The Proper Balance Between Good and Bad Oral Bacteria

Maintaining the proper balance between good and bad oral bacteria often spells the difference between a healthy or unhealthy oral microbiome. A great number of the most common oral health illnesses result from the disruption of this delicately balanced environment. This then can lead to increased accumulations of plaque, loss of tooth enamel, cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Some of the best ways to ensure that you are maintaining the proper balance between good and bad oral bacteria are explained in the oral hygiene tips below.

Regular Brushing and Flossing

While it’s impossible to get rid of all the bacteria in your mouth, you can cultivate an environment that discourages the growth of the bad kind.  By regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, you effectively deprive them of shelter along your gum line, and between your teeth and gums.

Drink Water

Keeping your mouth clean and hydrated is an important way to eliminate areas hospitable to bacteria reproduction. Increasing your water consumption supports saliva production, which plays a critical role in the removal of food particles and neutralization of decay-causing bacteria. A dehydrated mouth provides the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to multiply and prevents the maintenance of the proper balance between good and bad bacteria.

Limit Sugary Beverages

In addition to upsetting the balance of good and bad oral bacteria, sugary beverages also contribute to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. They are the leading cause of tooth decay because bad bacteria thrive on sugar compounds, which are then converted into enamel-destroying acid. Good bacteria can help neutralize these acids. In this way, an oral microbiome supportive of good bacteria is a major force for the prevention of tooth decay and cavities.

Limit Acidic Drinks

Acidic drinks are similar to sugary ones in that they encourage harmful bacteria growth while constraining that of good bacteria. Harmful bacteria also thrive within an acidic environment. In either case, the boost given to bad bacteria upsets the balance. An effective solution is to be aware of your consumption of acidic drinks and thereby moderate your intake. Complement these steps by ensuring that you regularly brush and drink water.

Stop Smoking

A major disrupter of the proper balance between good and bad bacteria is smoking. Most everyone is aware that smoking brings significant overall health risks, but few realize that it can be similarly harmful to your oral health. Studies have suggested that nicotine decreases your immune system’s capacity to fight harmful bacteria which greatly increase the chances of developing gum disease among smokers.

Water Flossing Improves Oral Health

An optimal balance between good and bad bacteria can be greatly increased by the regular use of a water flosser. Combined with regular brushing and flossing, water flossing dynamically reduces oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease. Forceful streams of water easily and effectively flushing food debris and plaque bacteria from between teeth and below the gumline.  Water flossers, such as the Aquapick AQ-230 and AQ-350, combine IPX7 waterproofing and ergonomic design to deliver cleaning convenience in a compact portable or space-saving countertop model. Easily adjustable cleaning modes ensure superior water flow control and effective cleaning deep cleaning.  The addition of water flossing to your oral care routine will improve the level of your oral hygiene.

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