Your mouth is home to over 700 species of microbes, including bacteria, fungus, and more. When it comes to killing oral bacteria, there are a number of specific natural remedies and tactics you can use to maintain healthy teeth. However, keep in mind that not all bacteria are harmful. Some are helpful, while others are associated with tooth decay, gingivitis and bad breath.
The good bacteria help keep the disease-causing bacteria in check and aid with your digestion. But while the body’s natural defences keep bad bacteria under control, they need to be accompanied by good dental care. Healthy habits to have in your daily routine are the most important factor in fighting bacteria and helping to maintain a healthy mouth.
Limit Sugar
The more sugar there is in your diet, the more fuel there is for bacteria in your mouth to grow and threaten your oral health. One of the best things you can do to get rid of harmful bacteria in your mouth is to minimise the fuel they get by improving your diet and keeping sugary foods and drinks to a minimum.
Foods with Good Bacteria
You can also keep bad bacteria away by consuming foods that contain good bacteria. This includes probiotics like yogurt, kefir, pickles, sauerkraut and other fermented foods, all of which contain beneficial bacteria that can keep bad, disease-causing bacteria in check.
Certain Oils
Oils such as eucalyptol, menthol, and tea tree, can help kill harmful bacteria in your mouth. This keeps your gums from getting inflamed. It’s for this reason you’ll often find these ingredients in toothpaste and mouthwash.
Vitamin D
Some evidence indicates Vitamin D may be good for your mouth by helping your body kill harmful bacteria. Studies show you may be more likely to get gum disease if you don’t have enough Vitamin D. Outside of sun exposure, some foods and drinks that have vitamin D are eggs, tuna, salmon, and fortified orange juice.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in plants, including many fruits and vegetables. It has a sweet taste and is often used as a sugar substitute in gums, mints and lozenges. Xylitol tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it doesn’t cause tooth decay. It reduces levels of decay-causing bacteria in saliva by helping boost saliva production and also actively acts against some other bacteria.
Maintaining a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of plaque which contains bacteria that release acids and weaken tooth enamel. That’s why it’s so important to have a good oral hygiene routine. Remove plaque from your teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Of course, visiting the dentist every 6 months for a regular check-up and clean is crucial to maintaining dental health.
You should also use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps make tooth enamel stronger and resistant to acid attacks. Stannous fluoride also kills bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis.
Mouthwash
Mouthwashes can also reduce plaque (and bacteria), help prevent tooth decay, and reduce the speed that tartar forms on the teeth. Therapeutic mouth rinses contain active ingredients that kill bacteria and reduce both plaque and gingivitis. Cosmetic mouthwashes kill bacteria that cause bad breath.
Book an Appointment for Dental Care in Melbourne
At King Street Dental, we offer quality general and specialised dental services in Melbourne to help you keep on top of your dental health. For more information on maintaining healthy teeth, overall oral health and killing harmful bacteria, read our FAQ.
Book an appointment online today or call 03 9841 8033.