gum disease Archives - Amazing Health Advances

These 3 Unexpected Dangers of Gum Disease (Will Make You Want to Go Brush Your Teeth)

The AHA! Team — Mon, 19 May 2025 05:34:15 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all adults have at least some degree of gum disease. Also called periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by the build-up of a sticky substance called plaque on the teeth. Simply put, plaque is ground zero for bacteria – which can irritate and inflame your gums. You may have heard a rumor that having bad teeth and gums is associated with heart disease. Unfortunately, that’s not even the whole picture. It turns out that poor oral health is also linked with many other life-altering (and sometimes life-threatening) conditions. Having gum disease is more dangerous than most people think Gum disease is a frustrating and painful enough condition on its own. Common signs and symptoms include bloody, red, painful, and swollen gums, bad breath, tooth sensitivity, and pain with chewing. But research shows that gum disease has also been associated with erectile dysfunction, respiratory problems, and the following serious health concerns: Heart disease A major theory explaining why poor oral health is correlated with heart disease – the number one killer in the United States – is that inflammation in damaged and infected gums can set off a cascade of inflammation throughout the body, including the cardiovascular system. Another theory is that bacteria from the mouth can leech into the bloodstream via infected teeth and gums, leading to infections within the heart. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Oral Microbiology found that P. gingivalis, a type of bacteria commonly found in the mouth, is the most common bacteria in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle! Cancer The link between inflammation and chronic health disease is too strong to ignore. Gum disease, which is associated with inflammation, offers another plausible explanation for why research shows poor oral health is associated with a significantly increased cancer risk. Another possible explanation supported by science is that bacteria in the mouth can produce enzymes that promote tumor and cancer cell growth. Cognitive impairment Studies have shown that the more teeth you lose, the greater your risk for cognitive decline as you age. Research has also shown that bacteria commonly found in the mouth can also be found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting a possible correlation between poor oral health and this life-threatening neurodegenerative disorder. A few quick tips for improving oral health – and overall health and longevity Take care of your teeth – you’ll regret it if you don’t! Keep your dentist’s advice in mind by practicing these good oral health habits: Brush your teeth at least twice daily, ideally after each meal. Brush your teeth for at least two minutes using gentle motions – away from the gum tissue. Floss daily. Get your teeth checked at least once (or more) per year – depending on your health status. Avoid consuming foods and beverages with a lot of sugar – bacteria love sugar as much as humans do. Use a Hydro Floss® Oral Irrigator, on a regular basis. Editor’s note: To learn more about the dangers of poor oral health and (more importantly) how to protect your health, own the Holistic Oral Health Summit created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov MedicalNewsToday.com CDC.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov Wiley.com To read the original article click here.

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Poor Oral Health Affects the Heart in Multiple Ways

The AHA! Team — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:21:40 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Did you know that nearly half of all people over 30 have some degree of gum disease? In fact, even the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) admits, many Americans either already have poor oral health or are well on their way to developing it. This may come as a surprise, but bad teeth and foul breath aren’t the only problems gum disease causes. A September meta-analysis and systematic review published in Cardiovascular Research found that having periodontitis – an advanced form of gum disease – increases your chances of having hypertension, a major heart attack risk factor. Furthermore, a November 2023 review in Periodontology 2000 examined the role of periodontitis as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need to address this overlooked connection to reduce cardiovascular health risks. 3 shocking ways poor oral health affects heart health The scientific and medical communities overwhelmingly agree that poor oral health can damage your heart and increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. But how? In the Cardiovascular Research paper, researchers analyzed 81 studies of the link between gum disease and hypertension (high blood pressure). Based on this large collection of data, they found that moderate to severe gum disease increased a person’s risk of hypertension by 22%. Severe gum disease increases a person’s risk by as much as 49%! In other words, poor oral health can significantly increase your risk for hypertension, which we know is a major stroke and heart attack risk factor. Investigators believe the increased inflammation caused by gum disease and oral bacteria are major phenomena behind this link. Their findings