Bacteria. These single-celled, microscopic organisms are everywhere – in the environment around us and even living inside us. The entire human body is filled with bacteria. Some are considered ‘good’ since they help our body to function, such as by helping us to digest our food or by fighting invading microbes that could make us ill. However, many of the bacteria living inside us are not so good for our health – including those that live in our mouths.

The average human mouth contains anywhere between 34 and 72 different strains of bacteria at any one time. There are two that are particularly bad for our dental health. These are:

Streptococcus mutans

Many people have heard of this strain of bacteria since it is the one most responsible for tooth decay. This bacteria lives inside our mouths and survives and thrives by feeding on the sugars and starches that are found in the foods that we consume. Unfortunately, the main by-product of their digestion is acid and it is this that eats away at the enamel of our teeth and causes tooth decay.

Porphyromonas gingivalis

If you hadn’t guessed by the name, this is the bacteria that has been linked to the development of gingivitis – aka, gum disease. Initially, gum disease may not appear to be anything to worry about since the symptoms are so mild. However, left untreated it becomes a serious and progressive disease that can lead to severe dental pain, gum recession, tooth loss and it has even been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases and some types of cancer.

Like all living things, bacteria can multiply. When this happens, the problems that they cause become much more significant. For this reason, it is strongly advised that we all take steps to prevent bacteria growth.
 

Preventing bacteria growth

For our mouth to be healthy it requires a careful balance of bacteria. While it is virtually impossible to kill all bad bacteria, there are things that we can do to minimize its presence and the effect it has on our oral health. These include the following:

Brushing your teeth properly at least twice a day

By far the most effective method for preventing the growth of bacteria is to clean your teeth properly. When you brush your teeth, you will be removing bacteria before they can produce acids that form plaque, the sticky film that covers the surface of your teeth. If this plaque isn’t brushed away, it hardens and forms tartar – a hard calculus that is impossible to remove without the help of a dentist. Tartar also leads to gum disease.

In addition to brushing your teeth at least twice each day, you should also floss as this will remove bacteria from between the teeth – an area that is very hard for your toothbrush to reach.

Use mouthwash

Many people mistakenly think that mouthwash is an optional extra when it comes to their oral hygiene routine. However, the right type of mouthwash has been shown to be very effective at keeping bacteria levels under control. Make sure you choose a variety that states that it sets out to kill bacteria and deal with plaque, rather than just one that leaves you with minty-fresh breath!
 

Limit sweet and starchy treats

Since bacteria thrive on the sugars and starches in what we eat, it is beneficial to watch how much of these foods we eat if possible, as reducing the amount will benefit our oral health. If you do snack or eat anything containing sugars or starches, be sure to drink a glass of water after as this will help to wash away bacteria before they can damage your teeth. Then, brush your teeth as soon as you can.

Need more advice on preventing the growth of bacteria in your mouth? Our team would be happy to help. Contact our offices today to speak to us or to arrange a dental appointment.