If you’ve ever heard anything about the “oral microbiome” you’re probably already aware that your mouth is full of both good and bad bacteria. But what many people don’t realize is just how many of these organisms take residence in their body. Here’s a closer look at exactly how many bacteria live in the average mouth, and what they’re all doing there!
How Many Species of Bacteria Live in Your Mouth?
There is said to be a whopping 700 species of bacteria living in the average mouth: some good, some bad, and others are just passing through. In fact, while many species begin colonizing as soon as you’re born, some are transferred when you drink water, eat, kiss, or share utensils or cups.
So, How Many Actual Bacteria Live in Your Mouth?
While there are believed to be about 700 separate species of bacteria growing in your oral cavity at any given time, there are literally billions of actual individual bacteria thriving in there.
One such species you may have heard of is called Streptococcus Mutans, or S. Mutans for short. This particular bacteria is responsible for wreaking a lot of havoc, including increasing your risk of gum disease and cavities. You see, they thrive on the sugars and carbohydrates in the food you eat. When they consume them, they create an acidic biproduct that then deposits on your teeth, eating away at your enamel and creating cavities.
The Good News About Good Bacteria?
The great news about oral bacteria is that not all of it is bad. In fact, some good varieties can even help overtake the bad ones, restoring balance in the mouth and helping to prevent cavities and gum disease. You can easily increase your ratio of them by eating a diet rich in probiotics, including foods such as yogurt, kefir, and blackberries. You can also lower the number of dangerous bacteria by brushing your teeth and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist every six months for your biannual exam and cleaning appointments.
Remember, while your mouth is home to a staggering 700 species of bacteria, not all of them are dangerous. However, to keep the ones that are offensive at bay, it’s important to create balance by eating a diet rich in probiotics and taking care of your teeth and gums with regular oral health care and dental cleanings and exams.
About Dr. Arditti
Dr. Alexandria N. Arditti earned her BS in health promotion and disease prevention studies as well as a BA in medicine and biological sciences at the University of Southern California (USC). She then earned her DDS degree at USC’s world-renowned Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. To schedule your biannual dental exam and cleaning at Pacific View Dental Group, visit our website or call us today at 714-592-4294.