HARMFUL ORAL BACTERIA reproduces very quickly, which is why it matters so much that we brush twice a day and floss daily. A clean, healthy mouth will contain between a thousand to a hundred thousand bacteria on the surface of each tooth. Without diligent brushing and flossing, those numbers can quickly explode into the millions and even billions.

Our Oral Bacteria

The average person has between 34 and 72 different strains of oral bacteria in their mouths. Once a new one is introduced, it’s usually there to stay. Each person has different bacteria, which is how kissing or even something as simple as sharing drinks can introduce new strains of bacteria.

Kids’ Immune Systems

This is a bigger problem for kids than adults. Little kids’ immune systems aren’t used to dealing with adult levels of oral bacteria. Too many kisses from adult relatives (or simply letting them have sips from adult relatives’ drinks) could leave them more vulnerable to cavities.

Protecting Kids From Oral Bacteria

Fortunately, it’s easy to avoid sharing bacteria with a child; keep those kisses to their cheek and give them their own drinks and utensils. (This is a good idea even for adults who always brush twice a day for the full two minutes and floss daily.) Also, only clean a dropped pacifier in the sink.

Keep Your Oral Bacteria Under Control

No matter your age or who you kiss, it’s essential to maintain good oral health habits. Bacteria isn’t going to take a day off from multiplying if you skip brushing and flossing. In addition to twice-daily brushing and daily flossing, professional cleanings every six months will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

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The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

MEN AND WOMEN don’t always face the same dental health challenges, nor do they have the same dental health advantages. The bad news for women is that hormone changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can all contribute to oral health issues. It increases the risk of gingivitis and gum inflammation, making brushing and flossing even more crucial. Menopause is also associated with dry mouth and bone loss in the jaw.

Conditions That Affect Women More

Women receive 90% of TMD diagnoses. Some of that could be because they’re more likely to seek a diagnosis, but it can’t account for the entire gap. Women are also more vulnerable to Sjörgen’s syndrome, which causes dry mouth.

Eating disorders are incredibly harmful to oral health, weakening oral tissues through malnutrition and (when purging is involved) directly damaging tooth enamel through acid erosion. These disorders affect teenage girls at twice the rate of teenage boys.

The Big Advantage

The best advantage women have in spite of all these increased risks is that women are more diligent at caring for their teeth and gums. They are more likely to keep up with their daily oral hygiene habits and schedule regular dental visits, and they’re quicker to see the dentist when experiencing symptoms. By contrast, men have a bad habit of trying to tough it out.

Prioritize Your Oral Health

Do everything you can to give your oral health an advantage, even in the face of risk factors. Maintain diligent oral hygiene habits by brushing twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and limiting sugary drinks and snacks to mealtimes. Don’t forget those regular dental appointments to stay ahead of any emerging problems!

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The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.