have major implications. They note that even just a modest rise in blood pressure (say, +5 mmHg) may increase a person’s risk of death from heart attack or stroke by as much as 25%! And as if this isn’t heartbreaking enough, poor oral health can also increase a person’s risk for diabetes, cancer, and (in pregnant women) low birth weight and premature delivery. Now for the good news: Proper oral healthcare can improve your lifespan A cohort study published in the Journal of Aging Research found that brushing teeth every night, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly were associated with increased longevity in older adults. Even though this study has some flaws, the findings make sense: keeping your teeth and gums healthy can reduce your risk of the many health problems associated with poor health, thus increasing your life expectancy. Plus, it’s reasonable to say that a person committed enough to practicing healthy teeth habits daily is also likely to practice other healthy habits, like exercising, avoiding sugary drinks and foods, and not smoking. What’s the takeaway? Be the kind of person who brushes and flosses daily – it could save your life! Understand the top warning signs of gum disease You might assume that if you have gum disease, you’d know it. True, most of the signs and symptoms of gum disease are fairly noticeable, but some – like a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite down or persistent bad breath – are easy to miss. Here are the other top warning signs to look out for: Gums that bleed while brushing, eating hard foods, and flossing Red, tender, and swollen gums Gums that recede from the teeth, which makes the teeth look longer Pain, tenderness, or sores in your mouth Loose teeth Even if you think your teeth and gums are perfectly healthy, you should still visit a qualified, biological (or holistic) dentist at least once or twice yearly. Naturally, if you have serious oral health issues, you may need to see a dentist more often for checkups. At home, oil pulling, sea salt rinses, hydrofloss, and herbal mouthwashes can also be helpful. Editor’s note: Discover the best ways to avoid the threats posed by poor oral health, own the Holistic Oral Health Summit created by NaturalHealth365 Programs. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Medicalnewstoday.com Medicalnewstoday.com Academic.oup.com Perio.org NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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What Is the Best Food for Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease?

AHA Publisher — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 03:16:57 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – What would happen if you stopped brushing your teeth but ate more healthfully? Experimentally, when study participants stop brushing their teeth, plaque starts to build up and, within a few days, their gums start to get inflamed. Though nothing may be visible just yet, if you take a biopsy at the gum line, you can see the inflammation beginning to spread. Within a few weeks, overt gingivitis becomes apparent with gums that can get red and swollen and bleed easily. If you don’t do anything about it, you can develop periodontal disease, where the inflammation creeps down into the supporting structures of the tooth—the bone and ligaments—setting you up for tooth loss. How did we get along for millions of years without brushing our teeth? “Dental disease is almost universal” these days, but skulls from thousands of years before the invention of the toothbrush have perfect teeth. Admittedly, that was also thousands of years before the invention of candy bars. Does food play a role? You don’t know…until you put it to the test, as I discuss in my video Best Food for Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis. How do you get people to stop brushing their teeth and also stop eating processed junk? Researchers designed a study where participants were forced to live under Stone Age conditions without “toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, toothpicks, or other oral hygiene products” for a month, and “security guards ensured that all subjects maintained the appropriate lifestyle for Stone Age humans.” They could use a twig or other natural material to try to clean their teeth, but were pretty much on their own. (The participants didn’t get any candy bars either.) The researchers were attempting to replicate the diet from about 4000 BCE, so the subjects got a lot of whole grains with supplemental “salt, herbs, honey, milk, and meat from domestic animals (goats and hens),” and were allowed to pick berries or see what they could catch. What happened? With no oral hygiene, their plaque built up, as you can see in the graph below and at 1:53 in my video, but their gums got healthier, as measured by bleeding on probing. (Gums bleeding when poked with a dental tool is a measure of gingivitis.) In almost every case, the participants’ gum health improved. How is it possible that their gums were actually healthier despite buildup of plaque? Many of the more disease-causing bacteria seemed to have disappeared from their mouths. The researchers suggested this could be from the lack of refined sugars, but the participants were eating honey, so they weren’t on a sugar-free diet. They were, however, eating a lot of whole grains and berries rich in antioxidant phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory properties. So, maybe it was restricted sugar intake