned that there are many bacteria in our mouths, and most of them are beneficial to us. This is what we refer to as a symbiotic relationship. Synbiotic is a relationship that benefits both the parties.
These bacteria are passed to us as babies and serve as our first line defense against infections and fungi all our lives. These bacteria can also produce an acid which kills intestinal parasites.
The Streptococci family is responsible for most of the bacteria found in our mouths. It has many sub-types and not all are beneficial.
Headline H2: Harmful Bacteria In Your Mouth
Problems can arise when bacteria builds up on your teeth. This is usually due to poor hygiene. The Streptococcus mutagens bacteria is the most common. They are living organisms and need to eat and reproduce. Your teeth are the perfect place to do this. The most vulnerable areas are the ones that are difficult to reach and can be missed when flossing or brushing.
Plaque is a form of bacteria that forms a layer around your teeth. They feed on sugar residues and carbohydrates, and produce an acid that can cause tooth decay and enamel erosion.
The Gram-negative porphyronomas gumivalis is another common type of harmful bacteria found in your mouth. Healthy teeth are unlikely to have this bacteria. They can still accumulate in certain areas, like the space between your teeth and gums. They can cause your roots to erode, which causes the teeth to become looser and eventually fall out.
Oral Diseases Caused by Bacteria
Neglecting to treat your oral health issues in time can lead to serious health problems. They can lead to tooth decay, plaque, and cavities faster than normal. Bad breath, a bad appearance, speech problems, and ultimately low self-esteem and self-consciousness could all result.
However, this is not the only thing that could go wrong. Gingivitis can also be caused by bacteria. Periodontitis, a painful and severe infection of the gums, is what you need to know. Periodontitis can spread to the roots of your teeth and cause them to fall out.
In worst cases, bacteria could spread from your mouth into other parts of your body and infect them. It could infect your lungs (pneumonia), sinuses, middle ear (otitis media), and heart (endocarditis). In extreme cases, it can even affect your brain (meningitis). A link has been made between P. gingivitis bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease.
Fungal infections can also occur in the mouth due to an overgrowth of bacteria and unhygienic environments. An oral yeast infection, also known as candidiasis or thrush, can lead to a host of undesirable consequences if left untreated. Some of these include reddening of the skin, swelling, and pain in your mouth.
Mouth Bacteria Management
Proper oral hygiene is the best way to combat unwanted bacteria.
- Brushing. Use fluoride-based toothpaste at least twice a day to brush your teeth. Be careful not to brush too hard and cause gum damage.
- Flossing. You should floss every day to clean between your teeth.
- Rinsing. To keep any bacteria from remaining in your mouth, you should rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash.
- Visits to the dentist. If you have any oral health problems, go to the dentist more often. To prevent any further complications, you should see a dentist immediately if you experience any additional symptoms.
- Diet. Your oral health is directly affected by what you eat. Reduce sugar and carb intake. You should also eat foods that encourage healthy bacteria growth (e.g. yogurt and sourdough) and fight plaque (e.g. Fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, and green and black teas, are all good options. .
To Sum Up
The bacteria in your mouth should not cause you concern, especially if your teeth are well taken care of. They are generally good for your health. They can build up if they aren’t brushed regularly. Additionally, harmful bacteria can overpower others and cause many painful conditions.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention can be worth a pound cure.” It’s better to invest time and effort in maintaining your oral hygiene than to have to deal later with potentially life-threatening conditions.