{"id":241,"date":"2023-05-18T15:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wedgewoodcompletedentistry.com\/blog\/?p=241"},"modified":"2023-07-04T03:33:15","modified_gmt":"2023-07-04T03:33:15","slug":"how-many-bacteria-live-in-your-mouth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wedgewoodcompletedentistry.com\/blog\/how-many-bacteria-live-in-your-mouth\/","title":{"rendered":"Just How Many Bacteria Live in Your Mouth?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Odds are you know that microbes contribute to oral health problems. After all, they\u2019re the source of many bodily diseases. That being said, do you know how many bacteria live in your mouth? The number is higher than most people might imagine. As such, you\u2019ll need to manage these germs to protect your teeth and gums. Luckily, your local Powell dentist<\/a> is here to help you out. Read on, then, to learn about oral bacteria, which are most harmful, and how to manage their presence in your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Your Mouth is Home to Microbes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even at its most clean, your mouth isn\u2019t quite empty. Instead, it serves as a home for countless microbes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the National Institutes of Health, roughly 700 bacteria species live in your mouth. They\u2019re well-distributed, too, sticking to your teeth, tongue, and even the pockets of your gums. That said, these organisms serve diverse roles. Good ones help your mouth manage the bad ones, which form communities and create plaque and acid. All such bacteria, you see, live, grow, and reproduce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Oral Bacteria is Most Harmful?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Amongst the bad bacteria, there are two kinds quite harmful to your mouth: streptococcus mutans<\/em> and porphyromonas gingivalis<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Streptococcus mutans is a common bacteria you may have heard about. It lives on tooth surfaces and difficult-to-clean areas, feeding on the sugars and starches you eat. Over time, it produces enamel-eroding acids that cause cavities. This latter fact makes it the main cause of tooth decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, porphyromonas gingivalis<\/em> usually isn\u2019t present in a healthy mouth. When it does appear, though, the microbe can trigger gum disease. This condition \u2013 also known as periodontitis \u2013 is a severe disease that affects gum tissues and the bones supporting your teeth. Gum disease doesn\u2019t stem solely from porphyromonas gingivalis<\/em>, but it shouldn\u2019t be taken lightly. It can cause significant dental pain and result in tooth loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Manage Oral Bacteria<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As it happens, you can manage and control the harmful bacteria in your mouth. Just remember to do the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n