combined with the intake of really healthy foods. Thus, all of those experimental studies where people stop brushing their teeth and their gums inevitably get inflamed “may only be applicable if the subjects maintain a Western diet rich in sugar and low in anti-inflammatory foods,” such as whole plant foods. What about the role of nutrition in periodontal health? Gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth, which, if left untreated, can lead to the progressive loss of the bone that holds our teeth in place. Part of the development of periodontal disease may involve oxidative stress, so not only do we need to reduce our intake of pro-inflammatory foods, such as refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, but it may also help if we seek out foods that are antioxidant-rich. Is there an association between periodontitis and dietary vitamin C intake? Apparently so, as you can see in the graph below and at 3:34 in my video. Increased risk of periodontitis has been associated with lower levels of vitamin C intake. What effect might vitamin C depletion and supplementation have on periodontal health? Researchers provided controlled amounts of vitamin C to study participants for three months and found that measures of gum inflammation were directly related to the subjects’ vitamin C status. On about one orange’s worth of vitamin C a day, their gums improved; down around only 5 mg a day, though, their gums got worse. On ten oranges’ worth of vitamin C a day, they got better and then worse once again when the vitamin C level dropped down to five oranges’ worth, as you can see in the graph below and at 4:01 in my video. The study was pretty convincing, though 5 mg a day is down at scurvy level. We know our gums start bleeding and our teeth can fall out if we have scurvy, but that doesn’t mean taking extra vitamin C helps. Indeed, 1,500 mg of vitamin C a day did not seem to help prevent gingivitis and even 2,000 mg a day failed to help periodontitis sufferers. Is it possible that vitamin C is just too weak an antioxidant? What about lycopene, the powerful antioxidant pigment that makes tomatoes red? Lycopene worked! But that was from injecting it directly into the gum pocket with a syringe. Does it still work if you simply eat it? A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial investigated the efficacy of lycopene in the treatment of gingivitis. After two weeks of standard dental treatment with either a single daily tomato’s worth of lycopene or placebo, the placebo group had a 10 to 20 percent reduction in gingivitis, but the lycopene group had a nearly 30 percent improvement within just one week. How much lycopene? The amount found in just one and a half teaspoons of tomato paste a day. So, tomatoes may help with gingivitis, but what about periodontitis? Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial again treated subjects with a typical dental cleaning plus either one daily tomato’s worth of lycopene or a placebo for two months. Researchers found significant improvements in the lycopene group in plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding, though not probe pocket depth and clinical attachment. You can see the difference in how much better their gums looked as you can see below and at 5:59 in my video. The researchers concluded that “supplementation with lycopene seems to have augmented the healing sequence of inflamed gingival tissues,” but that was with a whole tomato’s worth a day. How about half a tomato’s worth or just three quarters of a teaspoon of tomato paste’s worth of lycopene a day? Neither worked. There was no difference. It looks like you have to go the whole tomato. It should come as no surprise that healthy foods can benefit all parts of the body, but I still love to see the data! I talk more about the red pigment in tomatoes in Lycopene Supplements vs. Prostate Cancer and Tomato Sauce vs. Prostate Cancer. Key Takeaways Although dental disease is nearly universal today, skulls from thousands of years before the toothbrush was invented have perfect teeth Researchers had study participants live under Stone Age conditions for a month without any oral hygiene products, though they could use twigs or other natural materials to clean their teeth. Dietarily, they were given whole grains with “salt, herbs, honey, milk, and meat from domestic animals (goats and hens),” and could pick berries or see what they could catch, in an attempt to replicate the diet from about 4000 BCE. Without oral hygiene, the subjects’ plaque built up, but their gums got healthier. Much of the disease-causing bacteria seemed to have disappeared from their mouths, thought perhaps because they were not consuming refined sugars and were consuming a lot of antioxidant- and anti-inflammatory-rich whole grain and berries. Development of periodontal disease may involve oxidative stress, so we should reduce consumption of pro-inflammatory foods like refined carbs and saturated fats, while also increasing intake of antioxidant-rich foods. Increased risk of periodontitis has been linked to lower levels of vitamin C intake, but 1,500 daily mg of vitamin C did not seem to help prevent gingivitis and 2,000 daily mg didn’t help periodontitis sufferers. Lycopene, the antioxidant pigment that makes tomatoes red, did work, however. Researchers found that one daily tomato’s worth of lycopene may help with gingivitis, plaque, and bleeding, but not probe pocket depth and clinical attachment. To read the original article click here.

