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Are There More Than One Type of Bacteria in My Mouth That Cause Poor Dental Health?

Posted on 4/1/2024 by Weo Admin

You probably know that the acids in mouth bacteria cause both periodontal disease and tooth decay, but you may not know that there is more than one kind of bacteria present in your mouth all the time. In fact, your mouth contains both good and bad bacteria. Here is some information on the bad bacteria that can cause problems in your mouth.

Treponema Denticola

This bacterium is one of four treponema bacteria you may have in your mouth. Treponema denticola is the most common type of treponema found on teeth and gums. The treponema class of bacteria is shaped like spirals and causes all sorts of diseases in the human body, such as syphilis, yaws, bejel, and pinta.

Treponema denticola, along with two other types of bacteria, forms a menacing triangle of bacteria called the Red Complex. These three bacteria are the primary reason people can have serious gum disease that causes infections and tooth loss. Treponema denticola loves to hang out in the tiny space between your teeth and gum tissue. Once the bacteria makes itself at home, it can be very difficult to remove. The more irritated your gums become, the easier it is for Treponema denticola to cause damage.

Tannerella Forsythia

Tannerella forsythia is another of the bacteria that form the Red Complex. This bacteria can cause periodontal disease as well, but it can also cause heart infections and esophageal cancer. Also, the bacteria, much like Treponema denticola, can survive without oxygen, multiply quickly, and even cause problems with the good bacteria in your mouth that help you digest food.

What Should I Do?

While the information about dental bacteria sounds frightening, with proper dental care, you should be able to keep your harmful bacteria in small enough numbers not to cause harm. First, be sure you brush and floss thoroughly because that will significantly reduce the number of bacteria. Second, be sure that you are coming in to see our dentist twice a year. That way, you will be able to stay ahead of those nasty mouth bacteria. Not sure when your last dental visit was? Give us a call today to schedule a visit with our dentist.

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