3 minute read
The oral microbiome
The oral cavity is the second most densely populated microbiome outside of the large intestine. Microbiome is a term used to describe the complex and diverse community of symbiotic, commensal, and pathogenic microorganisms comprising of bacteria, protozoa, viruses and fungi.
Some of the microorganisms that reside in the oral cavity are beneficial, while others are less desirable or detrimental. The oral cavity provides an ideal environment for microorganisms to flourish on hard and soft surfaces eg. teeth, tongue, cheeks, gingival sulcus, tonsils, hard palate and soft palate. Undesirable colonies form biofilms on the hard surfaces of teeth which can lead to dental plaque; while others like Candida species, the most prevalent fungi in the oral mucosa, may lead to over proliferation on the soft surfaces.
The composition and balance of microorganisms within these biofilms impact many aspects of oral health, including tooth enamel and the risk of cavity development.
High dietary intake of refined carbohydrates accelerates the production of unfavourable microbes that metabolise sugar into acidic byproducts within dental plaque. The plaque traps and concentrates acids on the exterior surfaces resulting in demineralisation of the tooth. Demineralisation is where essential minerals are drawn from the enamel, the hard protective outermost layer of teeth. In a stable environment, alkaline metabolites produced by beneficial microorganisms help to restore normal pH, protecting the composition of tooth enamel allowing remineralisation to occur. If excessive sugar or highly processed carbohydrate consumption continues, creating an undesirable balance and the plaque is not removed, demineralisation accelerates which leads to cavity formation in teeth.
Gum and dental health can be indicative of systemic health. Poor oral health can affect organs and tissues throughout the entire body including digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, immune, nervous, hormonal, musculoskeletal, reproductive, urinary along with the integumentary system, the skin.
Dental caries and periodontal disease are two of the most common oral disorders. Oral biofilms can be difficult for the immune system to eradicate which may lead to the development of chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease.
A qualified holistic healthcare practitioner who can identify and treat the cause along with the whole body, is invaluable in these instances.
Naturopathic recommendations may include:
• Healthy eating, high fibre diet, eliminating sugar and refined carbohydrates.
• Avoid smoking which has been linked to increased susceptibility to periodontal disease and tooth loss.
• Appropriate dental hygiene routine using a remineralisation toothpaste, flossing daily, avoiding harsh mouthwashes that bomb out not only the bad microbes but also the beneficial ones, alongside regular dental visits.
• Probiotic strains specific for oral health to support dental hygiene, gum health, reduce plaque build-up, prevent caries, improve immune health, reduce bad breath, tooth and gum sensitivity.
• Probiotics for dental health are commonly powders or lozenges, best taken last thing before bed, after your evening oral hygiene cleansing routine, ensuring the probiotic adequately coats oral surfaces.
Herbal and nutritional support:
• Vitamin c, zinc, bioflavonoids, calendula and gotu kola may help reduce inflammation and improve structural integrity along with accelerating healing time.
• CoQ10 may aid repair of gum tissue by decreasing permeability and inflammation.
• N-acetylcysteine aka NAC may inhibit biofilm formation.
• Increasing salivary secretions. Adequate hydration and saliva production has a protective effect on teeth along with preventing the oral mucosa from drying out. Support with conditions like mouth breathing, snoring, sleep apnoea, chronic blocked sinuses and dry mouth syndrome which encourage an over proliferation of undesirable oral microorganisms may also contribute to poor oral health.
There are many options for supporting the oral microbiome, alongside some remarkable practitioner supplements available in consultation with a qualified naturopath.