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BRAND NEW STUDY Finds People With Gum Disease Are at Increased Risk of Mental Illness

AHA Publisher — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 08:00:17 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Could your mouth hold the clue to your future mental health? New research from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom highlights an important connection between gum disease and the risk of mental illness, heart health problems, and more. People With Gum Disease Have a Nearly 40% Increased Risk of Mental Illness Compared to People With Good Dental Health The team of UK researchers recently published the results of their study, which set out to “identify the association between periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) and chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cardiometabolic disease, autoimmune disease, and mental ill-health.” The study, “Burden of chronic diseases associated with periodontal diseases: a retrospective cohort study using UK primary care data,” was published on December 20, 2021, in BMJ Open. After poring over medical records 64,379 patients with either gingivitis (mild gum disease) or periodontitis (advanced gum disease involving infection and inflammation of the gums as well as tooth-supporting bones of the jaw), and comparing these patients to a cohort of 251,161 people without documented diagnoses of gum disease, the researchers discovered the following associations: People with gum disease were 37% more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition like depression or anxiety over an average of three years compared to people without gum disease The risk of autoimmune disease for people with gum disease was elevated by 33% The risk of developing cardiovascular disease increased by 18% The risk of type 2 diabetes increased by 26% Several possible explanations drive this link between poor oral health and chronic disease. For instance, regarding heart disease, the researchers suggest that patients with periodontitis have “elevated circulating levels of pro-inflammatory mediators implicated in atherosclerosis,” as well as transient bacteremia (bacterial infection in the blood) that could be harmful. Similar mechanisms could explain the harmful link between gum disease and other conditions. It could also be that people who don’t take good care of their oral health are less likely to maintain other healthy lifestyle habits that could otherwise prevent things like heart failure and diabetes. Are You at Risk of Advanced Gum Disease? Here Are Six Early Warning Signs to Look Out For Healthy gums and teeth are important for more than just making sure your smile looks good, and your breath doesn’t smell. With the release of this UK study, we now have even more data linking advanced gum disease to future chronic ailments like stroke, dementia, and depression. Keep in mind, before developing full-on periodontitis, your gums will become inflamed and irritated due to the milder form of gum disease known as gingivitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, the warning signs and symptoms of gingivitis – which can be reversed with proper oral care and consistent dental hygiene – include the following: Swollen or puffy gums Red or dark red gums Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing Bad breath Receding gums (your teeth may start to appear longer) Tender gums Daily flossing and brushing, a healthy diet, and routine cleanings and examinations with a dentist can help you treat and get rid of gingivitis symptoms and hopefully avoid the more advanced stages of gum disease. Once advanced gum disease does develop – the point at which the soft tissue and bones supporting your teeth become infected – additional signs and symptoms will develop, including: Pus between the teeth and gums Loose teeth or lost teeth Painful chewing New spaces developing between your teeth A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite At this stage, the focus of care switches from prevention to managing symptoms and slowing disease progression, and managing and avoiding other associated health conditions. Just know, it is never too late to start improving your oral health habits – and instilling healthy oral habits in your loved ones, too. The effort is well worth it! Editor’s note: Did you know that 80% of disease symptoms are caused by problems in the mouth? Find out how to reverse gum disease plus much more inside the Holistic Oral Health Summit. Click Here to Get Instant Access Today Sources for this article include: Sciencedaily.com BMJ.com MayoClinic.org MayoClinic.org To read the original article click here.

