How To Get Rid Of Bad Bacteria In Mouth

1. Introduction

Bacteria is commonly associated with illness and disease but did you know that some types of bacteria can be beneficial to our health? However, some bacteria in our mouth can cause bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. In this article, we will explore 6 ways to inactivate harmful bacteria in the mouth to promote good oral health.

2. Brushing and flossing

Brushing and flossing your teeth daily is the most important step you can take to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Brushing helps to remove plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums, while flossing cleans the areas between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.

• Brush twice a day for two minutes
• Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel
• Floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles between teeth

3. Mouthwash

Mouthwash can be an effective tool in controlling the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Look for a mouthwash that contains antibacterial ingredients such as chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride.

1. Swish mouthwash in your mouth for 30 seconds
2. Spit out the mouthwash and do not swallow
3. Do not rinse your mouth with water afterwards

4. Tongue scraping

The tongue can harbor a lot of bacteria, especially on its surface. Using a tongue scraper can help to remove bacteria and debris, while also improving bad breath.

• Gently scrape your tongue from back to front
• Rinse the tongue scraper with water between scrapes
• Repeat until the tongue is clean

5. Avoid sugary foods and drinks

Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acid that can erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and promote good oral health.

1. Choose water or unsweetened beverages
2. Limit consumption of sugary snacks and treats
3. Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after consuming sugary foods or drinks

6. Chew gum

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help stimulate saliva production, which can neutralize harmful acids and bacteria in the mouth.

1. Choose sugar-free gum with xylitol, which has been shown to have antimicrobial effects
2. Chew gum for 20 minutes after meals
3. Do not swallow the gum

7. Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to our health. They can also help to balance the bacteria in our mouth and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

1. Incorporate probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut into your diet
2. Take a probiotic supplement
3. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements

8. Saltwater rinse

Gargling with saltwater can help to kill bacteria in the mouth and soothe sore gums.

• Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water
• Swish saltwater in your mouth for 30 seconds
• Spit out the saltwater and do not swallow

9. Oil pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil around in the mouth to remove toxins and bacteria. It can also help to freshen breath.

1. Choose a high-quality oil such as coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil
2. Swish oil around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes
3. Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with water

10. Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health. It helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities by increasing calcium absorption in the body. It can also help to promote healthy bacterial growth in the mouth.

1. Get 10-30 minutes of sunlight exposure on your skin each day
2. Incorporate vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products into your diet
3. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements

11. Anti-inflammatory diet

A diet that is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods can help to support good oral health by reducing inflammation in the body. This can also help to reduce the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.

• Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet
• Choose whole grains instead of refined grains
• Include lean protein sources such as beans, nuts, and fish

12. Green tea

Green tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols that can help to reduce inflammation in the body and promote good oral health. It can also help to freshen breath.

1. Choose organic green tea
2. Steep tea for 3-5 minutes
3. Drink 1-3 cups of green tea per day

13. Cranberries

Cranberries contain compounds that can help to prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the teeth and causing cavities.

• Incorporate fresh cranberries or unsweetened cranberry juice into your diet
• Consult with your healthcare provider before taking cranberry supplements

14. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to protect the gums from damage and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

1. Incorporate vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens into your diet
2. Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements

15. Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral that can help to promote good oral health and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

• Incorporate zinc-rich foods such as oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds into your diet
• Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements

16. Aloe vera

Aloe vera contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth and soothe gum inflammation.

• Use aloe vera gel or juice as a mouthwash
• Do not swallow the aloe vera
• Consult with your healthcare provider before using aloe vera if you are pregnant or taking medication

17. Elderberry

Elderberry contains compounds that can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth and promote good oral health.

• Incorporate elderberry into your diet as a supplement or tea
• Consult with your healthcare provider before taking elderberry supplements

18. Garlic

Garlic contains antibacterial properties that can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth and promote good oral health. However, it can also cause bad breath.

• Incorporate garlic into your diet as a seasoning or supplement
• Use a garlic supplement in moderation as it may interact with certain medications

19. Cloves

Cloves contain compounds that can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath.

• Incorporate cloves into your diet as a seasoning or supplement
• Use clove supplements in moderation as they may interact with certain medications

20. FAQ

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath is often caused by the buildup of bacteria and debris in the mouth. Other causes may include gum disease, dry mouth, and certain foods and beverages.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Preventing gum disease involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing daily, and visiting a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Can mouthwash replace brushing and flossing?

No, mouthwash cannot replace brushing and flossing. It is an additional tool that can be used to kill bacteria in the mouth and freshen breath.

Is oil pulling safe?

Oil pulling is generally considered safe, but it is important to choose a high-quality oil and to spit out the oil instead of swallowing it. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new oral health practices.

Can I get enough vitamin D from sunlight?

The amount of vitamin D that you can get from sunlight depends on factors such as your skin tone, geographic location, and time of day. It may be necessary to supplement your diet with vitamin D-rich foods or supplements to ensure adequate intake.

21. Conclusion

There are many ways to inactivate bad bacteria in the mouth and promote good oral health. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing, using mouthwash, and tongue scraping can help to prevent harmful bacteria from building up in the mouth. Incorporating probiotics, anti-inflammatory foods, and supplements such as vitamin D, zinc, and elderberry can also help to promote healthy bacterial growth and prevent oral health problems. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements or starting new oral health practices.