More germs one mouth than people on Earth

NEW YORK, June 1 (UPI) -- A person's mouth can have more germs than there are people on Earth and studies suggest some germs may be linked to chronic diseases, a U.S. dentists say.

John E. Dodes, a general dentist in New York and the author of "Healthy Teeth: A User's Guide," says a report by Listerine Antiseptic and Reach research indicates poor oral health is linked to chronic disease, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Almost all U.S. adults say they need to do more for better oral health, but only one in three use dental floss or rinse with mouthwash in the morning and less than half see a dentist twice a year for preventative visits, Dodes says.

"I advise my patients to brush, floss and rinse with a therapeutic mouthwash twice a day and of course, visit their dentist regularly to prevent problems and keep their mouths healthy," Dodes says in a statement.

Many say cavities are the most common oral health problem but the "Healthy Mouths" report reveals bleeding while brushing and flossing is the most common symptom -- experienced by half of all U.S. adults surveyed -- followed by cavities and plaque, which affected only one in three.

"Plaque biofilm," is the culprit behind this common problem, Dodes says. "Germs in the mouth multiply and can become embedded in a thick layer called plaque biofilm. When this happens, these biofilm germs become much more difficult to kill by simply brushing and flossing, and are more likely to cause problems such as bad breath and more seriously, gingivitis."