Tips To Prevent Mouth from Harmful Bacteria

Mouth is the home of a wide array of bacteria which include both good and bad ones. When bacteria are left undisturbed in the mouth, they form complex community which is known as biofilm. The process of formation of biofilm can be a longer one and it can lead to a variety of dental and oral health problems.

Stages of biofilm formation

There are different phases of the formation of biofilm

• This is the first phase of biofilm formation. In this phase, the free-floating bacteria make initial contact with a surface.
• The next phase is the biofilm phase. During this phase, the bacteria combine to form groups which get attached to the nearby surfaces.
• The third phase in this process is the dispersion phase which is the most threatening one. This phase is characterized by movement of disease-causing bacteria that tend to develop infections.

Oral bacteria which are harmful

There are 700 different types of bacteria that live in the human mouth. These bacteria do little to no harm if the mouth is cleaned regularly and thoroughly. However, leaving these bacteria undisturbed can lead to infections which can further result in oral and dental health conditions. Some of the harmful bacteria found in the biofilm include Fusobacterium, Streptococcus, Prevotella, Porphyromonas and Actinomyces.

Oral health conditions caused by biofilm

According to Journal of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, there are three oral health conditions which can happen if the dental biofilm in the mouth is left to develop.

• Tooth decay if the first thing that tends to happen due to biofilm. This decay occurs due to acidic conditions in the mouth. The bacterial biofilm is acidic due to the acids released by bacteria. This acid can weaken tooth enamel and contribute to the formation of cavities.
• Gingivitis is another condition which is developed as a response due to inflammation cause by bacterial presence around the gums. Surely the dental biofilm is to blame in this regard.
• When gingivitis is allowed to develop further, it can be lead to periodontitis which is an advanced form of gum disease. This disease can result in the bone loss, leading to the loss of tooth.

Prevent bacteria buildup

Preventing bacteria buildup is extremely important if you want to be on the top of your oral health. Good thing is that you are not going to have to do much. Brushing and flossing right according to the dentist’s instructions and going for a dental visit after every six months are all you need to do if you want to prevent your oral health from being threatened in any way.