Did you know that you have around 30 to 70 different forms of bacteria in your mouth at any given time? There are actually over 700 varieties of bacteria that have been discovered in the mouth, but most people have between 34 and 72 different types in their mouth. Some of the bacteria in your mouth is good, because it helps break down foods. But some of the bacteria in your mouth is bad, and it affects your health in numerous ways.
How Bacteria Affects Your Health
Having the wrong types of bacteria in your mouth can affect your health in a number of ways. The most common ways are periodontal disease or gingivitis. These are caused by bacteria in the mouth accumulating and leading to dangerous germs. Bad breath can also be a sign of bad bacteria in the mouth. The mouth has a natural microbiome that can be disrupted by certain bacteria, leading to bad breath and other health problems.
The Link Between Gut and Mouth
There is a link between your gut health and your oral health. Often, the harmful bacteria that cause bad breath are also in your gut. It is important to take into consideration your gut health and see a doctor if you suspect problems. Bacteria in the mouth can lead to problems in the gut, and visa versa. Working with your doctor and dentist together can help you address these issues.
What to Do
The best way to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth is to brush and floss regularly. Brushing after every meal and flossing once per day is generally recommended to remove the food that bacteria need to survive.
Here are some holistic ways to address harmful oral bacteria
Diet
Your diet affects the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Avoid foods with high amounts of added sugar. Sugar is broken down by the bacteria in your mouth into acids. Drink plenty of water between meals instead of soda to rinse out any leftover food debris and remove bacteria.
Coconut oil pulling
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, using coconut oil for oil pulling significantly reduces plaque and signs of gingivitis.
Oral Probiotic
The mouth needs good bacteria too, which is why taking oral probiotics can be extremely beneficial, especially if cavities are a frequent occurrence. The more good bacteria you have, the more of a defense you have against the bad bacteria, reducing the incidence of inflammation and infection.
How can oral bacteria affect your overall health?
How many bacteria are there inside the mouth?
There are around 30 to 70 different forms of bacteria in your mouth at any given time. Some bacteria are good because they help to break down foods, while others affect health in numerous ways.
How do bacteria affect your health?
The most common way wrong types of bacteria can affect your health is through periodontal disease or gingivitis. This is caused by accumulated bacteria turning into dangerous germs.
The mouth also has a natural microbiome that can be disrupted by certain bacteria, leading to bad breath and other health problems.
What is the link between the gut and mouth?
Often, the harmful bacteria that cause bad breath are also in your gut. It is important to take into consideration your gut health and see a doctor if you suspect problems.
The best way to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth is to brush after every meal and flossing once per day to remove the food that bacteria need to survive.
