6 Ways to Kill Harmful Mouth Bacteria
Published March 25, 2022
Whether you like it or not, all of us have bacteria in our mouths. It’s inevitable. As long as we eat, there will always be bacteria in our oral cavities.
Unfortunately, these same bacteria are the main culprits for all those oral health issues you’ve been complaining about. From that bad breath that just won’t go away to more serious conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis, you can blame all that on the bacteria residing in your mouth.
With these, I bet you can’t wait to get rid of them. No worries, we got you. Here’s how to kill mouth bacteria in six simple ways:
1. Brush Your Teeth Regularly
There’s a reason why one of the first things we’ve learned as a kid is how to brush our teeth. It’s one of the best and most basic ways to get rid of harmful mouth bacteria.
As you probably know, the bacteria in your mouth form a thin film that sticks to your teeth. We call this the plaque. And when you eat, this film of bacteria will react with your food and produce acids. In turn, these acids destroy your tooth enamel making it more vulnerable to rot and decay. To prevent this from happening, you need to brush your teeth regularly.
The American Dental Association recommends that we should brush our teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush as a hard one may further damage your dental enamel. Make sure to brush your tongue too as your tongue’s surface can also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.
2. Floss Between Your Teeth
Flossing removes the bacteria, dirt, and food particles that are stuck in between your teeth. As you probably know, the gaps between your teeth aren’t usually reached by your toothbrush bristles. So if you don’t floss, the bacteria will build up which can eventually cause damage to your teeth.
Just like brushing your teeth, flossing has to be done regularly too, at least once a day. You can use the standard floss, dental tape, or a water flosser if you have braces.
3. Use Mouthwash
No matter how thoroughly you brush and floss your teeth, there are still many nooks and crannies in your oral cavity where bacteria can hide in. This is why most dentists recommend that mouthwash should be part of your daily oral regimen.
There are many different types of mouthwash, each formulated for various oral health needs. Most of them contain antimicrobial agents that help kill mouth bacteria. Others may also contain fluoride and anti-gingivitis ingredients. The key is identifying your oral health needs and then choosing a mouthwash that can address those needs.
4. Take Probiotics
Not a lot of people know this but the bacterial population residing in our mouth isn’t all harmful. Some of them are beneficial since they help keep the bad ones in check.
Healthy people have a healthy balance of both harmful and beneficial bacteria in their mouths. But dietary changes and medical treatments along with many other factors can cause an imbalance in your oral microbiome. When this happens, the bad bacteria can proliferate causing a myriad of health issues.
This is where probiotics enter the picture. These microorganisms repopulate your mouth with good bacteria. This helps your body fight off the bad ones and prevents them from proliferating. With fewer bad bacteria, there is a lesser risk of you developing halitosis, gingivitis, and other oral health issues.
Probiotics are naturally present in our bodies but we can also get them from foods and supplements. Make sure to choose probiotic supplements that are specifically formulated for oral health concerns.
5. Hydrate Regularly
Have you noticed that when your mouth is dry, your breath smells awful too? That’s because the drier your mouth is, the easier it will be for the bacteria to stick to your oral cavities. But when your mouth has enough moisture, your oral surfaces are more slippery making it harder for the bacteria to stick.
Drinking water also helps flush out leftover food debris and stimulates saliva production. All these help prevent the bacteria in your mouth from proliferating. This is why keeping yourself hydrated is a great way to keep the harmful mouth bacteria at bay.
6. Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Most of us probably know that sugar is bad news for our teeth. In fact, its one of the most common causes of tooth decay especially in children.
You see, the bacteria in our mouth loves sugar. It serves as their food and helps them produce certain types of acids. These acids, in turn, tear down your dental enamel and make your breath smell like rotten eggs.
But if it’s hard for you to cut back on sweets, try replacing your sugar with xylitol. It’s a type of natural sugar made from fruits and vegetables. While bacteria love munching on sugar, they can’t digest xylitol. This makes it an ideal sugar substitute if you’re keen on keeping harmful oral bacteria in check.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer based in the Philippines. Her commitment to communicating factual content in when writing is unmatched. She works hard to cross check reputable sources to ensure her work uses accurate facts.
