Do you know where you can find more than five hundred different kinds of bacteria, about a hundred varieties of fungi, and a messy mix of viruses and single-cell microorganisms? You don't need to look too far, because all of these are in your mouth. That's right. These creepy-sounding creatures are all in your mouth. Right now. Multiplying and relentlessly feeding. But there's no need to panic, because this is absolutely normal. Your mouth, as well as the mouths of all people in the world, is actually a favorite breeding place for bacteria. And why not? Food is aplenty and the environment has just the right humidity and temperature.
At any given time, there will always be bacteria present in your mouth. Many of these can be found on the posterior of your tongue, usually towards the back of the throat where food particles are usually left after eating. Some bacteria are also present in the gaps between your teeth where food bits are stuck. In fact, wherever there are microscopic food particles, you will surely find the bacteria constantly feeding. Which is good actually, because they get to clean out your mouth as well as your food pipe. However, there are some harmful bacteria that you really don't want as boarders in your mouth, such as the streptococcus mutans, which can lead to cavities and bad breath.
Another dangerous type of bacteria is called Vincent's Stomatitis. This was first discovered during World War I, when most soldiers who fought in the war became very vulnerable to this disease. Today, millions of people still fall victim to the disastrous effects of this tiny microorganism. Young people are usually affected, with most victims ranging in age from about 12 to 25. Vincent's stomatitis is the result when oral bacteria cause inflammation in the gums and other parts of the mouth. If left untreated, the infection can even spread out to the lips and around the skin around mouth. For such a serious condition, the treatment is actually very simple. Usually, all that is required is to practice good oral hygiene.
A more common oral disease that comes from bacteria is gingivitis. This disease is characterized by the swelling and bleeding of the gums, especially when you brush your teeth. Gingivitis is the result of the buildup of bacteria in the spaces between the teeth and gums. In order to avoid this, you just have to floss regularly to eliminate food particles that are very attractive to bacteria.
These are only a few of the illnesses that can be caused by the bacteria in your mouth. Besides these, there are about a hundred more potential disasters if you allow harmful bacteria to continue dwelling in your mouth. In order to prevent these diseases, all you have to do is to take the necessary steps to eliminate bacteria. But what about the good bacteria that helps to break down food? Not to worry. Here are three easy ways to get rid of the bad bacteria while keeping the good ones in your mouth.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss daily. These two basic elements of dental hygiene can't be emphasized enough. They are your best protection against oral bacteria that can possibly lead to cavities, gum problems and bad breath. When you brush your teeth, make sure that you spend at least one minute if you are using a traditional toothbrush. Anything less than that will not be able to get rid of all the food bits in your mouth.
Clean your tongue after you brush. Take a mirror and stick out your tongue. Do you see a white or yellowish film towards the back? That is a layer of microscopic food particles teeming with oral bacteria. More than just being disgusting, it is also dangerous. The large amounts of bacteria on the back of an average person's tongue can be responsible for many oral diseases such as cavities and halitosis.
Increase your fluid intake. Saliva is a very effective tool in washing harmful bacteria away from your mouth. If you don't drink enough water, your mouth's saliva production will be reduced, which is good news for the bacteria. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day will ensure sufficient saliva production to keep your mouth free of harmful bacteria.
