Did you know there’s a party going on in your mouth? That’s right, according to the United States-based News in Health, your mouth is home to over 700 species of microbes, including germs, fungus, and more. Some germs can be helpful, while others can be associated with tooth cavities and bad breath. Luckily, figuring out how to get rid of harmful germs isn’t that hard. It all comes down to a good oral care routine. Find out what that looks like!
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How To Kill Mouth Germs And Keep Them Away
Germs in the Mouth
Different microbes grow in different places – some adhere to your teeth, some to your tongue, and some hide in the tiny pockets between your teeth and gums. Once they’ve found their place, they form diverse communities with other germs. Mouth germs work together to protect themselves with a slimy material known as a matrix.
The matrix includes both good and bad germs. Good germs help keep the problem-causing germs in check and aid with your digestion. But while the body’s natural defences keep bad germs under control, they need to be accompanied by good oral health care. If you don’t keep bad germs under control, you might end up facing problems like tooth cavities, bad breath, and gum problems.
How to Get Rid of Bad Mouth Germs
Here are three things you should do to prevent bad germs from growing out of control in your mouth:
Brush them away. Your teeth are covered with a sticky film known as biofilm or plaque. This plaque contains germs that will release acids following a meal or snack containing sugar. These acids weaken the enamel on your teeth, increasing your risk for cavities. That's why it's so important to remove plaque from your teeth by brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth with floss or an interdental cleaner. If you let plaque build up on your teeth, it can harden into tartar, which irritates your gums and can lead to gum problems. This is why a daily oral hygiene routine is crucial. It’s also advisable to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. While all types of fluoride help to make tooth enamel stronger and resistant to acid attacks, stannous fluoride also kills the germs that cause cavities and gum problems.
Wash them away. Brushing and flossing can be accompanied by the use of a mouthwash to keep your mouth germs in check. Many types of mouthwashes can reduce plaque (and germs), help prevent tooth cavities, and reduce the speed at which tartar forms on the teeth. However, the American Dental Association points out that not all mouthwashes are created equal. Therapeutic mouthrinses contain active ingredients that kill germs and reduce both plaque and gum problems. Therapeutic mouthrinses may be available over-the-counter or require a prescription from your dentist. Cosmetic mouthwashes, in turn, help kill the germs that cause bad breath. If you’re wondering how to kill germs in your mouth, adding a mouthwash to your oral care routine may do the trick. Don’t forget to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist to find out which mouthwash is right for you.
Keep them away. The more sugar there is in your diet, the more fuel the germs in your mouth get to grow and threaten your oral health. So, one of the best things you can do to get rid of harmful germs in your mouth is to minimise the fuel at their disposal. Improving your diet and keeping sugary foods and drinks to a minimum can be a difficult task, but it’s gratifying in the long run. You can also keep bad germs away by improving the balance of germs in your mouth and consuming foods that contain good germs. Probiotics like yoghurt, kefir, and fermented foods all provide beneficial germs that can keep problematic germs in check.
You might be surprised to have learned of the active germs in your mouth. The good news is that there are good germs too, and with proper oral hygiene and watching what you eat, you can ensure that the bad germs don’t get out of control.
