You probably know that your mouth is home to one of the largest bacterial populations in your body. Although they are a community of their own, these bacteria can dramatically influence the effects on your health. That means you need to understand how the main players work and what part you play in preventing their destructive tendencies.
There are no exact figures yet, but up to 700 species of bacteria live in your mouth. Around 20 billion of these organisms sit on the teeth, in your saliva and on the lining of your mouth. Dramatically, they can double their population every five hours. That explains why your teeth feel in the morning as though a shaggy carpet had grown on them. Saliva washes bacteria away while you are awake, but saliva production falls at night. Without the buffering and cleansing effect of this protective fluid, the micro-organisms thrive.
Not all the bacteria in your mouth cause problems. Most play a part in a balanced ecosystem and coexist with viruses, fungi and protozoa. But as in any community, a few bad characters cause the bulk of the trouble patients suffer. Many people are surprised to learn that both decay and gum disease are in fact an infection triggered by a few strains of harmful bacteria.
It starts with sugar
Like every living organism, bacteria need energy to survive. Fermentable carbohydrates provide their preferred fuel, and the various forms of sugar are the ideal source to convert into energy. These bacteria then flood the surfaces of the teeth and gums with a toxic mixture of acidic waste. If you have ever seen acid poured on concrete, you have an idea of what the bacterial waste does to your teeth. The hard outer layer of enamel erodes over time as a constant supply of acid attacks the highly mineralised surface. A cavity begins to open in the tooth, and often considerable damage occurs before anyone notices.
Other kinds of bacteria prefer to settle deeper below the gum. Their waste damages the gum line and triggers a burst of inflammation from the immune system. Bleeding gums are like an open door through which bacteria can penetrate deeper into the body. The whole toxic, inflammatory mixture can cause the bone around the teeth to dissolve and can worsen general health problems.
Why does not everyone get decay?
It is not unusual to find families with differing levels of decay despite similar diets and hygiene habits. Different people have different bacterial populations, and not everyone is infected with the same organisms. Moreover, some people produce critical antibodies that destroy these disease-causing bacteria. On the oral battlefield the organisms have little chance to thrive when the right defence factors attack them.
Whatever the bacterial mixture, everyone can develop a plan to control the destructive organisms responsible for decay and gum disease. While basic habits such as brushing and flossing lay the foundation for disrupting bacterial plaque, there are many other strategies tailored to individual situations. Adding prescription rinses, xylitol products, water flossers, protective varnishes, fluoride trays and other innovative methods can make a dramatic difference to a person’s dental history.
We can help
In our practice we focus on developing a preventive approach as unique as you are. By working with our dental hygiene team you gain an advantage that helps you overcome bacteria, genetics and past experience. With the right approach you can get rid of harmful bacteria and enjoy good dental health for life.
