What are mouth germs? Germs may be responsible for most infections and diseases, but did you know that countless germs live in healthy people, too? In fact, there could be more of these tiny microbes in your mouth at this very moment than there are people on earth. And that's even true right after you brush your teeth! So what exactly are mouth germs, and what happens to them when you practice good oral hygiene? We'll let you know all about these tiny inhabitants of your mouth so you can maintain a level of oral health that you can smile about.

Mouth germs are tiny microbes that live in the mouth. They can be found in plaque, which is a sticky film that forms on teeth. Plaque is made up of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. When plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is a yellow or brown deposit that can only be removed by dentists.

Mouth germs are responsible for causing cavities and gum disease. Cavities are holes in the teeth that are caused by bacteria eating away at the tooth enamel. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent cavities and gum disease. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily will help remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth. Seeing a dentist regularly for professional cleanings is also important.

So remember, you can prevent these problems by practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist regularly will help keep your mouth healthy and free of germs.

For more information about mouth germs and gum disease, please contact our Olympia dentist office, Access Dental today!

 

Of the thousands of bacteria living in your mouth at any given time, some are helpful, and others can be harmful. One type of bacteria known to inhabit the human mouth is Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (AA) also known as "tooth killer." Here's how these bacteria develop and affect our mouths, and what you can do to keep them under control.

What Is Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans?

AA is a species of rod-shaped bacteria with several virulent factors, meaning that the bacteria have characteristics that can harm your dental health, as an article in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR) describes. In a healthy mouth, the balance of different bacteria keeps AA in check. However, when AA is given the opportunity to grow, there is a higher risk of developing gum disease. Specifically, these bacteria have the ability to invade and destroy the gum tissues and suppress the immune system.

Relationship Between AA and Localized Juvenile Periodontitis

The JCDR article describes how AA is particularly associated with periodontitis (gum disease) in young individuals, known more specifically as Localized Juvenile Periodontitis (LJP). It occurs in 90% of aggressive cases of LJP and in 30% to 50% of severe periodontitis cases in adults. If this disease is left untreated in a younger patient, it can lead to destruction of the tooth tissues, hence why AA is known as a tooth killer.

LJP is typically genetic or hereditary and mostly affects young adults between 25 and 30 years old. The condition involves the rapid destruction of gum tissues around incisors and first molars, as well as rapid bone loss around the affected teeth.

Treatment Options

Early diagnosis in any form of periodontitis is critical to ensuring that the disease doesn't worsen. Be sure to visit our Olympia dentist twice a year so that they can detect any gum problems as early as possible.

The aim of our Olympia dentists' gum treatment is to eliminate these pathogenic bacteria and restore a normal balance of bacteria in your mouth. Treatment may include a number of deep cleaning methods, such as scaling and root planing. Other options include tissue regeneration or gum grafts, depending on the severity of your condition. Your dental professional will assess you thoroughly to decide which option is best for you or may refer you to a gum specialist known as a periodontologist.

Oral Care Tips for Minimizing Mouth Bacteria

It's important to take meticulous care of your teeth and gums at home to minimize any bad bacteria that could harm your mouth. Steps to improve your oral care include:

• Brushing at least twice a day or after every meal and snack.
• Using a soft-bristled or an electric toothbrush.
• Using aids to clean between your teeth, such as floss or interdental brushes.
• Trying an antiseptic mouthwash to eliminate bacteria that live between the teeth.
• Stopping smoking or tobacco use, as this increases your risk of developing gum disease.

Gum disease is preventable. By controlling the bacteria in your mouth with great oral hygiene, you can keep your smile healthy and your teeth disease-free.

If you have any questions or concerns about gum disease, please contact Access Dental located in Olympia today.