When bacteria in the mouth are mentioned, most people think of tooth decay, periodontal disease and bad breath. But not all bacteria are villains – quite the opposite! Some are even very useful for protecting teeth and gums and keeping them healthy. Because not only in our gut, but also in our mouth there exists a community of billions of microorganisms.
When the oral microbiome is in balance – that is, when the „good“ bacteria outweigh the disease-causing ones – it protects us from infections, from tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. At the same time, this relieves the burden on the immune system.
How does the oral microbiome become unbalanced?
Often the bacterial balance in the mouth is disturbed. Inadequate mouth and dental hygiene, poor diet – in particular the consumption of sugary foods and drinks – smoking and alcohol consumption, metabolic disorders such as diabetes, reduced saliva flow (which occurs especially in older people) or the intake of antibiotics can promote a bacterial imbalance in the mouth.
Plaque (also known as dental plaque) and tartar create conditions in which above all undesirable bacteria thrive, causing tooth decay and gum inflammation. The main culprit here is a germ called Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria convert the sugar or carbohydrates contained in food into acid, which in turn attacks tooth enamel and dissolves calcium out of the teeth.
What exactly is plaque?
Plaque is initially a so-called biofilm – a layer of bacteria that attach themselves to the tooth surface with the help of special adhesive molecules. If this soft dental deposit is not removed in time, it absorbs minerals from the saliva and hardens into tartar.
