Did you know that your mouth is a habitat for bacteria? Bacteria are found in moist places, and your mouth is one of them. When bacteria cluster on a wet surface to form colonies, biofilms develop. Everyone has biofilm in their mouth, but if precautionary measures are not taken, it can lead to the formation of dental plaque and severe oral diseases. Dental plaque is typically white or pale yellow, and you might be able to detect it with the naked eye. Therefore, if you notice plaque formation on your teeth, you can visit our dental office in Houston, TX, to prevent any oral issues.
How does biofilm form in our mouths?
But what is biofilm in mouth? Dental biofilm is, as discussed before, colonies of bacteria. When ample bacteria collect together in a small space, they communicate via quorum sensing. Bacteria use this mechanism to indulge in cooperative group behavior to form biofilm in the mouth and any other wet surface like ponds, bathroom drains, etc. The biofilm communities in your mouth are not all harmful, and if non-pathogenic bacteria reside in your teeth’s surface or gums, they will not pose any issues. However, if acid-forming bacteria forms there and remains intact, that can harm your oral health. The harmful bacteria react with your food and beverages intake to form dental plaque. As a result, dental plaque can be a pathway to oral issues if not treated on time.
How to prevent biofilm in the mouth?
If you live in the Houston area, you can visit us to get educated by our dental experts on how to get rid of biofilm in mouth. Our experts will brief you about the options of biofilm in mouth treatment and the precautions you should take. They include:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly and gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Make sure to brush for two to three minutes.
- Use floss, water flossers, or other interdental cleaners to remove the biofilm between your teeth and gum lines.
- Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash, as your dentist recommends, regularly.
- Talk to your dentist about dental cleanings, and get one every six months. Although, your dentist might advise you to visit more frequently depending on your oral health. Professional dental cleanings will remove the biofilm you missed in your mouth.
- If you use any mouth appliances, make sure to frequently clean and soak them in a cleansing solution.
These are the key tips on how to get rid of dental biofilms, but in terms of your oral health, the more you can do, the better. Also, remember that the biofilm in your mouth can regrow daily. Therefore, it is vital to regularly maintain good oral habits and drop by your dentist.
The Closing Word
The biofilm in your mouth can be good and bad. Thus, you should stay on track with your oral health maintenance to prevent the harmful biofilm from thriving in your mouth and look for treatments. We treat dental biofilm and can help you prevent it, too, at Pearl Shine Dental Clinic. If you live in Houston, TX, call at 281-477-7200 to schedule an appointment or get dental advice.