Did you know that humans have between 200-300 bacteria in their mouth? “Yuck” would be the first reaction that comes to mind. In reality there are good and bad bacteria in the mouth.

Streptococcus mutans is an example of a bad bacteria. This bacteria creates acid that can cause dental plaque. This bacteria can cause tooth decay and can damage teeth permanently.

Ever wonder why your breath doesn’t smell bad? Ever wondered how chewing gum makes your breath smell better? Streptococcus salivarius is the key. Streptococcus salivarius is one of the good bacteria that exists in your mouth. These bacteria exist to fight off bacteria that reside in your mouth. These bacteria also prevent gingivitis and other oral and gum diseases.

Another good bacteria that exist in our mouth is Lactobacillus (L. acidophilus). Lactobacillus are good bacteria that help with digestion of food. Lactobacillus helps break down food by splitting the food from natural sugar and/or lactose. Those foods become better digestible as it travels through the digestive system.

Always make sure to take care of your teeth. Help the good bacteria fight a good battle against the bad ones. You can always visit any of the UDream Dental offices for a checkup.

Brown, Steven. “Can Probiotics Help with Gum Disease?” WebMD, WebMD, 21 Jan. 2020, https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/probiotics-gum-disease.

“The Biology of Streptococcus Mutans.” Lactobacilli, https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/clinical-testing-and-diagnostics-manufacturing/bacteriology/lactobacilli.

Siegrist, Jvo. Lactobacilli, https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/clinical-testing-and-diagnostics-manufacturing/bacteriology/lactobacilli.