In our mouth there are more than 600 kinds of bacteria. But not all of them are harmful: there are bacteria that protect our oral health and help prevent diseases, and there are pathogenic bacteria that are very harmful to our health.
Why are there bacteria in our mouth? The oral cavity is a perfect space for the proliferation of bacteria, since it has nooks and crannies where they can settle, a warm temperature above 35º and a humid environment. In addition, the body generates its own bacterial protection system. Thus, since there are "good" and "bad" bacteria, the goal is not to leave our mouth absolutely clean and aseptic, but to find a balance between preserving the beneficial oral flora and preventing the proliferation of harmful bacteria.
The origin of bacteria in our mouth
The bacterial ecosystem of our mouth is formed over the years, since we are born. In fact, at the very moment of childbirth, the oral microbiota is already formed, from the bacteria of the cervix and those found in the air.
Our habits also influence the type and amount of bacteria found in our mouths. For example, yawning, nail biting or kissing alter the bacterial flora. A study in the journal Microbiome in 2014 found that when two people kiss passionately, some 80 million bacteria are transferred, which can lead to couples having similar oral flora.
Similar, but not the same. The oral flora of each person is unique, since in addition to external factors —the environment that surrounds us—, genetics also influences. According to research from the Ohio State University (USA), oral bacteria, especially those found under the gums, create a fingerprint in our mouth that allows us to identify a person's ethnic origin.
What is the bacterial flora?
The oral bacterial flora is the set of bacteria that our body uses to fight other bacteria, especially those that can harm us. This flora varies from one person to another, and influences the development of our immune system.
Maintaining the balance of the oral bacterial flora is essential to take care of our oral health, as well as our health in general, since some of the pathogenic bacteria in our mouth can cause more serious diseases in other systems of the body, as we will see below.
What is bacterial plaque?
Bacterial plaque is a film made up of certain types of bacteria and sugars that we ingest. These bacteria settle on the tooth surface and allow other microorganisms to adhere and attack the enamel.
This plaque can be the cause of various oral problems, such as cavities, gingivitis or tartar.
What problems can bacteria in our mouths cause?
The alteration of the balance of the bacterial ecosystem of our mouth can cause:
- That is, inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial plaque. Bacteria get between the gum and the tooth, which can lead to tooth loss if not treated in time.
- Bacteria transform the sugars and starches in the foods we eat into acids that dissolve tooth enamel and create holes that can reach the dental pulp.
- Bad breath. Some bacteria break down foods rich in protein or fat and generate sulfur compounds, which are responsible for bad breath.
In addition, as we have already mentioned, some of the pathogenic bacteria can cause problems in other systems:
- One of the bacteria present in plaque bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause infective endiocarditis, that is, inflammation of the heart valves.
- A study of Yale University found that patients with respiratory infections they had the bacteria nephews among the most prevalent in the mouth, which led them to associate poor oral hygiene with a higher risk of respiratory diseases.
- The presence of certain bacteria in the mouth may imply an increased risk of pancreatic cancerAccording A study from New York University, and other common oral bacteria can trigger colon cancerAccording another study from Case Western Reserve University.
The key, maintain the balance of the bacterial ecosystem
When the natural balance of our mouth is disturbed, pathogenic or harmful bacteria can begin to dominate, making us more vulnerable to the health problems they cause.
This happens especially when the pH of our mouth, our hygiene or nutritional habits are altered, or if we follow an unhealthy diet. If we think that this balance has been altered, the first thing we should do is go to our dentist to evaluate our oral health, and advise us on our eating and hygiene habits.
El use of probiotics It has been shown to be very effective in restoring the balance of the oral flora and fighting harmful bacteria, especially those that cause cavities, gingivitis and bad breath.