Bacteria probably don’t have a\u00a0 great reputation. When we hear the word, we probably think of germs, illness and things that need to be killed off. It might come as a surprise then to learn that your mouth is home to a large number of bacteria, and that not all of them are causing you harm.<\/p>\n
Some bacteria are perfectly normal inhabitants of the mouth. Others though, can cause tooth decay, gum problems and bad breath, particularly when conditions in the mouth allow them to multiply and become more difficult to control.<\/p>\n
There are hundreds of different types of bacteria that can live in the mouth. They can be found on the teeth, tongue, gums and other surfaces, and they form part of what is often referred to as the oral microbiome. Your mouth is not a sterile environment. It has its own community of microorganisms, living alongside saliva, food particles and everything else that enters your mouth during the day.<\/p>\n
Problems generally arise when the balance changes and bacteria that might cause disease become too prevalent. Poor oral hygiene is one obvious reason for this, but diet and how frequently we eat and drink can also make a difference.<\/p>\n
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One of the main problems caused by bacteria is tooth decay. After you eat, particularly if you have something sugary, bacteria in the plaque on your teeth can use the sugars as food. As a by-product of this, they produce acids. These acids attack the enamel that protects your teeth and make them more vulnerable to decay. Your saliva is helpful here. It can dilute and neutralise acids and supplies minerals that help repair the enamel. Given enough time between eating and drinking, the mouth has a chance to recover. The main issue is when the process is repeated time and again with too few or no breaks.<\/p>\n
If you are continually snacking on sugary foods or sipping sweet drinks throughout the day, the teeth can spend much more time under acid attack. Eventually, the enamel can weaken and a cavity can develop.<\/p>\n
Bacteria then, are only part of the story. What we give them to feed on matters too.<\/p>\n
Bacteria also plays a major role in gum disease.<\/p>\n
Plaque is the name for the sticky film which builds up on your teeth each and every day. It contains bacteria, and if it is not removed properly it can build up around the gumline. This can sometimes result in the gums becoming red, swollen and at times, prone to bleeding. This is known as gingivitis, which is usually reversible with good cleaning and appropriate dental care. If the problem continues for a long time, it can become more serious and result in Periodontitis. This advanced stage of gum disease can damage the tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place, and can eventually lead to loose teeth. Bleeding gums are therefore not something that should simply be accepted as normal. They are often a sign that something needs attention by one of our Burton dentists<\/a>.<\/p>\n This is where things get interesting. Not every bacteria in your mouth is interested in damaging your teeth. Many are harmless, and some may help to prevent more harmful microorganisms from taking over. They also play a role in starting the process of digesting our food by helping to break it down. This is why simply thinking of bacteria as either good or bad is perhaps a little too simplistic. They exist as part of a complicated community, and the balance between them is important. It is also why there is no sense in trying to make your mouth completely bacteria-free. Apart from being impossible, that would not be the point.<\/p>\n Good dental care is really about controlling the conditions that allow harmful bacteria to cause problems.<\/p>\n Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the best ways of keeping things under control. Brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of the teeth, while fluoride helps to strengthen enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks. Cleaning between your teeth is important too. A toothbrush cannot properly reach all of these areas, which is why plaque can remain there even when your teeth look clean. Flossing or interdental toothbrushes are the best way to approach this.<\/p>\n It is also easy to underestimate just how quickly plaque returns. You can brush your teeth in the morning and, several hours later, there will already be a new layer forming. This is completely normal. It is why regular teeth cleaning<\/a> is necessary rather than something that only needs doing when your teeth feel \u2018dirty\u2019.<\/p>\n There are plenty of antibacterial mouthwashes available, and some have a useful role in particular circumstances. Your dentist at the SG Dental and Implant Centre may recommend one if there is a specific reason for doing so. For everyday dental care, though, mouthwash is probably unnecessary and should definitely not be regarded as a replacement for brushing and cleaning between the teeth.<\/p>\n Your eating and drinking habits can make a significant difference. Sugary foods and drinks give acid-producing bacteria something to work with. Having them occasionally is very different from having small amounts repeatedly throughout the day. Water is a good choice between meals and can help to wash away food and drink residues. Saliva does much of the cleaning work naturally too, which is another reason why having a dry mouth can make dental problems more likely, so make sure to drink plenty of water to remain well hydrated.<\/p>\n And, of course, regular dental check-ups give our Burton family dentists a chance to spot problems before they become more serious.<\/p>\n Balance then, is a good thing and good home oral care and dental and hygienist visits at the SG Dental and Implant Centre are essential for good oral health. To register with us, to make an appointment, or for any other dental related issue, please call us today on 01283 845345<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Our mouths are full of bacteria but what does it all do, and is all oral …<\/p>\nWhat about the ‘good’ bacteria?<\/h3>\n
Regular brushing and general oral care<\/h3>\n
Mouthwashes<\/h3>\n
Monitoring what you eat and drink<\/h3>\n