You’ve probably heard a lot (both good and bad) about oral bacteria. Not only do these microorganisms cause a variety of oral health problems from cavities to gum disease, but they can also be beneficial to your smile, too. Here’s a closer look at how many bacteria live in your mouth, and a few of their most notable functions!
Oral Microbes
There are a whopping 700 different kinds of microbes living in your mouth at any given time. These can include bacteria, fungus, and other germs. Different varieties grow in different places throughout the mouth, such as your tongue, teeth, and gingival pockets.
Bacteria congregate in a sticky substance called matrix. This can be found in dental plaque and can make it much harder to remove from your teeth. That’s why you need to see your dentist for a professional cleaning twice a year.
But believe it or not, not all the bacteria in the matrix are bad. In fact, some of them can help keep the bacteria at bay, protect you from dangerous microbes in your food, and even aid in digestion.
Dealing with Bacteria
While it’s true that the good bacteria in your mouth can help control the levels of bad bacteria, it’s still important to give them a helping hand whenever possible. You can do this by maintaining excellent oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. You can also eat a diet rich in probiotics from foods like yogurt, tofu, and even blackberries, which have been found to help inhibit the earliest stages of oral cancer development.
Remember, not all oral bacteria are bad, but in order to keep the dangerous ones from wreaking havoc on your mouth, it’s important to protect your smile by caring for your teeth and gums by brushing, flossing, and regular visits to your dentist!
About Dr. Perez
Dr. Javier Perez earned his first dental degree at the University of Medicine at Cuba in 1997. After relocating to the United States, he attended dental school again at UCLA, graduating in 2011. He is also a current, proud member of the U.S. Army National Guard with a rank of Major. Let Dr. Perez and the team at Times Square Family Dental help protect your smile. To schedule a preventive exam and cleaning, please visit our website or call us today at 903-534-8110.