Ask A Scientist Molecular Biology Archive

Subject: Re: NEWTON BBS   Molecular 
To: ssample@newton.dep.anl.gov 
X-Mailer: 9.0 for Windows sub 5000 


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.
 
vanhoeck
>
> >    name         Kate  Riggs
> >    age          11
>  >    EMAIL         teddybear_or_not@hotmail.com
> >    Question -    what is the percentage of harmful bacteria in the  mouth?
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