What the heck is Streptococcus mutans? It sounds like something from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! S. mutans bacteria found in your oral cavity is the major contributor to tooth decay. It likes to hide in zones of your mouth that are difficult to clean.
What is the big deal? If you like to eat a diet heavy in sugars, then prepare to be S. mutans’ best friend. Combined with the perfect warm environment in your mouth and food particles, the bacteria forms an acid that deteriorates your tooth enamel. If left without proper cleaning, you could be in for a mouthful of cavities.
2. Staphylococcus Aureus
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that can lead to hard-to-treat infections. This common bacteria is easily spread from your hands to your mouth. Your dentures are often where this germ lurks. Why does this germ stick to dentures? It is easy for bacteria to embed into the porous material of dentures. Without proper cleaning, dentures can become a house for infection.
You can breathe staphylococcus aureus into your lungs. What can you do to prevent spreading the bacteria? Always wash your hands before and after inserting your dentures. Take time to thoroughly clean your dentures to lessen the risk of Staphylococcus aureus infections. Dentists recommend brushing your false teeth daily with a stiff brush containing soap and water.
3. Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus transforms sugar to lactic acid. It can help reduce the negative effects of Streptococcus mutans. It grabs onto the bad bacteria, forming a chunk and making it difficult for the bad bacteria to deteriorate your tooth enamel.
Lactobacillus occurs in food sources such as yogourt. It can give some relief to stomach aches, skin disorders and other minor issues. It’s nice to know that not all bacteria lurking in your mouth is bad.
4. E. Coli
E. Coli is present in everyone’s colon, helping you keep your digestive tract working and healthy. Some variants of Escherichia coli produce a poison causing intestinal infections, urinary tract infection, kidney failure and blood poisoning. Your oral cavity is at risk of infection from this bacteria commonly transmitted from hand to mouth.
How is E. Coli spread?
Escherichia coli spreads through ingestion of undercooked, unpasteurized or contaminated raw foods. It can also spread through oral contact. Your hands come in contact with multiple items daily and often end up in your mouth. The transfer of germs from your hands spreads to your body. Contact with infected stool, swallowing contaminated water or contact with infected pets and animals can lead to E. Coli infection.
Your dentist is a source of knowledge to keep your teeth healthy. Visiting a dentist is about more than looking for oral issues. A dental exam can result in finding nasty bacteria that contribute to unhealthy teeth. It is important to get checked regularly to avoid health problems.
