How Much Bacteria is in Your Mouth?

Bacteria is a huge part of the oral microbiome — also known as the mouth’s ecosystem. How many of these germs are in your mouth? A single mouth can be home to more than 6 billion bacteria. While that number may raise an eyebrow, getting to know the organisms that live behind your lips will help you manage your oral health more effectively.

Can Bacteria in Your Mouth Make You Sick?

Oral bacteria live in diverse communities, where they go about the business of life — being born, working, feeding, defecating, mating, and dying. Yes, all this is happening right now in your mouth. And like most communities, your mouth has safe neighborhoods and scary ones. Some groups comprise pathogenic bacteria that cause tooth decay, gum inflammation, and tooth loss.

One example of bad bacteria is Streptococcus mutans, which feeds on sugar and starchy carbs and then produces acids that erode your tooth enamel. It’s also one of the main causes of tooth decay and other oral diseases. Porphyromonas gingivalis isn’t a regular resident of your mouth, but shows up when gums are diseased (periodontitis). If left untreated, it can destroy gum tissue and the alveolar bone that supports your teeth.

However, there are also nice microbes. Lactobacilli, probiotics often found in yogurt and fermented foods, can fight off harmful bacteria and possibly restore a health balance in your mouth.

Facts About Mouth Bacteria: What You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a quick rundown of oral bacteria, here are some important facts you need to know:

• Over 6 billion bacteria live inside your mouth.
• There are approximately 700 different species of bacteria.
• While there are bad types of bacteria that can cause problems like tooth decay and gum disease, there are also good types of bacteria that keep these bad microbes in check. They can also help you digest food and protect you against harmful microbes in food.
• Saliva may help remove harmful bacteria from your mouth because it makes it harder for bacteria to stick to your teeth’s surface. Saliva also has Lysozyme which is an enzyme that is part of the immune system that helps fight against bacterial, viral and fungal infections
• According to the National Institutes of Health, about 23% of children between the ages of 1 and 5 have tooth decay. They suggest that acid-producing bacteria overpowers the presence of good bacteria.
• Fruits high in Vitamin C add additional support to the body’s immune system and help fight off the harmful gingival bacteria. The downside is that these same fruits are acidic and lower the pH of the mouth, which can lead to dental decay, so it’s best to eat citrus fruits in moderation.
• The tongue holds a considerable amount of bacteria, so it’s important to clean your tongue with a plastic or metal tongue scraper.

How to take care of the bacteria in your mouth:

Thankfully, teeth and your entire mouth can typically be kept healthy and happy with good oral hygiene. Ask your dentist for advice on managing your mouth. In general, though, dentists advise:

Eating Healthy

Skip or limit your intake of simple carbohydrates like foods made with white flour and sugar. Those bacteria in your mouth love to snack on sweets and carbs. Carb-fueled bacteria multiply super-fast and cling to each other, creating a biofilm commonly referred to as plaque. Bacterial plaque is the primary cause of 90% of all dental diseases because bacteria secrete acidic waste products. This creates an acidic environment in your mouth that weakens teeth and leads to decay.

You’ll also want to limit acidic foods and beverages such as soda, citrus juices, energy drinks, and wine. Sugary acidic drinks such as citrus juice and citrus-flavored sodas can cause double the dental damage, so be especially vigilant about how often you indulge in them.

Try to rinse your mouth with water after drinking acidic liquids. Acidic foods and drinks can soften the enamel on your teeth, which can progress to the dentin and cause decay. Hold off on brushing for about an hour after eating acidic foods to avoid damaging enamel.

Brushing Thoroughly

Dental hygienists advise brushing for three minutes with a soft brush. Replace the brush every three months – or sooner if the bristles are worn, bent, or frayed. Also, replace your toothbrush if you’ve just recovered from a cold, the flu, or another ailment. Germs like to lurk in the brush bristles.

You may want to talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about electronic toothbrushes or the newer brushes that use ultrasound to destroy bad bacteria and debris.

Staying Hydrated

Dry mouth also puts teeth at increased risk for erosion, as a healthy saliva flow helps protect teeth from exposure to acid. Drink water, and if you’re still feeling parched, try rinsing your mouth with a product designed for dry mouth care, and chewing sugarless (Xylitol) gum.

Visiting Your Dentist and Hygienist Regularly

No matter how devoted you are to at-home care, regular exams and professional teeth cleanings are critical. Checkups involve more than a quick peek at your teeth – your dentist will screen you for oral cancer, tooth decay, and gum disease. These conditions are far easier to manage if caught early.

Even people who are dedicated to good oral hygiene will inevitably miss a bit of plaque here and there, which can harden into tartar. Removing tartar is not something you can do at home without risking the chance that you’ll cause more dental damage with scraping and abrasive toothpaste. Your hygienist will safely clean hardened dental plaque and remove any trapped debris.

Final Thoughts on Mouth Bacteria and Oral Health

Understanding how bacteria works in your mouth shows why you should practice good oral hygiene, maintain a balanced diet, and visit your dentist regularly. If you’ve been skipping regular checkups and cleanings due to budget concerns or having no dental insurance, dental savings plans can help.

With a dental savings plan, you pay a low annual fee to access reduced rates on nearly every dental procedure from a nationwide network of dentists, all year long. Dental savings plans have no annual limits, no waiting and no restrictions based on current health conditions. Plan members report saving an average of 50%* on their dental care. Want a quick look at how much you can save on your dental care? Use our calculator below today.

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.