It’s a jungle out there, as they say, and in your mouth, too! In fact, in addition to your teeth, gums, tongue, and soft tissues, your mouth is home to a staggering 700 species of microbes, including bacteria, fungus, and other germs. Here’s a closer look at some of them, what they do, and why brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings is so important!
Enemy Invaders
Although you can’t see them, there are approximately 20 billion bacteria living in your mouth at any given time. Unfortunately, while some of them are beneficial to your teeth and gums, others can be extremely dangerous. In fact, different species of bacteria tend to lurk in specific areas of the mouth, hiding behind a sticky film called matrix that protects them from being destroyed, and that if not removed can increase your risk of cavities and tooth decay!
Beneficial Bacteria
The good news is that not all bacteria are created equally. In fact, some are actually good for you, and aid in things like digestion and the prevention of bad bacteria from taking over. They can even safeguard your body against dangerous microbes that may be present in your food!
Keeping Oral Bacteria Under Control
The good news is that it is possible to keep oral bacteria under control. While good bacteria do their part to help maintain order in your mouth, you can help them with this monumental task by maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing twice a day and flossing daily, as well as visiting your dentist for your regular dental checkups and cleanings. These visits are your opportunity to monitor the condition of your teeth and gums, and also to remove hardened deposits of bacteria that could eventually lead to cavities, decay, and periodontal disease!
Remember, while your mouth may be home to an entire universe of bacteria that you’ll likely never see up close, it doesn’t mean you should allow them to damage your smile. In fact, with the help of a solid oral hygiene routine including regular visits to your dentist, you can manage these monstrous microbes and have a healthy, beautiful smile, too!
About Dr. Nawrocki
Dr. Gary Nawrocki earned his dental degree from the University of Florida, and since graduating has completed countless hours of continuing education from prestigious organizations such as the Seattle Institute, the Pankey Institute, and the Spear Educational Institute. He is also a current, active member of the Florida Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Americal Dental Association, just to name a few. To schedule a checkup and cleaning with Dr. Nawrocki or Dr. Lineberry, visit our website or call 321-783-7514.