What Is Veillonella?

This common germ is a small cocci bacterium that is anaerobic – meaning it doesn't need oxygen to survive. In fact, it needs carbon dioxide to grow. If you were to look at it under a microscope, you'd see it is round in shape, appears in pairs, masses, or short chains, and doesn't move around very often.

Although there are around 200 types of bacteria that grow in your oral cavity, a study published in the Journal of Bacteriology found that Veillonella and Streptococcus bacteria work together in the early formation of plaque on your teeth. As these two bacteria colonize and grow, they lay a matrix that supports the growth of other varieties of bacteria that live in plaque.

Bacterial communities are not formed randomly. Believe it or not, they're quite selective. The way they develop supports the growth of many species of bacteria at once. Veillonella, for example, doesn't ferment dietary sugars like Streptococci. However, it does use the lactic acid produced by Streptococci's sugar fermentation to create its own. Essentially, Veillonella bacterium could not survive if it didn't coexist with Streptococci. In turn, other species of bacteria need the environment created by Veillonella and Streptococci to survive.

The problem for you? When your tooth enamel is exposed to these bacterial acids over a prolonged period, dental decay begins. Additionally, the acidic conditions caused by this bacterium underneath the gum line eventually destroy the teeth's supporting structures, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

It can be discouraging to think that as soon as you're done with your oral hygiene routine, Veillonella and other disease-causing bacteria begin to rebuild their homes in your mouth. For this reason, your oral hygiene routine cannot be hit-or-miss. Regularly removing plaque from your teeth needs to be a priority to disrupt bacterial colonies before they can cause any harm. And while you can't eliminate them from your mouth (some bacteria are actually helpful), there are things you can do to keep your oral flora from getting out of hand:
 

• Brush at least two times a day, and clean between your teeth at least once a day with floss, water flossers, or other interdental cleaners.

• Replace your toothbrush regularly, at least every three months. Old worn brushes don't clean well and eventually harbor bacteria, which defeats the toothbrush's purpose.

• Make sure to clean your tongue too. It is also the home of Veillonella and other related bacteria.

• Don't "feed" the flora. Limit your intake of sugars and carbohydrates to cut down the number of times a day you expose your teeth to the acids that allow flora to build up and irritate the gums.

• Schedule regular professional dental hygiene appointments (at least twice a year) to have plaque and tartar buildup removed, so bacterium doesn't become trapped underneath your gum line.

Most flora in your mouth are harmless to you unless they have the opportunity to organize and grow. Don't let these culprits make you a victim of bad breath, tooth decay, or gum disease. Keep a diligent oral care routine and remember: The only flora that needs feeding is in the garden outside.

What disease does Veillonella cause?
Veillonella can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, which is an infection of the gums and other tissues that hold your teeth in place. 

What does Veillonella do to your teeth?
Veillonella bacteria produce acid that can be harmful to the teeth and gums. 

What are the characteristics of Veillonella?
Veillonella bacteria are round in shape and usually appear together in pairs, masses or short chains. It is an anaerobic species, which means it does not need oxygen to survive.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.