Exploring the Two Oral Bacteria Responsible for Smile Destruction
Are you doing what you should to keep these oral villains under control?
The human mouth is chockfull of bacteria – in fact, there’s over 700 different strains that can be found in there!
If you’re feeling grossed out to learn this, you should know that most of these bacteria are completely harmless to our health. But, the bad guys still know how to make themselves welcome inside our oral havens.
The good news is, bad oral bacteria can be managed with proper oral hygiene practices!
Oral bacteria is contained in biofilm: a substance that forms and accumulates on the teeth. This biofilm requires removal through daily brushing and flossing, in conjunction with the help of a hygienist every 6 or so months. (P.S: if it’s been a while since you’ve had a cleaning, call our Milton dentist today)!
When biofilm is not removed from the teeth regularly, you’re actually putting yourself at a high risk for cavities and gum disease. Yuck!
There are two types of bacteria in particular that are known to cause dental destruction:
1. Streptococcus mutans: Responsible for causing tooth decay and cavities, s. mutans thrive off of the sugars and carbohydrates you consume, creating dentally destructive acids which attack your precious enamel. Yeah… we’re not the biggest fan. The interesting thing is, we aren’t actually born with s. mutans present in our mouths, and are typically first introduced to it when we’re infants – receiving it from our mother or primary caregiver. Yep, essentially everyone has strep mutans… we unfortunately can’t run from this one!
2. Porphyromonas gingivalis: P. gingivalis is a bacteria that has a strong link to periodontitis, the final stage of gum disease that puts the teeth at risk for becoming loose and falling out. So essentially, s. mutans pose a threat to our teeth – and p. gingivalis pose a threat to our gums. This nasty bacteria is also correlated to other chronic inflammatory diseases.
The best way to keep these destructive bacteria under control is to keep up proper oral hygiene practices, and by eating a healthy, balanced diet limited in processed foods and sugars.
Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two full minutes each time, and always floss daily! See your dentist and hygienist for a check-up and cleaning every 6 months or as required. Your efforts will always be worth it! :)
