Five Ways to Kill Harmful Bacteria in Your Mouth
Did you know that there are over 700 species of microbes living in your mouth? Some of them are friendly, but others can wreak havoc by causing plaque and cavities. At Sunrise Dental we know that killing bad bacteria is the best way to fight cavities and bad breath. Some herbs like neem and clove have natural antibacterial properties that can help kill bacteria in mouth naturally. If you are wondering how to clean your mouth from bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease, read on to learn more.
Five Tips on How to Kill Bacteria in Mouth
#1: Brushing
Regular brushing is the best way to kill harmful bacteria in your mouth. Bad bacteria build up between brushings, leaving a bad taste in your mouth and a film on your teeth. Brushing your teeth first thing in the morning and again before bed at night will prevent bacteria from multiplying and stimulate more saliva to wash them away. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, and remember to replace your toothbrush every few months.
#2: Flossing
Plaque-causing bacteria love to hide out between your teeth and underneath your gums. When plaque builds up, it causes cavities and infections. Flossing cleans the spaces between your teeth and below the gumline to remove plaque before it can cause trouble. At Sunrise Dental, we recommend using a Waterpik because they are very effective at flushing out bacteria and toxins from below the gumline.
#3: Professional Cleanings
Professional cleanings get rid of plaque in all the places that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach. Regular checkups also help detect problems before they start. You can prevent cavities and gum disease by scheduling appointments at Sunrise Dental at least twice a year. We will keep you smiling!
#4: Laser Therapy
At Sunrise Dental, we also offer diode laser therapy for gum health. Laser therapy is quick, effective, and completely painless. This non-invasive treatment kills the harmful bacteria in your mouth and helps to heal damaged gum tissue. The laser penetrates deep below the gumline to seek and destroy the bacteria that cause infections.
#5: Switch to Sugar-Free
Replacing sugar with xylitol is another way to kill bad bacteria in your mouth. Plaque-forming bacteria thrive on sugar, which helps them multiply rapidly. Xylitol kills bad bacteria by starving them to death—bacteria love to eat sugar, but they can’t digest xylitol. Without sugars to eat, bacteria populations can’t grow. Just make sure to keep toothpaste and treats with xylitol away from pets—it’s safe for humans, but toxic to cats and dogs.
Contact Us
If you have questions about how to clean bacteria from mouth to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, contact Sunrise Dental in Peoria. We can help guide you towards the best toothpaste, mouthwash, or other oral health care products that will best support your home oral care routine. Ask us about which products will work best for you at your next visit. Call 623-487-4870 or visit our website to request an appointment today.
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