Bacterium in ma mouf

Wondering how to phrase this correctly and shortly…

Firstly, I started using a bacterial mouthwash a few years back (namely Listerine) to try and cut down on tartar. At the time, I had never had a cavity before. So I used the mouthwash, but when I first came to college and found my resources limited, I forgoed mouthwash for about a month and a half to two months, while at the same time going a year (not just 6 months) between going to my dentist. When I finally went to the dentist, BAM, 2 cavities at once!!

So I’ve given this some thought, especially after hearing in my biology class that “there are more bacteria living in your mouth than people who have ever lived.” With that in mind, is it possible that through the influence antibacterial mouthwash, I’ve essentially weeded out the weak bacteria, and used natural selection to effectively addict myself to Listerine? And if so, why would a dentist want me to use a product that, after a few months usage, doesnt do anything but perpetuate it’s usage (kinda like taking the same amount of an addictive drug, it stops having an effect after a while)?

john spain
Miami, FL.

one other thing. I’m still in college, and I recently ran low on listerine again. Now I’m using it once a day (only before I go to bed) and I have developed one of those things in your mouth that isnt a coldsore, but I think it’s when acid in your mouth eats a hole in the side of your cheek and you get a small infection in there.

Your eating habits may have changed when you came to college, and that might have something to do with it as well.

Just an aside, but I think Listerine is and ANTI-bacterial mouthwash. :slight_smile:

Also, even after using mouthwash, I’m pretty sure you still have more bacteria in that cavity :smiley: than there have been people, and their survival ability doesn’t necessarily correlate with their involvement in tooth decay. There are changes during the college age years that can increase cavities, including food habits (as SmackFu said) and maybe your just not as young as you used to be? Maybe when you see the DDS next year you can ask and tell us?

Unless your mouthwash is a certain type, you might as well save your money.

Re the sore in your mouth: it could be what’s called a “canker sore”. On the other hand–here’s something new to worry about. You’re a college kid? Are you sexually active? Have you been having oral sex with anyone? You need to rule out the possibility that it’s a herpes sore.

Where were your cavities located…Front, back, inside, outside, between teeth? If they were between you may want to floss also.

When you use mouthwash you’re not trying to make your mouth sterile (alas, it can never be). You just want to reduce the number of microbes so their metabolites (main concern = acids) are kept at low concentrations. Those acids eat through the enamel on your teeth and eventually lead to cavities. Also since you seem to have healthy teeth (from the OP) you probably have a “good” mouth flora (imagine an entire microbial ecosystem in your mouth keeping the bad guys in check) and shouldn’t worry about having any Listerine resistant microbes present.

Do they fluoridate the water in your home town? In your college town? Could be a difference there, I suppose.