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BREAKING Research: Gum Disease Linked to Heart Problems and Other Serious Health Conditions

AHA Publisher — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 08:00:16 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – It’s well-known that people with poor dental health are more likely to suffer from heart disease and other chronic health conditions. This could be because people who don’t take care of their teeth are less likely to practice other good health habits, like exercising, eating healthy food, and not smoking. But, doctors also point to an apparent link between inflammation and gingivitis (an early form of gum disease) as a possible explanation. Until recently, the specific mechanism underlying the link between inflammation, gum disease, and overall health hasn’t been fully clear. But a new study published in the Journal of Dental Research offers some interesting insights. Gum disease triggers UNWANTED immune system response, new study reveals A team of researchers from the University of Toronto recently discovered that inflammation in the mouth associated with gum disease activates the body’s immune system in a way that makes someone more vulnerable to future health problems. In their study, the researchers discovered that in vivo models with periodontal disease had higher levels of neutrophils in their bodies. Neutrophils are part of the innate immune system and help fight off bacteria. Unfortunately, this excess of neutrophils appears to “prime” the immune system to attack, causing an excessive response to other infections and injury elsewhere in the body. The result is that other tissues and organs (including the heart, blood vessels, and brain) may be accidentally destroyed by an over-the-top immune response. In an interview with the University of Toronto, the study’s lead author Michael Glogauer explains, “The [neutrophils] are much more likely to release [immune substances] much more quickly, leading to negative outcomes.” While this study used animal data, it is also supported by earlier research involving human subjects, including a 2011 study published in the Journal of Periodontology which found evidence of hyperactive neutrophils in blood samples of patients diagnosed with gum disease. In other words: Allowing your gums to become inflamed and infected with bacteria can make your immune system overactive, which may cause it to damage other parts of your body. Who knew your mouth had that much power? Do you know how your oral health is? Remember these seven key warning signs… You should know that gum disease can be treated (successfully) and the threat eliminated. With appropriate lifestyle habits like regular flossing and brushing; use of a hydrofloss along with essential oils; and the avoidance of sugar-sweetened foods and beverages – you can stop the damage. Hopefully, by remaining aware of the consequences of gum disease, you’ll be inspired to keep up your good dental habits. To get you motivated, just consider these seven key warning signs and complications of gum disease: Bad breath that won’t go away Red, tender, and/or swollen gums Gums that bleed, especially when you floss or brush Pain with chewing Loose teeth Sensitive teeth Receding gums (your teeth may start to look longer) And don’t forget – allowing your dental health to deteriorate may increase your risk of hypertension, heart disease, and other health conditions. So, are you willing to deal with the pain, embarrassment, and cost of gum disease? Keep in mind, dentures can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000, and dental procedures like tooth extractions and flap surgery can be painful on the mouth and the wallet. If you don’t want trouble – and why would you be? – simply commit to the small investment in time, money, and energy needed for good oral hygiene. Your future self will thank you. And, of course, see an experienced biological dentist for serious health issues in the mouth. To search for a good dentist in your area, consider visiting: IAOMT.com Sources for this article include: Eurekalert.org, UToronto.ca, Journals.sagepub.com, NIH.gov, NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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What Is the Oral Microbiome? How to Balance It to Improve Overall Health

AHA Publisher — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 07:00:25 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – The mouth (aka the oral cavity) is considered to be a major gateway to the rest of the body. Oftentimes, what’s happening in the oral microbiome is representative of what’s happening elsewhere in the body. It’s believed there are between 300 and 700 different microbial species living in the average human’s mouth. According to an article published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, the oral microbiome is the second largest microbial community in humans second to the gut, which is often simply called “the microbiome.” Microbes populating the mouth play an important role in functions such as digestion, metabolism, blood pressure regulation and maintenance of the structure of the teeth. How can you take care of the community of organisms living in your mouth? As you’ll learn below, practicing the right type of oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet and consuming probiotics are some of the best strategies. What Is the Oral Microbiome? What exactly is a “human oral microbiome”? The