At a glance, you look like a single living being. The reality, however, is that you are host to billions upon billions of microorganisms, including bacteria. While that might sound somewhat unsettling, it is actually quite fascinating! You might wonder how many of these bacteria reside in your mouth and how you can sustain a healthy oral microbiome. This blog post aims to provide valuable information on those subjects.
How Many Bacteria?
Experts estimate that there are approximately 700 species of bacteria that inhabit the average human mouth — that amounts to billions of individual bacteria! Before you become overly alarmed, remember that the majority of these bacteria are harmless. In fact, many of them play beneficial roles.
A well-balanced microbiome (a microbiome is simply the collective sum of all microorganisms in a particular environment) can support your oral health, reduce your risk of systemic diseases, and help to control inflammation throughout your body.
What Influences Your Oral Microbiome?
Your oral microbiome began to develop early in your life. Even prenatal factors can influence the balance of bacteria in your mouth. For example, research indicates that if your mother had gum disease during pregnancy, you are more likely to have an abundance of harmful bacteria in your mouth, which could increase your risk of dental decay and gum disease later in life.
Other factors that can affect your oral microbiome include your oral hygiene practices, your diet, your overall health, and your genetics.
Maintaining a Healthy Oral Microbiome
You can support a balanced and healthy oral microbiome by:
- Keeping up with oral hygiene: A thorough oral hygiene routine can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, thereby lowering your risk of cavities and gum infections. Brushing and flossing are both crucial! However, some experts recommend that you limit the use of antibacterial mouth rinses since they can eliminate good bacteria as well as bad.
- Minding your diet: Sugar and starches serve as food for harmful bacteria and can help them to multiply. These bacteria then produce plaque, which can lead to tooth decay and oral infections. Therefore, it is important to moderate your intake of sweet treats!
- Eating certain foods: Probiotic and prebiotic foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and fermented items, can foster a favorable balance of bacteria within your body.
- Visiting your dentist: Regular dental cleanings can help keep bad bacteria under control, and your dental team can offer personalized advice for maintaining excellent oral health.
The bacteria in your mouth are a remarkable community! By taking care of your oral microbiome, you can support your smile’s long-term wellness.
Meet the Practice
At Torrington Dental Care, our team is proud to provide a comprehensive range of oral health services to our community. If you have questions about oral hygiene, how to eat for a healthy smile, or how you can manage risk factors for poor oral health, we would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 860-259-4073.