The mouth is truly the doorway to the rest of our bodies. Whenever it’s open, we are able to taste new flavours, and express our thoughts and concerns to others. The mouth also houses our teeth and tongue, two very important elements that would render the mouth almost useless without them.
The mouth is also home to many bacteria that are able to survive because of the moistness of the environment which they’re in. “Bacteria are typically a few millionths of a metre long. To them, a human mouth is an entire world. The tongue, teeth, and gums are all very different habitats, each with their own fauna. There are even differences between the microbes below and above the gum line of a single tooth. And within each of these habitats, microbes compete with each other, exchange nutrients, and change the environment around them.”
It’s important to understand that all bacteria that exists in the mouth isn’t bad; some is necessary to maintain the health of your mouth. Bacteria that is associated with plaque however is not the type of bacteria that you won’t hanging around. Regular brushing of your teeth, cleaning of your tongue, rinsing of your mouth, flossing and visits to your Ottawa dentist for check ups and cleanings will help to ensure that only the good bacteria remain in your mouth and that your oral health stays where it should.
