Most people do not enjoy going to the dentist. Let’s be honest no one really likes going to the dentist, but it’s very important to maintain healthy teeth and gums for your life. By maintaining a healthy mouth you’re not just helping your oral health, but you’re helping your overall health too. Most people don’t realize the importance or good oral hygiene and how it affects the entire body. In this blog you’ll learn about the bacteria that lives in your mouth and can cause tooth decay.
Your mouth loves bacteria whether it’s fungi, viruses, or protozoa you have bacteria in your mouth and there’s nothing you can do about it. The human mouth is home to over 700 species of bacteria. Not all bacteria are bad for you though, some bacteria protect you from pathogens. These bacteria are called commensal bacteria and we don’t necessarily worry about them. You’re probably wondering how these bacteria protect us? Well, they live on your teeth and occupy the area where the pathogens would like to live, therefore protecting your teeth.
What we eat affects the bacteria in your mouth. When you consume a great amount of sugary foods your mouth environment changes and the protective bacteria loses the battle against the bad bacteria or pathogens. A highly acidic mouth environment favors pathogens that can tolerate acid. As plaque builds up in your mouth the saliva which normally neutralizes the acids cannot flow. This results in the beginning of the tooth decay process.
Brushing your teeth, physically removes plaque on your teeth. We need to do this regularly to prevent any build up of plaque. The thicker the plaque is the less access the saliva has to be able to neutralize the acid producing bacteria. This is why it’s so important to brush at least twice a day and floss once to prevent any build up of plaque. If it’s been some time for you since you’ve been to the dentist, give us a call today 215-568-6222 to schedule a free new patient consultation so you stay happy and healthy all 2020. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay up to date with our office.
