Sciota, Pennsylvania
Bacteria is usually something you would want to avoid, right? In reality, your body contains both beneficial and harmful bacteria. This extends to the mouth as well. Your oral microbiome contains populations of good and bacteria, and maintaining a balance between the two is key to optimum health. What can happen if there is an imbalance with too many negative bacteria? We explore that very topic today on the blog.
Health Issues From Bacteria
Even if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly, as recommended by the American Dental Association, you still might have a surplus of dangerous bacteria lurking in your mouth. Dozens of medical studies completed across the globe show distinctive markers between poor oral health and a slew of serious illnesses.
Gum Disease: Periodontal disease stems from a bacterial infection of your gum tissue. Left untreated, it can cause tooth loss and even deterioration of the supporting bone structure.
Coronary Disease: Bacteria enters your mouth through your bloodstream and, if allowed to linger, it attaches to fatty plaque in your arteries. The blood vessels become clogged with bacteria and inflame, increasing your risk of clotting or a blockage.
Breathing Issues: You can inhale bacteria in your mouth directly into your lungs. That can severely increase your risk for a multitude of airway-related ailments, including upper respiratory infections, COPD and pneumonia.
Diabetes: Patients with gum disease are more likely to get diabetes; likewise, diabetics face a higher risk of contracting gum disease. Moreover, blood sugar is hard to regulate if your gum disease goes untreated.
Balance your oral microbiome
When you have too many bacteria in your oral microbiome, this creates a state known as dysbiosis.
Follow these strategies to help you balance your bacteria levels and keep you and your family in better health.
- Balanced diet: Eating a nutritious diet can change the health of your mouth very quickly. Tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease all feed off of the starches and sugars that you eat and drink. Eating more fresh produce will greatly increase the number of good bacteria in your mouth, while simultaneously starving out the bad.
- Floss and Brush: Make sure each member of your family continues to brush their teeth at least twice a day while flossing daily.
- Don’t Forget to Rinse: Ideally, you should floss and brush after every meal. As an alternative, rinse your mouth with water. This keeps food particles from sticking to your teeth and becoming a fuel source for the bad bacteria in your mouth.
- Regular Cleanings: Only a professional dental cleaning completely removes all the plaque and tartar from your mouth. Seeing your dentist every six months as recommended by the American Dental Association means that, if something does go wrong, we can identify and treat a problem before it has the ability to make you or your family sick.
Preventive care in Sciota, Pennsylvania
At Quiet Valley Dental, we believe that good oral health is crucial to good overall wellness. Our program of preventive care can help protect you against dental problems before they develop serious issues. To make an appointment at our office in Sciota, call (570) 992-7040 or complete our online contact form.
