Bacteria gets a bad rap and usually it is for a good reason. But, there are some important roles that bacteria play in your mouth everyday! There are over 700 different strains of bacteria in the human mouth. Bacteria called probiotics, are helpful bacteria that promote digestion of foods. Other bacteria protect our teeth and gums.

Your Oral Microbiome

Did you know that your mouth is full of bacteria, not all of which is harmful? While it is true that some species of bacteria in your mouth can trigger disease, tooth decay and negatively impact health, other microorganisms (probiotics) are part of a healthy mouth and aid in digestion. Some bacteria actually protects our teeth and gums, others do the exact opposite! The key is to control the populations of harmful bacteria in your mouth with regular oral healthcare practices, visits to your dentist and establishing a healthy diet.

Two Harmful forms of Bacteria

The two most-talked about bacteria are streptococcus mutans and porphyromonas gingivalis.   Streptococcus mutans bacteria reside in your mouth and feasts on the sugars and starches of your diet. It’s harmful to your mouth because it produces enamel-eroding acids which leads to  tooth decay.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is not as commonly found, but is a known cause of periodontitis–a dangerous, progressive disease that destroys tissues and bone that keep teeth in place. It causes pain and eventual tooth loss.

These two forms of oral bacteria are hard to eliminate once they have taken up residence in your mouth, but can be controlled by brushing after every meal, flossing daily and using an antibacterial mouthwash.

Diet and Bacteria in Your Mouth

To help prevent a hostile takeover by the bacteria in your mouth, reduce the amounts of sugar and starchy foods in your diet to starve off the always-hungry oral bacteria.  Strive to consume foods that promote healthy bacteria–fruits, vegetables, probiotics–to safeguard your teeth and smile for years to come.

The health of your oral microbiome is essential for overall health. Unhealthy diet choices can throw your oral microbiome off triggering bacterial imbalances, inflammation and eventually gum disease.

Harmful bacteria that is left to rule and reign join your saliva and then travel to your gut invading your gut microbiome as well! Scientists have reason to believe that this is one of the reasons there is a connection between gum disease and type-2 diabetes–it starts with this bacterial invasion that began in your mouth!

Preventing Bad Bacteria from Imbalancing Your Oral Microbiome

Wondering what you can do to keep your oral microbiome healthy? The following suggestions have been shown to help:

• Eat more fiber, including prebiotic (food ingredients that induce the growth or activity of beneficial microorganisms).
• Add probiotic fermented foods (yogurt, pickles, kefir,  kimchi, olives, miso, Parmesan cheese).
• Brush and floss your teeth daily.
• Take an oral probiotic. (Probiotics (healthy bacteria supplements) help your teeth by: preventing plaque, battling bad breath, reducing oral cancer risks, managing symptoms of gingivitis, and decreasing inflammation from gingivitis reports, Healthline.com.)
• Pay attention to the signs of inflammation (bleeding gums, tenderness). If you see signs of inflammation, up your flossing and brushing and call Dr. Bockrath for an exam.

Call for a Dental Health Consultation

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you visit your family dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.  These dental checkups help to ensure the health of your teeth and gums while eliminating plaque buildup and the prevention of tooth decay.It’s much easier to teach children to develop strong brushing and flossing habits when they hear a dentist backing up your instructions.

Mountain Aire Dentistry offers comprehensive care for your dental needs in a relaxed and efficient atmosphere. We are conveniently located at 291 E Flatiron Crossing Dr in Broomfield, CO, 80021 with easy access from both Erie & Centennial. Our goal is to provide quality dental care for you and your family through the use of the latest equipment and the most current technology.