Oral microbiome and dental health: bacteria in focus
You've heard of the gut microbiome, but what about your oral microbiome?
This part of the body is just as important and the fascinating science behind it is only just being discovered.
So let's start with the basics... where is it and what is it?
The area of the oral microbiome includes the tongue, the hard palate, the teeth, the area around the tooth surfaces and the area above and below the gums. Known as the oral microbiome, this collection of bacteria (over 700 different species to be exact) is an essential factor in health - not just in the mouth, but beyond.
The oral microbiome plays an important role in remineralizing the teeth, oxygenating the gums, removing waste from the mouth and protecting against harmful external microorganisms. As with the gut microbiome, the health of the oral microbiome depends on the balance between good and bad bacteria. And as in the gut, an imbalance leads to inflammation or disease. This often manifests itself in the form of tooth decay, gingivitis and oral thrush (also known as oral fungus).
When the beneficial bacteria thrive, the teeth feel clean, the gums appear pink and are well supplied with blood. If your oral microbiome is too rich, symptoms such as bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease can occur. Conversely, an oral microbiome that is too weak can lead to ulcers and sensitive teeth.
Dentistry is just beginning to recognize the importance of healthy oral flora and that we need to actively take care of it, which means we need to know what's in our oral care products. While the oral microbiome is the key to a healthy mouth, it is also fundamental to many other aspects of our health and even influences the course of disease.
New research shows a link between the oral microbiome and diseases such as Parkinson's, irritable bowel syndrome, liver cirrhosis and many others. The mouth is the gateway to the gut. More than 45% of the bacteria in the mouth are also found in the gut. It follows that a healthy oral microbiome is a precursor to a healthy gut microbiome. And since 70% of our immune system is located in the gut, we should also take care of our oral microbiome.
Everything we eat can affect our oral microbiome - from the foods we eat, to the drinks we drink, to the oral care products we use every day. Finding products that improve the oral microbiome is an essential part of maintaining good oral health.
Here are some tips to keep your oral microbiome in tip-top shape:
- Watch your diet - choose a balanced diet low in sugar and carbohydrates, alkaline foods and lots of vegetables!- The more antioxidants, the better. Minimize the consumption of sugar and alcoholic beverages as these can attack tooth enamel.
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least twice a week - make sure the products you use are free from toxic chemicals, SLS and alcohol.
- Visit your dentist regularly - professional dental cleanings (every 6 months) with natural polishing pastes can help keep your oral microbiome in top shape.
- Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol as they dry out the mouth and kill all bacteria - good and bad.
- Make sure you stay hydrated - water is good for everything... including your oral flora! even for your oral flora!
- Clean your tongue - Ideally, use the tongue cleaner twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening - always after brushing your teeth.
- Add an oral probiotic - We use a special oral probiotic. This probiotic can strengthen the good bacteria in your mouth.