In Part 2 of this series, we explained the concept of oral exposure time. Here, we'll cover another important dental concept: mouth bacteria percentage.
The mouth is covered in bacteria. Mouth bacteria essentially come in two varieties: cavity-causing (they make acids) and gum disease-causing (they make bases).
These bacteria are "fighting" with each other for surface space in your mouth. It's okay to have some of both bacteria, because it means that they are neutralizing each other (i.e. giving you a neutral mouth).
However, if you have too much of one type of bacteria, it means your mouth chemistry is not neutral. Having a lot of one type means your mouth chemistry is allowing one type to thrive more than the other. And when one type of bacteria predominates, you're likely to develop either cavities or gum disease, because your mouth is not neutral.
Cavity-causing Bacteria
Cavity-causing bacteria live in all mouths but thrive in acidic mouths (low pH). And they produce acid themselves, which helps them make their environment more hospitable to them as they multiply.
Gum Disease-causing Bacteria
Gum disease-causing bacteria also live in all mouths but thrive in alkaline mouths (high pH). And they produce alkaline byproducts themselves, which helps them make their environment more hospitable to them as they multiply.
Bacteria Multiplication and Replacement
Bacteria multiply rapidly. As they multiply, they try to gain additional territory if it is available. The only way that bacteria can replace other bacteria is if the original bacteria are not as strong as the invading bacteria.
What to Do?
You can strengthen and weaken the bacteria categories by strategically deciding what you put in your mouth. If you want to promote more acid-producing bacteria, eat more carbohydrates. If you want to promote more base-producing bacteria, eat fewer carbs and more proteins.
As we mentioned in Part 1, striking a balance between carbs and proteins will help ensure you have no significant dental problems.