Table of contents:
- The oral cavity is the nest for the most bacteria in the body
- The buildup of plaque leads to gum disease and tooth decay
- Gargle can remove plaque that triggers gum pain
Did you know, 9 out of 10 adults have had gum disease. In fact, the incidence of gum disease worldwide is higher than that of heart attack. Well, gargle regularly using mouthwash aliasmouthwash can help fight and eliminate the remnants of bacteria lodged in the mouth, especially teeth and gums.
The oral cavity is the nest for the most bacteria in the body
The human body has 20 times the number of microbes than the number of cells, and the oral cavity is one of the most abundant places for bacteria in the body. Even so, the bacteria in the mouth are easier to control.
This was conveyed by drg. Sri Angky Soekanto, Ph.D., PBO from the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Indonesia who was met by the Hello Sehat team on Friday (9/11) in South Jakarta.
"The mouth is one of the most bacterial sites. But, precisely in that place, healing occurs faster. Let us pay attention, if there is a wound in the mouth, it will heal faster than in other places, ”said drg. Sri Angky.
There are about 700 types of bacteria that have been detected in the oral cavity. These bacteria together with food debris, mucus, and other particles will form plaque.
The buildup of plaque leads to gum disease and tooth decay
Plaque is a thin layer of protein and bacteria (called a biofilm) that builds up on the surface of the teeth.
If allowed to build up, bacteria-filled plaque will produce acid. This acid plays a role in tooth decay and produces toxins from food debris. Ultimately, this can lead to gingivitis. Gingivitis is a gum infection, which is also an early sign of periodontal disease, aka gum disease.
At an advanced stage, gum disease can lead to various problems such as pain, bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, cavities, and tooth loss. In fact, gum disease that is already severe can lead to various complications in all organs of the body.
"In severe cases, germs can enter the blood vessels carrying 700 bacteria from the mouth. These bacteria can later enter everywhere, because our bodies are filled with blood vessels. So, it is certain that these germs will travel to the blood vessels. Hopefully (the bacteria) don't go to a dangerous place. If you go to a dangerous place, it will be fatal, ”said drg. Sri Angky.
Gargle can remove plaque that triggers gum pain
The good news, mouthwash can help remove plaque, thereby reducing the build-up of bacteria on the teeth. When combined with the habit of brushing teeth and flossing routinely, the three of them are effective in preventing various dental and mouth problems in the future.
"Actually, we (Indonesia) are completely behind. In developed countries, it has long been recommended to brush your teeth, flossingand gargling twice a day, "said drg. Sri Angky who also serves as Chair of the Indonesian Dentist College (KDGI).
Drg. Sri Angky added that these three good habits are the only way to maintain oral health. All three must be done regularly and continuously. The reason is, the toothbrush is not able to reach the entire oral cavity and clean the remaining food between the teeth. No wonder caries or cavities appear most often between the teeth.
Well, this is why you also need teeth flossing and rinsing. Furthermore, drg. Sri Angky explained, "To be honest, flossing teeth are a bit troublesome. Now there is a brush between the teeth (interdental brush) but unfortunately it is still expensive. So if I can suggest, the easiest way is to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth. "
Mouthwash specifically to prevent gingivitis or gum disease, it usually contains a special substance that is formulated to kill the bacteria that cause plaque on the teeth. However, for plaque that has hardened and formed tartar, you need to see a dentist. Hardened plaque cannot be removed by simply brushing and rinsing. Only professional cleaning by a dentist can remove tartar.
"I would not say every 6 months, once a year. My mouth with yours is different. It depends on the dentist when to ask you to check again after the first consultation. There could be someone who has to come back again after two or three months, right, ”concluded drg. Sri Angky.
