Your mouth contains numerous microorganisms. The dark, moist, warm environment of the oral cavity allows certain types of bacteria to grow and thrive. Here are a few ways that oral bacteria can affect your mouth.
Halitosis
Halitosis, which is the official name for bad breath, can occur for several different reasons, such as the ingestion of spicy foods. However, the primary reason for stale odor of halitosis is oral bacteria.
There are two basic categories of bacteria in the mouth: aerobic and anaerobic. The aerobic bacteria require oxygen to live. The anaerobic bacteria die from oxygen exposure.
Many of the bacteria that reside in the crevices and grooves of the tongue's surface are anaerobic. These bacteria build up in the mouth when there is little saliva to wash them away. Thus, they may increase in number overnight, when your saliva production is reduced as you sleep.
The anaerobic bacteria within your mouth also release smelly substances called volatile sulfur compounds. Since these compounds are airborne, the odor of your breath may be noticeable whenever you breathe or speak.
You can reduce the number of oral bacteria on your tongue by scraping it or brushing it. In addition, rinsing your mouth with water throughout the day can help minimize the bacterial population.
Dental Decay
Dental decay is tooth enamel damage that is caused by bacterial acid. Oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, produce acid as they metabolize sugars within your mouth. The acid dissolves some of the minerals that make up your tooth enamel, and dental decay results.
Large numbers of acid-producing oral bacterial reside in dental plaque. The plaque, which becomes sticky from the microbes' biofilm, adheres to the surfaces of the oral cavity, including those of your teeth.
To help decrease your chance of dental decay, brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice per day. The brushing sessions sweep the plaque from the teeth. You can also help eliminate the bacteria that cause decay by rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is caused by inflammation and often begins due to tissue irritation from bacterial acid. To help reduce the amount of gum inflammation from oral acids, be sure to gently brush your gums as you brush your teeth. In addition, floss to remove plaque from along the gum.
To learn more about how bacteria affect your oral health, schedule a consultation with a dental office, like Trussville Dentistry, in your local area.
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