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Forget fad diets and trendy trackers, the true game changer for preventative healthcare lies within your mouth – in the teeming world of your oral microbiome.
Hidden beyond your teeth and tongue, billions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses create a bustling metropolis with a profound impact on your entire well-being. Your oral microbiome is the second largest and most diverse microbial community in your body after the gut microbiota.
Think of your oral microbiota as a city. When diverse microbes co-exist peacefully, harmony reigns. You enjoy good oral health, strong immunity, and a lower risk of chronic diseases. But just like any metropolis, imbalances can occur. When “bad” microbes gain the upper hand, chaos erupts – leading to gum disease, cavities, and even chronic conditions like inflammatory diseases, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
Gum disease isn’t just just a dental nuisance. It’s the first domino in a chain reaction of inflammation throughout your body. These pesky bacteria trigger immune responses meant to fight oral infection but, unfortunately, spill over, causing chronic inflammation far beyond your gums.
Picture gum disease as an overzealous alarm screaming about a small fire in your mouth. Still, the constant blaring spreads smoke and triggers an inflammatory response throughout your body, leading to a range of problems, from autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis to chronic bowel disease.
The link between your oral microbiome and heart health is no longer a whisper. Studies reveal a clear connection between oral infections and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Inflammatory markers from gum disease travel through your bloodstream, contributing to plaque buildup in arteries and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
A 2023 study found specific oral bacteria in atherosclerotic plaques, suggesting a direct microbial link between mouth and heart. Research by the American Heart Association shows consistent brushing and flossing are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
Alzheimer’s, the relentless thief of memories, holds secrets locked within its tangled neurons. But the oral microbiome’s whispers may be the key to unlocking some of its mysteries. An intriguing correlation emerged: individuals with gum disease face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Was this a coincidence, or was poor oral health playing a more sinister role?
Recent research sheds light on this murky connection, hinting at bacterial hitchhikers and inflammatory pathways. Studies suggest gum disease-causing microbes may infiltrate the brain, potentially triggering the amyloid plaques and tau tangles associated with Alzheimer’s.
In a 2019 breakthrough, scientists found a startling clue: Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacteria linked to gum disease, was discovered within the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s. More strikingly, its protein-degrading enzymes were present in their hippocampi, the brain’s memory centre. And mice with chronic gum disease developed inflammation, neural damage, and even beta-amyloid plaque buildups – a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. These findings suggest mouth bacteria might not be innocent bystanders but active players in Alzheimer’s development.
Your oral city holds tiny chemists churning out nitric oxide (NO), a superhero molecule easing blood flow and lowering pressure. Think leafy greens and beetroot fueling this silent army, keeping your heart happy by relaxing blood vessels. But nasty bugs can disrupt the magic, leading to high blood pressure. Nurturing your oral microbiome to increase the production of nitric oxide can help regulate systemic blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and working with your dentist to keep gum disease in check can silence the alarm, calm the inflammation, and potentially reduce your risk of these conditions. Routine dental care can prevent health problems before they even begin. We can actively shape our oral microbiome into a healthy haven, playing a significant role in preventative healthcare.
Brush Away the Bad Guys: Twice-daily brushing and flossing is like sending in the sanitation crew, removing harmful bacteria and food particles that fuel their growth.
Feed the Good Guys: Just like we choose nutritious foods for our gut, we can nourish our oral microbiome with probiotics found in yoghurt, kefir, and fermented foods. These “good” bacteria help crowd out the harmful ones, keeping the balance in check.
Ditch the Detriments: Smoking, alcohol, and excessive sugars disrupt the delicate equilibrium of your oral microbiome, increasing the risk of disease. Quitting these habits can be a significant step towards a healthier city within.
Visit Your Dentist: Regular dental checkups and gingivitis prevention are essential for early detection and treatment of any imbalances, and your dentist can recommend personalized strategies to optimize your oral health.
Bonus Tip: Did you know stress can negatively impact your oral microbiome? Practising mindfulness, yoga, or other stress-reduction techniques can help create a calmer, more balanced city within.
Mouthwash Caution: Don’t swap your toothbrush and regular visits to your dentist for a daily rinse! If gum disease throws a curveball, your dentist might prescribe a targeted antibacterial mouthwash to fight infection and reduce inflammation. Overusing antiseptic or antibacterial mouthwash can upset the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth.. Oil pulling is a great alternative to mouthwash.
So, next time you brush your teeth, remember – you’re not just taking care of your smile; you’re tending to a bustling metropolis within, paving the way for a healthier, happier you. Smile wide, live long, and embrace the power of your oral microbiome – the game changer for preventative healthcare that’s always been right under your nose.
Remember, a healthy smile is just the beginning! By nurturing your oral microbiome, you’re investing in your future self, accommodating one tiny helpful resident at a time.
Watch Dr. Burhenne unlock the secrets of oral microbes with Cass Nelson, author of Heal Your Oral Microbiome.