Understanding the Microbial Universe Inside Your Mouth

Netflix’s recent documentary Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut shines light on the easily ignored human digestive microbiome. While it is only meant to give a broad overview, it demonstrates compelling evidence that the vast bacterial colonies living inside our bodies dictate much of our health. Having too many or too few of certain bacteria strains is a direct cause of ailments from cancer, to obesity, to depression. However, nearly the entire film focused on the latter parts of the digestive tract. Conspicuously absent was the oral microbiome.

An imbalance in oral microbiota, where beneficial bacteria cede territory to harmful bacteria, can lead to not only tooth loss, gum damage, and bone deterioration but also cancer, complications during pregnancy, and many other illnesses. Treating underlying dental issues promptly is obviously essential to preventing irreversible damage to tooth and bone structure, but most people are oblivious to the damage harmful bacteria entering your blood stream can do.

Common Harmful Bacteria in the Human Mouth

Harmful bacteria in the mouth can lead to various dental diseases, the most common strains are:

• Streptococcus mutans: Primarily responsible for cavities, this bacterium thrives on sugar and releases acid that erodes tooth enamel.
• Porphyromonas gingivalis: This bacterium is a well-known culprit in periodontitis, a serious gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
• Tannerella forsythia: Linked with gum disease and the buildup of calculus, its presence is a strong indicator of poor oral health.

These bacteria are not merely nuisances; they can cause significant oral health issues. Streptococcus mutans, for instance, ferments sugars into acids that erode tooth enamel, making dietary sugar control and fluoride use critical. Porphyromonas gingivalis can cause heart disease when it enters the blood stream. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene can help manage these bacteria, keeping their numbers in check.

Beneficial Bacteria in the Mouth

Having a healthy and diverse population of beneficial bacteria is your body’s main defense against harmful bacteria, as they make your mouth inhospitable for colonies of bad bacteria. A few of the most common and important beneficial bacteria are:

• Streptococcus salivarius: Known to suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria, helping to maintain a healthy oral balance.
• Neisseria: This genus helps neutralize acidity in the mouth, which protects against cavity formation.
• Actinomyces: Associated with healthy gum tissues, contributing to overall gum health.

The presence of these beneficial bacteria helps maintain a healthy balance within the oral microbiome. For example, Neisseria can neutralize the acidic conditions that favor harmful bacteria, and good hydration and oral hygiene can support its growth. Actinomyces are important for gum health, emphasizing the need for regular cleanings and periodontal evaluations to foster a beneficial microbial environment.

Environmental Conditions Affecting the Oral Microbiome

The oral microbiome is sensitive to the surrounding environment, which can dramatically influence its health and composition. Just as a diverse diet of fruits and vegetables is critical to feeding a healthy population of gut bacteria, you can promote a healthy oral microbiome by maintaining a proper environment:

• Acidity: The pH level in the mouth can significantly affect bacterial growth. Lower pH (more acidic) promotes harmful bacteria.
• Sugar and Carbohydrates: These are fuels for harmful bacteria, promoting their growth and the acids they produce.
• Hygiene Practices: Regular brushing, flossing, and the use of mouthwash are vital in controlling bacterial populations.
• Dietary Fats: Recent studies suggest that fats can alter the oral microbiome, influencing overall mouth health.

Modifying dietary habits to reduce sugar intake and controlling the mouth's pH through good oral hygiene are crucial. Research shows that lowering dietary sugars can significantly decrease the risk of dental caries, as harmful bacteria thrive on sugar. Additionally, emerging studies suggest that fats might alter the microbial landscape, potentially influencing oral health. Regular professional cleanings and personalized hygiene practices are essential in maintaining the optimal conditions for a healthy microbiome.

Impact of Oral Health on the Gut and Bloodstream

The implications of oral health extend beyond the mouth:

• Harmful bacteria in your mouth are likely to cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bone loss.
• Harmful bacteria that enter your digestive tract or blood stream can cause respiratory and digestive problems, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, diabetes, cancer, and pregnancy complications.

Proper oral hygiene is critical not only for preventing local issues but also systemic health.

Prevention and Management

To manage the oral microbiome effectively:

• Daily Practices: Brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular use of mouthwash as recommended by periodontists.
• Regular Check-Ups: Periodontal assessments can help manage and monitor the oral microbiome.
• Diet: A balanced diet low in sugars and high in fruits, vegetables, and fibers promotes a healthier oral environment.

Implementing daily oral hygiene practices and regular check-ups can significantly affect the health of the oral microbiome. Dietary recommendations not only support oral health but are integral to overall health, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to dental care

Dental Care for a Healthy Body

The microbial universe in your mouth is intricate and influential, affecting both oral and systemic health. Understanding and managing this ecosystem through regular dental care, proper hygiene practices, and a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining health. Periodontists play a vital role in this process, providing the expertise needed to ensure that both the visible aspects and the microbial foundation of your oral health are well maintained. Visit a periodontist to explore how you can optimize your oral microbiome for long-term health benefits.

In a recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, cancer rates were 24% higher in those with gum disease. Other sources have found elevated risk around 50% in general and as high as 300% for some types of cancer (e.g., breast, lung, esophageal, stomach).

The Chair of the British Dental Association recently spoke out over the lack of public awareness for “patients piling into emergency rooms…the oral cancers caught too late and the simple problems that end up as life-threatening infections.”