Does Your Mouth Have Good Bacteria?

 

When you hear the word "bacteria," you might think of the germs that make you sick during cold and flu season. But when it comes to bacteria in your mouth, you might be surprised to learn that there are a lot of good bacteria there. Germs can't spread because healthy bacteria keep them from doing so. If you get to know the good bacteria in your mouth, you might not want to get rid of them all so quickly.

What kinds of bacteria are in your mouth?

Even though it's true that some bacteria in your mouth can cause diseases like gingivitis and tooth decay, not all bacteria are bad. Probiotics and other good bacteria help keep your mouth healthy, break down food, and keep your breath fresh. 

Bacteria, fungi, and yeasts that are good for you stop other microbiomes that are bad for you from taking over. The long list of good bacteria also helps with certain functions in the mouth and digestive system, like breaking down sugar and milk or washing away food particles to stop decay.

What does it help to have good bacteria?

Promoting the growth of good bacteria is important for protecting your mouth and your health as a whole. If harmful bacteria get out of hand, they can cause a lot of health problems. Here are some of the ways that good bacteria are good for your health:

• Getting rid of bad breath: Healthy mouth bacteria fight germs that cause bad breath. Good bacteria can keep your breath from stinking too much or too little.

• Food Digestion Help: The stomach gets all the credit for digestion, but the proteins and sugars in your food are broken down in your mouth first. Healthy bacteria help the digestive system work better.

• Keeping a healthy oral microbiome: A study in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology found that a healthy oral microbiome has anti-inflammatory properties and bacteria that can protect you from pathogens that cause oral diseases.

How do you keep the bacteria in your mouth in a good balance?

Your mouth has its own system of "checks and balances." A healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth can be reached by taking good care of your teeth and eating well.

• Good oral hygiene is important if you want your mouth to have a healthy number of good bacteria. By doing things like brushing your teeth after every meal, you help your good bacteria get rid of the bad. But bacteria can grow even after you brush your teeth, which is why it's important to take care of your mouth and teeth every day and see your dentist regularly.

• A healthy diet can help good bacteria grow in a healthy environment. Eating well gives your body the nutrients it needs and gives your immune system the energy it needs to work well. A balanced pH in your mouth can also help you keep a healthy amount of good bacteria in your mouth.

To have a healthy mouth, you need good bacteria. They help keep bad breath and oral diseases at bay. With a healthy diet and good oral hygiene, you can keep bacteria in your mouth in check and keep your smile bright and healthy.