Did you know...

• The mouth can host 700 types of bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoans.

• The average person has around 250 species from a pool of around 700 documented oral residents.

• The only part of the body that has more microbiota is the gut

• 53% of the microflora have not been formally identified

• Your mouth is the first line of defense against viruses and infections. 

What is the oral microbiome? 

Microbiome refers to the complex ecosystem that exists in our teeth, gums and mouth. It refers not just to bacteria, but also yeasts, fungi and viruses. It sounds alarming, but if managed well then this tiny microsystem works symbiotically with the body to promote both health and wellbeing. 

Oral microbiome bacteria develop from birth

The community of microorganisms begins to form pretty much from birth. It experiences surges in activity when a new tooth breaks through. Microparticles from food, drink and even in the air we breathe, find an ideal environment in the mouth to thrive and flourish.  

Oral microbiome in health and disease

The role of oral microbiome in health and disease prevention is an important one. Gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath can all be prevented by paying attention to oral care. 

The microbiome system in the mouth is one of the most complex and diverse in the whole of the body. The mouth acts as a gateway to the whole body. As such a healthy microbiome is the first line of defense against harmful bacteria in foods, air, water, and airborne disease. 

Oral microbiome and cancer

Studies as early as the 1950s showed a correlation between periodontitis and leukemia. However, more recent studies have shown a link to various other cancers that can be affected by oral microbiome. Whilst this does sound alarming, there is a positive aspect to this. Research into the link between oral microbiome and cancer is identifying bacteria, fungi and protozoans that actually help to fight cancers. 

How to improve your Oral Microbiome

Oral microbiome can be controlled by good oral health habits, balanced diet and self-care. Likewise, stress, some medication and genetics can sometimes work against maintaining a healthy oral microbiome. 

• Maintain good oral hygiene through brushing and flossing to remove plaque and harmful bacteria
• Avoid harsh alcohol based mouthwashes that can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria
• Rinse with a probiotic mouthwash
• Reduce sugar intake which feeds the harmful bacteria
• Avoid smoking and drinking
• Keep saliva flowing through chewing gum and staying hydrated
• Avoid mouth breathing that can dry out your mouth
• Eat a microbiome friendly diet with plenty of fibre rich foods

 Maintaining oral health and overall health and wellbeing is more than just maintaining a good oral hygiene. It's important to consider all of our lifestyle choices and environment when working to restore balance within our mouths. 

However, choosing oral care products that work in harmony with the beneficial bacteria is crucial for maintaining the right balance. 

Resources 

Gabriel Berg et al; Microbiome definition re-visited: old concepts and new challenges, June 2020, BMC 

Jesse R. Willis, Toni Gabaldon,The Human Oral Microbiome in Health and Disease: From Sequences to Ecosystems, (2020) MPDI

Muhammed Ifran et al,The Oral Microbiome and Cancer, 2020, Frontiers of Immunology, NIH National Library of Medicine

Tsute Chen et al, The Human Oral Microbiome Database: a web accessible resource for investigating oral microbe taxonomic and genomic information, (2010) NIH National Library of Medicine