Summary: The oral microbiome is the second largest microbiome in the human body. It plays a critical role in maintaining good overall health. Therefore, it is important for all of us to maintain a healthy oral microbiome.
Have you ever stopped to consider why we brush our teeth and rinse with mouthwash? Of course, we want clean teeth and fresh breath. But there is so much more to oral hygiene than those two things. Consider the oral microbiome. It plays a particularly important role in supporting better overall health. If the oral microbiome is off, it could contribute to other health issues further down the line.
EcoFam is as concerned about oral health as we are about sustainable oral care. We firmly believe that one doesn't have to be sacrificed to achieve the other. All our products – from toothpaste and mouthwash tablets to compostable toothbrushes – are designed to encourage our customers to practice good oral hygiene while also contributing to sustainability. Used properly, they contribute to a healthy oral microbiome.
Oral Microbiome: The Basics
A microbiome is a community of diverse microbial organisms. We have several of them in our bodies. The biggest microbiome resides in the gut. In second place is the oral microbiome. This biome is made up of a selection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Before you get alarmed, not all of these organisms are bad. Many of them are both good and necessary.
The idea behind good health is to maintain a proper balance of the good microorganisms. When things are in balance, a microbiome has reached a state known as homeostasis. In homeostasis, all the bacteria and other microorganisms are working together in a cooperative effort to contribute to better overall health.
The First Line of Defense
Think of the oral microbiome as the first line of defense against foreign invaders. What goes into your mouth can ultimately make it to the rest of your body. So one role the oral microbiome plays is fighting off microorganisms you don't want in your body. There are three key things to consider:
- Colonization Resistance – In a healthy mouth, bacteria actually reside in the small spaces between teeth and gums. This bacteria acts as a defense mechanism against harmful pathogens that would otherwise find a home in those spaces and then proliferate.
- Immune Support – A healthy oral microbiome provides immune support by helping local immune cells distinguish between good and bad material. The immune cells can fight dangerous bacteria and other germs while leaving healthy food alone.
- Antimicrobial Support – Many of the good bacteria in the oral microbiome produce antimicrobial substances designed to kill off the bad bacteria, viruses, etc. In so doing, they inhibit gum disease.
Think of the oral microbiome as a filter of sorts. It catches and destroys unwanted microbes before they get past the mouth. So you already have the advantage over bad bacteria, viruses, and fungi by keeping your mouth in good health.
Digestion Begins in the Mouth
Moving on, consider this interesting fact: food digestion doesn't occur exclusively in the stomach. It actually begins in the mouth. As soon as food touches your tongue, the digestion process begins. A healthy oral microbiome contributes to that process significantly.
As food breaks down into its various components, it is more easily transmitted to the stomach, then the gut, and then to other parts of the body. Meanwhile, some of the ionic minerals formed in the saliva as you chew and swallow your food are transferred back to your teeth. This contributes to better remineralization, less plaque, and stronger enamel.
The saliva in your mouth combines with good bacteria to neutralize acids that would otherwise lead to tooth decay. In addition, some of the good bacteria in your mouth help eliminate free radicals and metabolic waste products. This keeps your teeth cleaner and your breath fresher.
If Things Get Out of Balance
It should be obvious how important a healthy oral microbiome is. But what could happen if things get off-balance? An unbalanced oral microbiome is known to be in a state of dysbiosis. If the condition is prolonged, the consequences often extend well beyond the mouth itself. An unbalanced oral microbiome can contribute to:
- Poor Gut Health – Approximately a third of the bacteria in your saliva ultimately ends up in your gut. So if your oral microbiome is out of balance, it could throw your gut microbiome out of balance as well.
- Heart Disease – Bad bacteria in your mouth has an easier time entering the bloodstream when the gums are inflamed. This can contribute to arterial plaque and, ultimately, heart disease.
- Diabetes – Poor oral health can make blood sugar harder to control. Likewise, high blood sugar can make gum disease worse. Maintaining homeostasis in the mouth is important to the goal of keeping diabetes under control.
Dentists are quick to point out the necessity of good oral health because what goes on in the mouth has such an enormous impact on the rest of the body. They know that good oral health goes way beyond clean teeth and fresh breath. It is about maintaining a healthy oral microbiome as well.
Practical Tips for Keeping Your Mouth Healthy
While all of this might seem scary, there is no need to worry. There are easy things all of us can do to maintain a healthy oral microbiome. Let us begin with the oral hygiene products we use. Here are three practical tips:
- Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash – Alcohol is indiscriminate in terms of the bacteria it kills. It will kill good bacteria as well as bad. Switch to an alcohol-free mouthwash. You might even consider EcoFam mouthwash concentrate or mouthwash tablets.
- Go With Hydroxyapatite – When choosing toothpaste or toothpaste tablets, select a product that relies on hydroxyapatite for remineralizing the teeth. Hydroxyapatite is a natural substance and one that helps promote a healthy oral microbiome.
- Avoid Harsh Toothpastes – Avoid harsh detergent-like toothpastes containing chemicals such as sodium laurel sulfate. Choose a gentler toothpaste made with natural ingredients.
You can enhance the benefits of these three tips by eating plenty of leafy greens, drinking liquids with polyphenols, and making sure your diet includes plenty of fiber. Remember that what goes in your mouth has a direct impact on the oral microbiome.
FAQs
Shouldn't I be trying to kill all the bacteria in my mouth?
No, there are both good and bad bacteria. The good bacteria in your mouth are not only good for your overall health but also necessary for your body to function properly.
How would I know if my oral microbiome is healthy?
Signs of a healthy oral microbiome include pink, firm gums, neutral or pleasant-smelling breath, smooth-feeling teeth, and a moist mouth with sufficient saliva production.
Should I make probiotics part of my routine?
Whether or not probiotic supplements are necessary is a matter for you and your doctor to decide. Oral probiotics can contribute to homeostasis when used properly.
Do EcoFam products contribute to a healthy oral microbiome?
Yes, all our oral hygiene products are made with natural ingredients. We do not use fluoride or any harsh chemicals. Likewise, there is no alcohol in our mouthwash. We use only natural ingredients known to be good for oral health.
