General Health

Of late there is an increased awareness about the Gut microbiome & its impact on immunity. While it's important & beneficial to maintain a healthy Gut Microbiome, there is another set of microbiomes that needs equal attention and care and that’s your oral microbiome. The concept of microbiomes residing in the human body isn't a new one but has started receiving the limelight lately as people are becoming more and more aware of their importance due to their impact on human health.

What is the Oral Microbiome?

Just like your gut microbiome your oral cavity is a hub of bacteria, fungi and viruses that reside in harmony. In fact, the human oral microbiome is the second largest and most diverse microbiome found in your body. They reside in almost all different parts of your oral cavity from salvia, teeth, tongue, hard- palette to gums. Not all microbiomes are created equal. While some bacteria contribute to tooth decay and gum disease, many play a vital role in maintaining oral and overall health. When maintained in the right balance, collectively these microbiomes work in the best interest of your health. If you're curious about the origins of these microbiomes, allow me to explain. You have them in your mouth from birth, and the inflow and outflow of various microbiomes are affected by activities such as breathing, swallowing, spitting, kissing etc.

Why do we have them & how are they beneficial?

The human oral microbiome acts as a gatekeeper for your gut microbiome. From removal of waste from the mouth, transporting oxygen to the gums, remineralizing the gums to providing antibodies for any disease-causing invaders. They perform a host of vital functions in the oral cavity.

Here’s why a balanced oral microbiome is essential for healthy teeth and gums:

Maintains pH balance

The pH levels in your mouth are regulated by beneficial microorganisms. Too much acid buildup, which can damage enamel and cause tooth decay, is avoided with a pH balance (neutral to slightly alkaline).

Supports Immune system

The immune system and a balanced oral microbiome work together to control inflammation. Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) is caused by chronic inflammation brought on by an unbalanced microbiota and is associated with systemic health issues like diabetes and heart disease.

Aids Digestion

The process of digestion begins in the mouth with the help of saliva and bacteria in the oral microbiome. A disbalance of the oral microbiome has an impact on your digestion as well as nutrient absorption.

Promotes Fresh Breath

Popping minty-flavoured gums unable to resolve your recurrent bad breath(Halitosis) problem?  An overgrowth of odour-causing bad bacteria could be the culprit. Maintaining a healthy balanced oral microbiome can help you keep fresh breath naturally.

Oral Microbiome Dysbiosis

Dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis could be indicators of a disbalance of the human oral microbiome. The negative impact of your oral microbiome dysbiosis is not limited to just dental health issues but also has an impact on your systemic health diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders etc.

Oral Microbiome & Dental Health

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

We all know that bad breath is a sign of poor oral hygiene, but did you know it is the bacteria that grow in such environments that are responsible for this unpleasant smell? Some bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis, emit volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) leading to bad breadth also termed as Halitosis. Furthermore, indulgence in processed foods and high-sugar foods contributes to bad breath by creating a conducive environment for these bacteria to grow and proliferate. You can get rid of these bacteria and maintain a good oral microbiome by following good oral hygiene practices such as brushing, flossing, oil pulling, and sufficient hydration along with consumption of probiotic-rich foods.

Gum Disease(Periodontitis)

Periodontitis is a gum infection that causes receding gums, gum inflammation, and even tooth loss in severe cases. This usually happens due to a buildup of harmful bacteria in the gum line. When left untreated, it can give rise to many systemic health disorders like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, etc. Such gum diseases can be prevented if the oral microbiome balance is well maintained.

Cavities(Dental Caries)

There’s a reason why eating too many sugary foods causes dental caries. Having a sweet tooth benefits certain sugar-eating bacteria like Streptococcus, lactobacillus etc. These bacterias strive on the high-sugar foods that you consume and release certain acids as a byproduct. These acids are harmful to the tooth enamel as they cause demineralization of the enamel, plaque build-up and dental cavities. Cavities are further promoted by dysbiosis in the oral microbiome, poor oral hygiene and low saliva production.

Oral Microbiome & Systemic Health

Recent clinical studies suggest the connection between dysbiosis, or abnormalities in the oral microbiome, and long-term illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory infections, and even neurological diseases.

Cardiovascular Health

Studies have indicated a strong connection between oral microbiome dysbiosis and cardiovascular health. Chronic inflammation of the gums leads to increased risk of stroke and heart disease by promoting atherosclerosis. Plaques when observed under microscope were found to contain oral microbiome, confirming the link between oral microbiome and heart diseases.

Diabetes

An unbalanced oral microbiome may worsen blood sugar control in diabetics. Inflammation from periodontitis lowers insulin sensitivity, which makes diabetes more difficult to control. On the other hand, gum disease is made even worse by poorly managed diabetes, resulting in a vicious cycle. According to clinical data, patients with diabetes may have better glycemic control if their periodontal infections are treated.

Respiratory Health

The oral microbiome has easy access to the upper respiratory tract. One of the primary sources of lung infections is airborne and oral microbiome. Respiratory problems such as pneumonia, COPD, Cystic fibrosis etc have been shown to have a strong connection with the human oral microbiome. People with compromised immune systems and senior citizens are at a higher risk of contracting infections from bacteria of the oral microbiome.

How to Support Oral Microbiome?

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Basic oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning etc. can help in maintaining a good oral microbiome. While the use of mouthwash can further aid in maintaining dental hygiene, excessive use of them can also destroy the beneficial bacteria in the oral cavity. Ayurvedic practice such as oil pulling on the other hand is a much better alternative, which involves swishing coconut, sesame or a combination of oils in the mouth for 10–20 minutes. According to studies, oil pulling supports dental health without upsetting good bacteria by lowering plaque, gingivitis, and dangerous bacteria like Streptococcus mutans.

Eat a well-balanced diet

While high sugar and processed foods encourage the growth of bad bacteria in the oral cavity, there are certain foods that can help you balance the oral microbiome. Foods particularly rich in fiber aid in the production of saliva which is responsible for acid neutralization in the oral cavity. Certain foods such as cocoa, berries and green tea have antioxidants like polyphenols which exhibit antibacterial properties that prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria.

Avoid Tobacco Use

Smoking has many side effects, including the disruption of the oral microbiome, which can lead to various dental and gum health issues. Smoking encourages the growth of bad bacteria by reducing salivary production and causing oral microbiome dysbiosis. Furthermore tobacco has a tendency to weaken the immune system which further makes it difficult for healing of the damaged oral tissues. Avoiding tobacco is one of the best aid you can provide to  your body for restoring the oral microbiome.

Stay Physically active

Exercise also helps in maintaining good oral health. Exercise promotes blood circulation to various body parts including your oral cavity. It is through this healthy circulation that your oral cavities receive the right nutrition that strengthens your immune system for retaining good bacteria and eliminating the bad bacteria thereby maintaining a good oral microbiome balance. Along with nutrients exercise also helps in delivering oxygen which promotes healing of damaged oral tissues.

Final Chew Over

Your oral microbiome plays a vital role in not just maintaining good dental health but overall systemic health. By practising good oral hygiene, staying physically active, abstaining from smoking and eating a well-balanced diet a good oral microbiome balance can be attained effortlessly for long-term health benefits.