This microbiome could be the key to optimal health (hint: it’s not in your gut)

Ignoring your oral microbiome may cause inflammation, not just in your mouth, but throughout your body as well.

Key Points

• The oral microbiome hosts hundreds of bacterial species that can trigger an inflammatory response in the body.
• Ignoring this microbiome can increase risk of gum disease, heart disease and diabetes.
• Routine brushing, flossing and dentist visits can keep this microbiome and your body healthy.

You’ve likely heard of the gut microbiome and may be aware of its health effects, but do you know about the oral microbiome? “The oral microbiome is a collection of microorganisms that colonize the oral cavity (mouth), including the teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks and throat,” says Payton Brewer, MS, RDN, LDN, CPT. The oral microbiome is extensive, containing more than 700 identified bacterial species. “The oral microbiome acts as both a gatekeeper to protect against pathogens and support immune signaling, and as a gateway as the first stage of digestion,” Brewer adds.

Unlike the gut microbiome, which primarily resides in the digestive tract, the oral microbiome is the first microbial community that food, drinks and outside organisms encounter when they enter the body. However, the health of the oral microbiome is often overlooked, as many signs of dental or gum problems may not be apparent. Over time, however, an imbalance in oral bacteria may impact more than your mouth, but affect overall health.

Increases Risk of Gum Disease

Ignoring the oral microbiome increases the risk of gum disease by promoting plaque formation and inflammation, causing tissue damage. “The oral microbiome forms biofilms (dental plaque) on teeth,” explains Dr. Warren O Rodriguez-Carlo, DMD. “When these biofilms become imbalanced, they can cause tooth decay and periodontal disease,” he adds. This, in turn, causes an inflammatory response that can damage the tissues supporting the teeth.

“When harmful bacteria outnumber beneficial bacteria, plaque accumulates and triggers inflammation,” says Rodriguez-Carlo. This may lead to gum disease, a broad term for inflammation and infection of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth. There are two subclasses of gum disease: gingivitis (inflamed gums) and periodontitis (bone loss). Gingivitis is largely preventable and treatable, whereas periodontitis is an irreversible condition. If left unchecked, Julie Pace, RDN warns, “this imbalance in the oral microbiome can influence health throughout the body, affecting the heart, blood sugar regulation, gut and brain.”

Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

“Although oral bacteria are not the sole cause of cardiovascular disease, poor periodontal health is consistently associated with increased risk of heart disease,” shares Rodriguez-Carlo. When gums become inflamed, bacteria and inflammatory molecules can enter the bloodstream, explains Rodriguez-Carlo. When this happens, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases, as inflammatory molecules contribute to arterial plaque buildup, vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, he adds. Additionally, the risk of heart attack and stroke also increases.

Can Influence Brain Health

“Emerging research suggests that chronic gum inflammation and certain oral bacteria may contribute to inflammation in the brain, highlighting a potential connection between oral health and cognitive health,” shares Pace. Notably, some research indicates a link between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s disease. An imbalanced oral microbiome may allow harmful bacteria, fungi and their byproducts to enter the bloodstream and potentially cross the blood-brain barrier. Once there, these microbes may activate the brain’s immune cells, triggering chronic inflammation and a buildup of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Although intriguing, additional human research is necessary to fully understand the link between oral health and brain health.

Can Make Blood Sugar Regulation More Challenging

“Gum disease and diabetes have a two-way relationship: oral inflammation can make blood sugar control more difficult, while elevated blood sugar increases the risk of gum infection and slows healing,” explains Pace. Furthermore, elevated blood sugar weakens the body’s immune response, promoting inflammation and making the body more susceptible to gum infections. Oral inflammation can spread to the rest of the body, leading to chronic inflammation, which makes blood sugar regulation even more challenging. Treating gum disease may modestly improve blood sugar levels, according to research.

What to Do to Support the Oral Microbiome

• Brush your teeth. Rodriguez-Carlo recommends brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste to support your oral microbiome.
• Floss daily. “Clean between teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes,” says Rodriguez-Carlo. If you have trouble flossing regularly, Rodriguez-Carlo recommends keeping the floss on your counter where it’s visible rather than in the cabinet. He also suggests habit stacking with brushing your teeth—floss immediately before brushing each night.
• Brush your tongue. Your tongue is home to many bacteria that can influence the oral microbiome, and cleaning your tongue is one way to support it. “Brush the tongue to reduce harmful bacterial buildup,” says Rodriguez-Carlo.
• Stay hydrated. Maintaining hydration supports saliva production, which naturally helps regulate the oral microbiome, explains Rodriguez-Carlo.
• Limit antimicrobial mouthwash. Antimicrobial mouthwash kills both beneficial and harmful bacteria, so it’s important not to use it for prolonged periods. “Use antimicrobial mouthwash only when indicated by a dental professional,” cautions Rodriguez-Carlo.
• Routinely visit the dentist. Regular preventive dental care helps keep your oral microbiome healthy and can help you catch issues before they become more serious.

Our Expert Take

The oral microbiome plays a much bigger role in health than many individuals realize. When harmful bacteria outnumber beneficial ones, inflammation can occur, potentially leading to gum disease and additional health complications. But you can prevent gum disease with healthy oral habits, such as regular dentist visits, daily brushing and flossing and staying hydrated. Enacting these habits not only supports a healthier microbial balance but may also offer additional benefits for overall health.

Read the original article on EatingWell