Name: Kate Riggs
Status: Student
Age: 11
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: September 2004
Question:
What is the percentage of harmful bacteria in the mouth?
Replies:
That depends on the person. We all have some harmful bacteria in our
mouths. The bacteria that cause tooth decay could be considered harmful. This is
why you should brush your teeth after eating and not eat too many sweets
which they love. Every time you open your mouth, bacteria gets in. As long as
you don't have an open wound in your mouth, you are probably ok because most
of the time the bacteria gets swallowed and killed by the acid in your
stomach. You also have enzymes in your mouth that can kill bacteria. Most of the
bacteria in your mouth however cause you no harm, and may even help you
because they take up space and crowd out bad bacteria that are trying to find a
place to live. I can't really give you a percentage because that is different
for every person and also probably changes on a day to day basis.
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