How Many Bacteria Live in Your Mouth?

Your mouth is home to a variety of bacteria. In fact, research shows there are between 500 to 650 species of oral bacteria in Buffalo Grove in the mouth at any time. Although you might cringe at the thought of the microbes, not all bacteria are bad. Some are crucial to your dental health; however, it’s essential you maintain a healthy balance between the helpful and harmful species. To promote a healthy smile, here’s what you need to know about oral bacteria and limiting the growth rate.

How Many Bacteria are in the Mouth?

There isn’t any surface in your mouth that’s free of bacteria. They live on all oral surfaces, such as your teeth, cheeks, and tongue. With such a plethora of bacteria, how is it possible to determine how many species are in your mouth? Scientist Dr. Walter Loesche developed a unique method to harvest oral microbes to determine their presence and growth rate.

Researchers harvested plaque from every tooth surface and found each to have an average weight of about 10 mg. With the teeth comprising only about 1/20 of the oral surfaces, they were able to use simple math to conclude the total biomass. They approximated every 1 mg of biomass contains roughly 100 microbes. By multiplying each microbe by 20, researchers were able to presume there are about 20 million microbes on the oral surfaces.

What is the Growth Rate of Oral Bacteria?

Every species has a different growth rate; however, researchers have previously determined oral bacteria can double in number after just 20 minutes with the ideal conditions. Researchers also consider certain factors that influence the growth, such as drinking water or swallowing, which can reduce the number of bacteria present. On average, they estimate bacteria can double in number as much as 5 times in a 24 hours.

Can I Control the Growth Rate of Bacteria?

The best method to control bacteria involves teeth cleaning in Buffalo Grove. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes each session. Besides cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, brush your tongue and inside of your cheeks. It’s also important to use high-quality floss daily to remove any bacteria left behind by your toothbrush. A healthy diet that’s limited in sugars and starches can also combat harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Invest in a Healthy Smile

Besides a proactive approach at home, don’t forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. They will remove any bacteria harboring accumulations and look for any complications caused by an improper balance, like tooth decay or gum disease. By keeping the number of bad bacteria in check, you can invest in a healthy smile that lasts.

About Dr. Natalya Nagornaya

Dr. Nagornaya earned her dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. She has completed advanced training in restorative and cosmetic dentistry to create healthy, beautiful smiles. As a member of various dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, you can feel confident your smile is in good hands. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.