Time and medical science continue to uncover the complexity of the human body. One aspect of our bodies that is gaining more and more attention is how integrated our systems are. So much interest in the subject imitated the launch of the Human Microbiome Project (HMP). As a practice, Ivy Rose Family Dentistry has continually stayed aware of new research from HMP.
The dental microbiome is a part of our body’s microbial system which impacts:
- The health of your teeth and dental tissues
- Your overall wellness and chances of forming diseases
In this blog, we’ll supply some basics about microbiology and the role it plays in dentistry. If you didn’t particularly enjoy biology in school, don’t worry. The rest of the post is in Q&A format, and you may learn some things about your mouth that you never knew.
How is microbiology essential in dentistry?
Bacteria are responsible for the two major diseases in your mouth – cavities and gum disease (professionally known as periodontitis). However, only a few of the 200 to 300 species of bacteria[1] cause dental decay or gum disease. The other bacteria play roles in:
- Proper digestion
- Preventing oral diseases
- Serving as the first line of your immune system’s defense
How can microbiology help us treat our patients?
Understanding how harmful bacteria interact in your mouth gives the dentist insights into prevention and treatment. Additionally, she passes on detailed information to staff and patients to help them recognize the importance of oral microbiology. For instance, did you know that:
- If you practice good oral hygiene, you’ll have about 1,000 to 100,000 bacteria on each of your teeth.
- If you do not practice good hygiene (brushing, flossing, mouth washing), you could have 100 million to 1 billion bacteria on each of your teeth!
- Some diseases find their way into the body by bacteria that cause tooth cavities.
Do you have a dental problem that you want detailed answers about? Give Ivy Rose Family Dentistry a call. Dr. Christine Lamun received her Bachelor of Science Degree in General Science and continually merged concepts within the field to her dental practice. Ivy Rose Family Dentistry offers advanced dentistry at affordable prices to Arlington, Mansfield, and surrounding communities.
[1] Some estimate that there may be as many as 1,000 different species of bacteria in the mouth.
