Did you know your mouth has over 700 species of microbes, which can include bacteria and fungus [1]? Everyone has both good and bad bacteria in their oral cavity—this is normal, and, when bacteria are maintained in a balance, generally a good thing.
Bacteria aren’t always bad, and the same is true when it comes to your mouth. But what are these good bacteria up to, and how can you encourage them to protect your smile? Here’s what you need to know!
Some Oral Bacteria Protect Teeth and Gums
Good oral bacteria help begin the digestion process in the mouth, breaking down food and preparing it for the stomach. However, if you eat sugary or acidic foods, the byproducts of this breakdown process can create harmful bacteria that can influence your risk for tooth decay and gum disease [2].
Some oral bacteria also help support both oral and systemic health. If your oral bacteria are in balance, you can help maintain your immune system and prevent chronic inflammation, whereas prolific “bad” oral bacteria can have the opposite effect [3].
Your Diet Can Influence the Balance of Good and Bad Bacteria
Good and bad bacteria in the oral cavity are kept in balance, in part, by the foods you eat. For example, a diet high in sugar can cause harmful microbes to get out of control and cause more damage to teeth and gums.
On the other hand, healthier foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can help encourage beneficial bacteria. In fact, probiotics, healthy bacteria found in fermented foods, may help reduce your risk for gum disease and bad breath by encouraging these good oral bacteria [4]. Drinking plenty of water also helps keep good and bad bacteria in balance to promote a healthy smile!
Oral Hygiene Also Matters
Of course, proper oral hygiene can help promote good bacteria and keep bad bacteria under control. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque, which is an accumulation of bacteria that can harm teeth, especially if not regularly removed.
In addition, people who floss tend to have fewer bacteria in the mouths in general, which could indicate a better bacteria balance for a healthier smile [5]. People who visit their dentist regularly also tend to have fewer bacteria in their oral cavities, which can help promote proper oral health.
Did You Think All Bacteria Were Bad?
Not all bacteria are bad—in fact, some are essential to bodily processes, such as those that help break down food for digestion. To keep your oral bacteria in check, brush and floss, eat a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and, as always, visit your dentist for regular checkups!
Sources:
1. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2019/05/mouth-microbes
2. https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/tips-for-good-oral-hygiene-and-healthy-smiles/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6503789/
4. https://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-75/issue-8/585.pdf
5. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/03/200302162248.htm
