You’ve Got Something Between Your Teeth
How Bacteria Influences Oral Health

I’ve always believed that true friends will tell you when you have food stuck in your teeth, rather than let you walk around with remnants of your lunchtime spinach salad in your smile.

While it may be a little embarrassing to discover no one has told you that a piece of your meal is lingering between your teeth, those food particles are not nearly as dangerous as the things you can’t see hiding out between your teeth.

I’ve Brushed and Flossed – How Can There Still Be Something Between My Teeth?

Our mouths are home to hundreds of bacteria. Don’t freak – most of them are completely harmless – and some of them are helpful. The helpful bacteria not only are part of the digestive process, breaking down food as it’s chewed and swallowed, there are also several bacteria that help maintain tooth and gum health.

But – you knew a “but” was coming, didn’t you? – there are also some bacteria in the mouth that are not only undesirable, they’re downright destructive when it comes to the health of your teeth and gums.

Researchers have identified one particularly harmful bacteria, known to break down tooth enamel by gorging itself on the carbohydrates in your diet and releasing lactic acid. When I say carbohydrates, you don’t necessarily need to think of big candy bars. Carbs come in the form of grains, fruits, veggies and, of course, sweet treats.

If Brushing and Flossing Don’t Do the Trick, What Can I Do?

One of the best ways to beat harmful bacteria is to get down to their level. Instead of trying to eradicate the bacteria with alcohol-laden mouthwashes or even antibiotics, nature offers a much more gentle approach.

Beneficial Bacteria to the Rescue!

Many cultures have long used fermented foods to help keep the bacteria of the digestive tract in check. These foods, like yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut all contain active beneficial bacteria, also known as probiotics. Eating these foods can help boost the reserves of beneficial bacteria that are natural residents of the gut. Modern science has led researchers to isolate those bacteria and offer them in supplement form.

Science has revealed that those beneficial bacteria are not just a gut issue

Probiotics for Oral Health

By introducing the natural, resident beneficial bacteria  found in very healthy mouths back into the mouth, you can diminish the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth to numbers that simply can’t cause harm.

This probiotic approach allows the beneficial bacteria naturally found in very healthy mouths to crowd out the harmful bacteria, competing with them for both space and nutrients.

One simple step can take you a long way toward a healthier smile.