Your mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. In fact, there are an estimated 100 billion bacteria living in your mouth at any given time. That’s more bacteria than there are cells in your body! Most of these bacteria are harmless, but some can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
So what are these bacteria, and how do they affect your health?
The Strange Truth About All the Bacteria in Your Mouth
The truth is, if you don’t have good bacteria in your mouth, not only will you be at greater risk of periodontal disease and long-term oral health issues, you’ll also likely develop bad breath.
Fortunately, not all bacteria are bad and will actually balance out your mouth’s pH levels, ensuring you’re not the one people will make a concerted effort to shy away from at parties for close-up conversations.
The Good Bacteria
There are two main types of bacteria in your mouth: good bacteria and bad bacteria. The good bacteria, also known as probiotics, help to keep your mouth healthy. They produce substances that fight off harmful bacteria and prevent tooth decay.
Some of the most common good bacteria in your mouth include:
- Streptococcus salivarius
- Streptococcus oralis
- Veillonella
- Actinomyces
The Bad Bacteria
The bad bacteria, also known as pathogens, can cause tooth decay and gum disease. They produce acids that eat away at your teeth, and they can also irritate your gums and lead to inflammation.
Some of the most common bad bacteria in your mouth include:
- Streptococcus mutans
- Lactobacillus
- Porphyromonas gingivalis
- Tannerella forsythia
How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy
Bacteria and microbes are serious business. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry even recommends dentists be careful when using antibiotics to reduce bacterial resistance to medicines.
The best way to keep your mouth healthy is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. You should also see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. Brushing and flossing help to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.
Your dentist can remove plaque and tartar, a hardened form of plaque, that your toothbrush can’t reach. They can also check for signs of tooth decay and gum disease, and they can provide you with treatment if necessary.
So there you have it. The gross and gruesome truth about the bacteria in your mouth. But don’t worry, you can keep your mouth healthy by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Mononucleosis: The Kissing Disease
Mononucleosis, also known as mono or the kissing disease, is a contagious illness that’s usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It’s most common in young people, but it can affect people of all ages.
How do you get mono?
The most common way to get mono is through contact with saliva. This can happen through kissing, sharing food or drinks, or using the same toothbrush or other personal items as someone who is infected.
What are the symptoms of mono?
The symptoms of mono can vary from person to person, but they often include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Chills
- Rash
How is mono treated?
There is no specific treatment for mono. The best way to treat it is to get plenty of rest and drink fluids. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve fever and pain.
How long does mono last?
Mono usually lasts for four to six weeks. However, some people may have symptoms for longer than that.
Can you prevent mono?
There is no treatment or vaccine to prevent mono. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting it, such as:
- Avoid kissing people who are sick.
- Don’t share food or drinks with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If you think you have mono, it’s important to see your doctor. They can diagnose the illness and make sure you get the treatment you need.
More Facts About Mono:
- Mono is also known as the “kissing disease” because it is most commonly spread through saliva contact, which can happen through kissing.
- Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is a member of the herpes family of viruses.
- EBV is very common and most people are infected with it by the time they are 40 years old.
- Most people who are infected with EBV do not have any symptoms.
- Symptoms of mono usually develop 4 to 6 weeks after being infected with EBV.
- Mono usually goes away on its own within 4 to 6 weeks.
- There is no cure for mono.
- Treatment for mono is usually supportive, such as rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Most people who have mono make a full recovery.
- However, some people with mono can develop complications, such as liver inflammation, spleen enlargement, or anemia.
- If you think you may have mono, it is important to see your doctor.
If you think you have mono, it’s important to see your doctor. They can diagnose the illness and make sure you get the treatment you need. And with all the bacteria living everywhere these days, your mouth being no exception, it just demonstrates that brushing twice a day and flossing can help keep the unwanted mouth invaders away.