oral microbiome refers tothe hundreds of billions of microorganisms that live inside of the oral cavity (the mouth). Most of these microorganisms are bacteria, both the “good” types and the “bad,” while some are yeast, viruses and fungi. Examples of microbes that live in the oral cavity include Streptococcus and Corynebacteria species. As defined by the Human Microbiome Project, the oral cavity has nine sitesspanning the inside of the mouth: tongue palate tonsils sub- and supra-gingival plaque on teeth keratinized gingiva buccal mucosa throat saliva Together these microbes form an “ecosystem” that operates similarly to the human gut. Each part of the mouth has a unique surface and therefore tends to contain its own array of microbes. For example, the tongue contains a different community from what’s on the gums or teeth, due to how their surfaces sustain the life of different microbes. Dental plaque and the surface of the tongue are especially dense with microbes. They are considered to be “among the densest microbial habitats on Earth.” How It Relates to Health Microbiomes (communities of tiny organisms) actually exist everywhere in nature, and they play an important role in dictating human health and sustaining various ecosystems. The Human Oral Microbiome Database catalogs the genomes of hundreds of bacterial species found in the human mouth. Within one’s mouth there are some bacteria that contribute to overall health, such as by facilitating digestion, and others that can contribute to problems such as gum disease, infections and potentially even cancer. Some of the positive roles that microorganisms living in the oral microbiome have include: Carrying out digestive and metabolic processes, which support a normal metabolism — for example, some bacteria participate in nitrate metabolism, which helps support healthy blood pressure Facilitating the process of breaking down foods via saliva and turning nutrients from food into energy Transporting ionic minerals from saliva around the mouth Supporting remineralization of the teeth Carrying oxygen to the gums and soft tissues Fighting infections by protecting us from harmful environmental organisms Preventing oxidative stress and inflammation Removing waste products from the mouth’s surface Signs of Issues Certain bacteria, viruses and fungi that populate the oral cavity are linked to health concerns that affect various parts of the body, including some you wouldn’t expect, such as the heart disease and reproductive issues. That’s because some bacteria are capable of making their way from the mouth into other parts of the body, including the blood vessels and gut. How do you know if you’re experiencing an imbalance in microbes living in your mouth (also called dysbiosis)? Signs and conditions linked to an unbalanced/unhealthy oral microbiome can include: Increased plaque on the teeth that is thick, sticky, smelly and off-white (it can form a film on your teeth in the morning) Bad breath Bleeding gums and receding gums Sensitive teeth Mouth ulcers Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a fungal condition in which candida fungus (usually C. albicans) overgrows Gum disease (periodontitis) Cavities and tooth decay (caries) Endodontic infections (root canal) and alveolar osteitis (dry socket) Tonsillitis Respiratory infections Heart disease and stroke Certain types of cancer How do cavities relate to your microbiome? Many people are under the impression that certain harmful bacteria cause cavities, but it’s now understood that the causes of tooth decay, cavities and gum disease, such as gingivitis, are actually related to imbalances in the oral microbiome, rather than the presence of bacteria itself. In other words, certain “pathogenic” bacteria won’t cause problems for someone who has an overall healthy microbiome — however they can trigger disease in others who lack enough healthy bacteria to counteract the pathogens’ effects. Experts now believe that when the microbiome shifts from being composed of mostly aerobic bacteria to more anaerobic bacteria (such as Streptococcus mutans and Porphymonas gingervali), this creates a hypertrophic biofilm inside the mouth, which makes tooth erosion and gum disease more likely to develop. Why is there a connection between the oral microbiome and cancer? Oral cancer is thought to develop in part due to the effects of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Some studies suggest that a common type of mouth bacterium known as Fusobacterium nucleatum may also be involved in the development of colon cancer. This type of bacteria seems capable of penetrating the cheeks and invading the immune system, most of which is located in the gastrointestinal tract. By contributing to inflammation and free radical damage, bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum may play a role in the development of cancer. How to Balance Oral Microbiome Maintaining homeostasis in the oral microbiome can help prevent some types of bacteria and microbes from “behaving badly” and contributing to disease. Wondering, “How can I improve my oral microbiome?” Here are steps you can take to help improve the health of your second largest microbiome: 1. Practice Smart Oral Hygiene While cleaning the inside of the mouth too much can actually contribute to problems, proper “interdental cleansing”— which includes flossing, brushing with natural toothpaste and sometimes the use of picks — is thought to help support balance within the oral environment. Certain