The Connection Between Oral Health and Gut Health

Discover How Your Oral Health and Gut Health Are Interconnected

There is a direct connection from your mouth to your gut. That sounds like a “no-brainer.” But, there is a clear pathway from oral health to gut health. Oral health is intricately linked to overall health and, in particular, gut health through the oral-gut axis, a two-way communication network where bacteria and other factors from the mouth can affect the gut, and vice versa. Overall, maintaining good oral health is vital for overall well-being and can positively influence gut health. And, conversely, a healthy gut microbiome can support a healthy mouth.

The team at Hamby Family Dental Center, your Fuquay-Varina dentists, is focused on helping you have good oral health, but we are aware that this has a bearing on your gut health as well. Our mission is to provide you with the service and education you need to promote good oral health. In this article, we discuss how oral health and gut health are directly connected.

Oral Health and Gut Health

Your oral health and gut health are interconnected through a complex relationship involving the oral microbiome, the gut microbiome, and various pathways of bacterial and metabolite transmission. The microbiome in one area can influence the other. A balanced oral microbiome helps maintain a healthy gut, while an imbalanced gut microbiome can increase the risk of oral health issues.

Poor oral health, in particular periodontitis, can negatively affect the gut microbiome. This can potentially lead to increased inflammation and the development or exacerbation of digestive disorders. Conversely, imbalances in the gut microbiome can also influence oral health.

The connection between oral and gut health is not one-directional. The gut microbiome can also influence oral health, and vice versa. For example, certain gut bacteria can trigger an immune response that can lead to bone loss in the mouth, similar to the bone loss seen in gum disease.

How Oral Health Impacts Gut Health

• Bacteria Moves: Bacteria from the mouth can travel through the bloodstream, saliva, and by swallowing to eventually reach the gut. If the bacteria in the mouth are harmful, they can lead to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, potentially causing digestive issues, inflammation, and other health problems.
• Inflammation: Periodontitis, a common oral infection, can cause systemic inflammation, impacting the gut and contributing to digestive issues.
• Gut Microbiome Imbalance: Oral bacteria can change the gut microbiome causing the gut bacteria to become imbalanced. This can, in turn, worsen conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

How Gut Health Impacts Oral Health

• Inflammation: Gut imbalances can contribute to systemic inflammation, potentially worsening conditions like periodontitis.
• Immune System Response: A healthy gut microbiome supports a robust immune system, which is critical for fighting off oral infections.
• Nutrient Absorption: A healthy gut is important for absorbing nutrients including those needed for strong, healthy teeth and gums like calcium and vitamin D. If gut health is compromised, it can lead to malabsorption of these nutrients, impacting oral health.

Cultivate a Healthy Oral Microbiome

In improving your oral health, and fostering a healthy oral microbiome, focus on these best practices in oral care:

• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Follow a balanced diet
• Reduce sugary foods and beverages
• Incorporate practices that support a diverse microbial ecosystem

Prioritize Oral Hygiene Best Practices:

• Brush twice daily and floss daily: Brush and floss to remove food debris and plaque and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Use a tongue scraper: A tongue scraper helps remove bacteria from your tongue, where bacteria can accumulate and contribute to bad breath and a less balanced microbiome.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste: Using fluoride toothpaste helps remineralize teeth and support a healthy oral microbiome.
• Visit your dentist regularly: Professional cleanings and exams on a regular schedule help remove plaque and tartar buildup, and can identify potential oral health issues.

Take Care of Your Oral Microbiome Through Diet

• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Limit sugar and acidic foods: Sugar promotes harmful bacteria and acidic foods can erode tooth enamel.
• Stay hydrated: Saliva production helps cleanse the mouth and supports a healthy microbiome.
• Consider probiotic foods: Yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and certain cheeses can contribute to a diverse and healthy oral microbiome.

Other Tips to Support a Diverse Microbial Ecosystem

• Consider Probiotics: Consider taking probiotic supplements or eating foods rich in probiotics. Some research has suggested that certain probiotic strains can help inhibit harmful bacteria and promote a more balanced oral microbiome.
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: These habits negatively impact oral health and can disrupt the balance of the oral microbiome.
• Manage Stress: Stress can reduce saliva production, which can lead to dry mouth and a less balanced microbiome.

Contact Hamby Family Dental Center for to Schedule your Dental Check-Up

Hamby Family Dental Center is committed to your overall oral health. We are aware of signs that your oral microbiome may be unbalanced and make suggestions for ways to improve it. Keeping up with your bi-annual dental exams is an important part of your oral health. We are accepting new patients. Call us today to schedule your routine check-up by either calling us a  919-552-2431 or completing the form below to request an appointment.