Most bacteria in our bodies are harmless; some are even beneficial. Then there are the bacteria that cause oral diseases such as tooth decay, or cavities, and periodontal disease. These bacteria are microscopic--only 1/500th of a human hair in width – yet cause big problems because there are so many of them. There are an estimated 300 different species of bacteria living inside our mouths, totaling a billion or more at any given time. Bacteria in the mouth: little recycling machines Did you know your mouth is actually home to entire communities of microorganisms that are recycling your food and drinks? Bacteria are living beings. This means they move, eat, grow, reproduce and discharge waste matter. And, that’s how they cause tooth decay in our mouths – by feeding on the sugars in the foods and drinks we consume to grow – then leaving behind the waste, in the form of a biofilm known as dental plaque. This plaque allows all those little recyclers to stick around your teeth longer, until eventually they make acids, which wear down the tooth enamel and cause cavities. The bacteria in the plaque that forms near the gums also produce toxic products that enter the gum tissues, causing gingivitis. If untreated, gingivitis may become periodontitis, a more serious disease where there is bone and tissue loss around the teeth. Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. Sugary foods are obvious sources of plaque, but there are others that you might not realize can cause harm. Starches—such as bread, crackers, and cereal—also cause acids to form. The dental plaque created from bacteria also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, sensitive, and susceptible to bleeding. This can lead to gum disease, in which gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that fill with bacteria and pus. If the gums are not treated, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed and teeth may become loose or have to be removed. Did you know tooth decay is actually an infectious disease? And, these bacteria that cause tooth decay are spreadable. According to the science journal Microbiome , an otherwise innocent ten-second kiss can spread 80 million bacteria between mouths! These are the bacteria we need to manage through good oral hygiene practices, healthy diet and dental checkups. Brushing after meals, using antimicrobial mouthwash, and flossing at least once per day helps to keep these disease causing bacteria from reproducing in your mouth, and causing tooth decay. And, healthy diets that minimize sugary and starchy foods also helps to keep those bad bacterial under control.