harsh products used in the mouth, such as some toothpastes and mouthwashes, can eliminate beneficial bacteria in the mouth, contributing to dysfunction of the microbiome. Experts recommend avoiding products such as detergent-based toothpastes and alcohol-containing/antiseptic mouthwashes, including those that are made with these questionable ingredients: Sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) Sodium fluoride Triclosan Artificial sweeteners (such as sodium saccharin, aspartame, xylitol and erythritol) Artificial color dyes (often made from coal tar) Propylene glycol Diethanolamine (DEA) Microbeads (tiny solid plastic particles) 2. Consume Probiotics Probiotic supplements and foods can help populate the mouth with friendly bacteria, much in the same way as how they support gut health. They work by creating a protective biofilm that supports the health of teeth and gums and reduce inflammation, while blocking bad bacteria from reaching enamel or vulnerable tissues. They may also help alter the pH of the mouth to stop cavity growth and improve saliva quality to support remineralization of enamel. What is the best oral probiotic to take? Dentists believe that oral microbiome probiotics are most effective when delivered directly to the mouth in lozenge, milk or chewable form. Oral microbiome probiotic strains considered most beneficial to oral health (which should be taken for at least two to three months) include: Lactobacillus salivarius L. reuteri Streptococcus salivarius K12 and M18 L. sakei L. brevis L. acidophilus L. rhamnosus L. reuteri L. casei Bifidobacillus S. thermophilus The main differences between gut probiotics and oral probiotics comes down to the specific types of organisms included in each, although there is some overlap. While gut probiotics are usually taken in tablet/capsule form, oral probiotics can be taken as drinks, mouth washes, lozenges and chewable tablets. Ideally, look for an oral probiotic supplement with a high strain count (CFUs), such as at least 3 billion CFUs. Try taking it in the morning prior to eating. 3. Eat a Nutrient-Dense Diet Our diets are a major way in which we take in microorganisms from our environments. For instance, eating plant foods like veggies and fruits provides us with not only nutrients, but also some dirt, water and bacteria. Some foods help beneficial bacteria thrive, while others promote the growth of pathogens and unfriendly bacteria. Foods to emphasize in your diet are those that are alkalizing, anti-inflammatory and high-antioxidant foods. The following foods should be eaten regularly in order to support oral health: Green leafy vegetables Berries, citrus fruits and other fruits Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, kale, cauliflower, etc., plus all over fresh veggies Organically raised meat, poultry and eggs Wild-caught fish Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds Algae and seaweed Probiotic, fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and dill pickles Prebiotic foods including onions, leeks, dandelion greens, garlic, artichokes, chicory root, asparagus, jicama, apples and flaxseeds Plenty of water, herbal teas and green/black tea, and coffee in moderation You want to avoid consuming too much sugar and refined carbohydrates, especially from sugary beverages and highly processed foods. Certain types of bacteria thrive on a high-sugar diet and then contribute to tooth- and gum-related diseases, such as erosion of enamel and tooth decay. A diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar can also cause a shift in the oral microbiome from slightly alkaline to a more acidic, which makes it more susceptible to infections and other issues. 4. Approach Oral Health Holistically It may not seem obvious that there’s an association between lack of exercise, chronic stress and poor oral health, however we know that a generally unhealthy lifestyle and lots of stress can lead to a decrease in saliva, which affects which types of microbes that populate the mouth. Changes in saliva impact how well microbes carry minerals like calcium and phosphorus from saliva to the teeth enamel and can also create a more acidic environment in the mouth that changes the overall ecosystem. Stress can trigger dry mouth, loss of appetite, TMJ, teeth grinding and other issues affecting the mouth and jaw. Managing stress and getting enough exercise are both important for keeping inflammation under control. Exercise and other mind-body practices, such as yoga and mediation, can help decrease the stress-induced, inflammatory flight-or-fight response that leads to a compromised immune system. Exercise is also beneficial for boosting circulation and detoxification via the lymphatic system, which helps keep the teeth, gums and tissues in the mouth in good shape. Conclusion The human oral microbiome refers to the community of tiny microbes that live in the human mouth, which includes the teeth, tongue, palate, inside cheeks, plaque, throat and gums. Experts believe that different parts of the mouth have different bacterial communities, and the way these communities interact with one another is very important for our overall health. To help maintain oral homeostasis, use gentle/natural cleansers in the mouth as well as floss, eat a healthy diet and avoid too much sugar, increase your intake of probiotics, and exercise and manage stress. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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