Dental Clinic (Tandartspraktijk) - PT Mshimbula

21/06/2015

21/06/2015

06/11/2011

It's a Jungle in There

Your mouth is a jungle, home to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. When you open wide a fresh supply make their way inside. Most are harmless, taking advantage of the wonderful hospitality inside you. Let's looks at some of the many types of bacteria found in your mouth, tongue and elsewhere.
Mouth Bacteria. Of all the types of microbes living in your mouth, bacteria are the most numerous. It has been estimated that there are over 100 million in every milliliter of saliva from more than 600 different species.

Unless there are open wounds or cuts inside your mouth, most mouth bacteria will do you no harm. Some are swallowed and are killed by stomach enzymes; others perish when they are attacked by enzymes in saliva. However, mouth bacteria are responsible for some of the most common bacterial diseases in humans. And they are gum disease and tooth decay (caries). What are Some Types of Bacteria in the Mouth?

Here are some examples of the sorts of bugs that can be found in the mouth.
Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and similar related species cause tooth decay. The bacteria digest the sugars and starches in foods and produce acids which dissolve tooth enamel.
Porphyromonas gingivalis are associated with periodontal (gum) diseases.
Other types of mouth bacteria include Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus salivarius, and Lactobacillus sp.

CC: Paul Arnold • Edited by: Paul Arnold
Updated Jul 22, 2010