This four-part article series presents some pretty interesting and, at times, disturbing facts about the tiny critters that call your mouth “home”!

Fascinating Fact # 1

The population of which of the following is closest to the number of bacteria that dwell in your mouth at any given time?

(a) New York City

(b) USA

(c) North and South America

(d) The entire world

If you’ve ever been to Times Square in New York City, it can be hard to imagine that there are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people crammed onto its plaza. But the reality is, there are billions of bacteria inhabiting the surfaces, cracks, crevasses, nooks and crannies of your mouth.

That’s right, there are probably more bacteria in your mouth than there are people on the planet!

“Your teeth, tongue, gums, cheeks and palate are covered with microscopic organisms, most of which are not directly harmless, but all of which contribute to the formation of cavity-causing plaque,” explain Colorado Springs dentists. “This is why it is so important that you brush, floss and rinse frequently and see your dentist and oral hygienist at least once a year.”

When it comes to the population of bacteria in your mouth, a Big Apple a day won’t keep the tooth loss at bay!

Fascinating Fact # 2

More than 700 different species of oral bacteria have been identified in the human mouth.

“Thankfully, most of them are harmless and won’t actually make you sick,” says the dentist in Colorado Springs. “However, the sloppier you are about maintaining good oral health and hygiene, the more at risk you put yourself of the nasty pathogens that can!”

Oral bacteria are actually visible to us as plaque, which consists of living and dead bacteria and their waste products. Plaque accumulates on the teeth, gums and tongue between brushing and flossing. If you don’t clean your teeth and gums regularly, plaque can irritate the gums, causing them to become red, inflamed and to tear and bleed easily when brushed. With time, this sticky white substance can harden to form tartar, which not only causes cavities and tooth decay, but also chronic bad breath, gum disease and tooth loss.

“Just remember how many bacteria you have swarming in your mouth at any given time and that these legions could consist of up to 700 different species. That should compel you to brush your teeth more frequently!” say Colorado Springs dentists.

Other advice includes:

• Brush two to three times a day for two minutes at a time,
• Floss every day before you go to bed at night,
• Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash as an added defense measure,
• Avoid bad habits, such as smoking, eating too much sugar and excessive alcohol intake,
• Drink plenty of water,
• Chew sugar-free gum,
• See your dentist and oral hygienist at least once a year for preventative cleanings and check-ups,
• Never ignore an oral problem or complaint.

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read more fascinating facts about your teeth and gums, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series, courtesy of the dentist in Colorado Springs!