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    • General Dentistry
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      • Early Orthodontic Treatment with Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Adult Orthodontic Treatment by Dr. Steven Harrison
      • Orthodontics for Teens
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        • Types of Braces
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        • Clear Ceramic Braces
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        • Invisalign at Parkcrest
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    • Meet Dr. Ropka
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Developing Healthy Mouth Bacteria

  • October 28, 2019
  • 4:48 pm
  • Dental Education
  • Dental Hygiene, Oral Health, Parkcrest Dental Group

The human body is home to billions of microorganisms. As science continues to uncover the role of these bacteria in our overall health, we are beginning to learn the steps we should take to maintain a healthy balance. So what can you do to promote good bacteria and minimize bad bacteria? Today, the experts at Parkcrest Dental Group will discuss the steps you can take to protect your oral health.

Related Post: Best Calcium-Rich Food for Your Teeth

The Role of Bacteria

The benefit of the ‘good’ bacteria in our overall health is extensive. They help digest food, generate energy, assist with metabolic regulation, and fight off bad bacterial invaders. With more than 700 different species of bacteria in the average mouth, the specific roles of each are hard to identify. The good and bad exist together in a biofilm, commonly known as dental plaque. 

The Importance of Balance

When a poor diet or poor dental hygiene causes the balance of the good and bad bacteria to shift, then oral health issues can arise. So what can you do to promote a healthy bacteria balance in your mouth?

  • Eat more plant-based foods. Plant-based foods tend to help promote a more balanced oral environment compared to animal-based foods. This doesn’t mean you need to be vegan, but introducing more plants into your diet alongside protein can benefit your oral health.
  • Eat less sugar. Sugar encourages the growth of acid-producing bacteria like Streptococcus mutans. Acid-producing bacteria contribute to weakened enamel and eventually lead to cavities and gum disease.
  • Avoid acidic drinks. Acidic drinks can cause damage to the helpful bacteria in your mouth, weakening their structure and enabling harmful bacteria to take over. At the same time, acidic drinks can damage your enamel — acting as a one-two punch to your enamel integrity. That doesn’t mean you should never drink orange juice or soda pop — just consume them in moderation. 

Related Post: Getting Rid of a Sugar Habit

Schedule Regular Visits With Your Dentist

Parkcrest Dental Group in Springfield, MO, is your destination for friendly, professional dental service. With over 40 years serving the Springfield community, we are tuned in to the specific needs of our patients. Call our friendly staff at 417-887-1220 to schedule an appointment today.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

More to explore

Multigenerational Family Smiling

What Is a Family Dentist & Other Family Dentistry FAQs

April 3, 2023

Family dentistry is one of our main focal points at Parkcrest Dental Group. When you choose us as your dental provider, you

Are Fillings Necessary for Baby Teeth?

March 2, 2023

In some instances, yes, our pediatric dentist may recommend fillings for your child, even for teeth that will fall out eventually, to

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February 2, 2023

Gummy vitamins are soaring in popularity. They’re a $6 billion industry, expected to grow to nearly $9.5 billion by 2028. Parents love

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