Mouth Bacteria to Limit for Quality Oral Care

There are a few threats that we're always looking to keep away from our mouths for quality oral care, and at the top of any such is is the threat of bacteria. These small organisms can appear in hundreds of different forms across the body, including within the mouth -- while there are some bacteria that are harmless and even some that benefit your health, there are also several that post specific threats to oral health, including high risks of tooth decay and gum disease.

At Hillfield Pediatric & Family Dentist, we're proud to offer a variety of solutions that help prevent harmful bacteria from presenting issues in your mouth, from general dentistry services like cleanings and fillings to orthodontics, advanced procedures and more. What exactly are bacteria, and what are a few of the most harmful mouth bacterial we'll help you prevent? Here's a primer.

Bacteria in the Mouth

Bacteria is a term that refers to very small organisms made up of a single cell. Bacteria have their own DNA, and they require energy sources just like us. There are over 700 different forms of bacteria that can live in the mouth alone, and because bacteria can multiply at a rapid rate and share DNA, one single bacterium can quickly turn into thousands.

As we noted above, some types of bacteria are harmless, or even play a positive role in the body. Others, however, can lead to a range of oral health problems. When harmful bacteria begins to grow in the mouth, it not only increases a person's susceptibility to a number of different oral diseases but also releases toxins that can damage tissue and cause pain.

Harmful Mouth Bacteria

Generally speaking, three forms of bacteria stand out as the most threatening in the mouth:

• Streptococcus mutans: Most commonly blamed for tooth decay, this bacteria feeds off sugar and carbohydrates, leading to the formation of plaque.
• Porphyromonas gingivalis: This harmful bacteria is responsible for gum disease, usually called periodontal disease or periodontitis. Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, can result from Porphyromonas gingivalis as well. This bacteria is also sometimes listed simply as P. gingivalis.
• Denticola: Finally, this is another bacteria that produces toxins causing gum tissue infection and inflammation. The body's natural inflammation response, in turn, harms the gum tissue and leads to periodontitis.

Individuals with Porphyromonas gingivalis or Denticola may be at an increased risk of gum disease or other damage if they consume strong foods or drink strong beverages. In fact, smoking and poor oral hygiene are additional risk factors. Everyone is at some degree of risk, however.

For more on the kinds of bacteria in the mouth, including those we're looking to limit, or to learn about any of our family dentist services, speak to the staff at Hillfield Pediatric & Family Dentistry today.