Bacteria aren’t always bad! Right now, you naturally have bacteria in your mouth. In fact, studies indicate that most people have more than 20 billion microbes existing inside their oral cavity. While some of this bacterium is good, some of it can cause tooth decay. The longer you wait to brush your teeth each day, the more of this cavity-causing bacteria builds up. Read on as your Worcester dentist goes over the basics of oral bacteria and what you can do to make sure your smile stays clean and healthy.
Are Oral Bacteria Dangerous?
Our mouths are the perfect environment for bacteria. Not only is the mouth damp, dark, and warm, but bacteria feed off the sugars and carbohydrates that pass through it as you eat! Fortunately, unless you have an open wound or cut inside your mouth, the majority of oral bacteria can’t hurt you. Enzymes in your saliva kill some bacteria, and other microbes that are swallowed are killed by stomach enzymes.
However, there are several strains of bacteria that naturally congregate in the mouth that are responsible for causing cavities and gum disease. They produce acid by-products that eat through the enamel, they can cause infections in the gum tissue, and they can release smelly gasses that cause chronic bad breath.
Bacteria By the Numbers
The issue with determining how much bacterium is in the mouth is that the numbers can vary widely and change frequently. Factors like your genetics, your diet, and how frequently you brush your teeth all influence bacteria population. Plus, the most important challenge is that bacteria are living organisms that breed and reproduce. Researchers believe that the number of oral microbes doubles every five hours. So, let’s say you have 20 billion bacteria in your mouth after brushing your teeth one morning. If you wait until the following morning to brush your teeth again, going a full 24 hours without cleanings the microbes away, that original 20 billion population will likely have become 100 billion!
Keeping Your Mouth Healthy & Clean
How do you keep your mouth clean? The answer is not to kill all the bacteria in your mouth. Some varieties are beneficial or essential for your health! The best ways to manage your oral biome is to practice great oral hygiene habits, like:
- Brush your teeth for two full minutes twice a day
- Make sure to brush all your teeth, including your back molars
- Floss between your teeth every day
- Rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash regularly
- Limit how many sugary, carb-heavy foods you eat
If you’re concerned about the bacteria in your mouth, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. They’ll help you find the best ways to keep your oral health on track and your smile fresh!
About the Practice
If it’s been longer than six months since your last dental checkup and cleaning, we invite you to come visit us here at University Dental Group! Our team of highly experienced dentists is proud to offer a wide range of dental treatments that will help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Our personalized preventive services are designed to help control elements like bacteria levels in the mouth, and we’ll always take the time to explain how to best care for your smile at home. To schedule your next appointment, visit us online or call (508) 960-6495.