The mouth is one of the most diverse places in the human body, home to more than 700 species of bacteria, fungi, viruses and some protozoa.
All of these together are known as the oral microbiome. Like the microbiome in the gut, the bacteria in the mouth play an important role in the health or illness of the human body.
Changes in the oral microbiome cause some very common diseases. For example, cavities and gum disease. A cavity is a small hole in the hard surface of a tooth, commonly known as a cavity. And, gum disease or gum disease is medically called periodontitis.
But now it appears that the oral microbiome is not the only cause of those common diseases of the teeth or mouth. It is also related to many other diseases of the body.
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1. Diseases of the respiratory system
Since the airways begin at the mouth and end at the lungs, it is perhaps not too surprising that an overgrowth of the oral microbiome would lead to microbes entering the lungs.
This can easily lead to pneumonia. It is usually more common in the elderly, with poor oral hygiene. Poor oral health leads to the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
In fact, studies have shown that regular oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings can reduce the risk of pneumonia by up to a third. It is also important to keep the braces and mouth guard clean.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory tract infections can occur if the mouth is not clean. All of this is related to changes in the oral microbiome.
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2. heart disease
One of the most common diseases caused by the oral microbiome is chronic periodontitis.
This disease is basically a gum infection. This causes gum inflammation and eventually destroys the gum tissue and bone. This is how the final loss of teeth occurs.
If the mouth is not clean, the bacteria build up in the space between the gums and the teeth.
A topic that has puzzled researchers for years. That is- gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) or the relationship of cardiovascular disease with gum disease.
For example, gum disease and heart disease, both of which are more common in smokers.
Many say that the bacteria that cause gum disease can travel to the heart and cause infection.
However, they have yet to present any credible evidence in favor of this claim.
Gum disease causes an inflammatory (pain, swelling, burning) condition in the gums. Inflammation is a normal response of the immune system to injury, infection or disease.
When inflammation occurs, the body produces immune cells and chemical signals that fight infection.
But when the gums become excessively inflamed, they can become harmful. Some researchers believe that gum disease inflammation can damage the cardiovascular system.
One study found that healing of gum disease reduced inflammation in the bloodstream and significantly improved arterial function.
Other studies have also shown that treating gum disease reduces overall inflammation in the body.
These studies demonstrate how a disease of the mouth can have a marked effect on the function of tissues in other parts of the body.
And, with all this in mind, it’s safe to say that many people live decades without treating gum disease. This has a long-term effect on their body.
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3. Colon and rectal cancer
Oral bacteria easily travel through the stomach to the intestines.
Normally, the microbes that live in our mouths cannot adapt to this new environment and eventually die.
But in 2014, two studies found that certain types of colon and rectal cancer had an increased presence of a species of bacteria called Fusobacterium. This type of bacteria usually resides in dental plaque (a hard coating of food particles that adheres to the teeth).
Two studies have also shown that it has a greater propensity for malignant cancer cells. Because the surface of cancer cells allows these bacteria to attach to and attack the tumor.
Multiple studies have now confirmed that this bacterium can cause tumors throughout the gastrointestinal tract (the GI tract for short).
Studies have also shown that patients with colon cancer do not respond well to chemotherapy due to an overabundance of Fusobacterium. And, people with colon cancer who don’t have this bacteria have a shorter life expectancy than those who don’t.
This may be because tumors infected with Fusobacterium are more aggressive. Not only this, tumors infected with these bacteria are also more likely to spread.
Research is ongoing into the relationship of this bacteria to colon cancer and whether a vaccine against the oral bacteria can be given to those at risk of colon cancer.
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4. Alzheimer’s disease
Among the diseases related to oral health, one of the most debated is Alzheimer’s disease.
Periodontitis caused by a bacterial infection of the teeth, called pyorrhea; It has been found to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
But since periodontitis and Alzheimer’s are both diseases associated with aging, it is difficult to determine whether there is a clear cause behind it.
In 2019, researchers presented evidence that P. gingivalis is higher in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. It is also one of the leading bacteria in gum disease.
Normally the brain is a sterile part of the body. Therefore, whether it can be caused by oral bacteria remains controversial. More research is needed on this.
It has been suggested that patients with unclean faces are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Just as inflammation caused by gum disease can also lead to heart disease.
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Good oral health
The good news is that we have the ability to manage the oral microbiome and prevent oral disease.
Oral hygiene is essential. These include brushing twice a day and flossing regularly to remove plaque. These will reduce the incidence of dental diseases.
And, if you smoke, quitting can greatly reduce your chances of developing gum disease.
In addition, it is also important that you visit a dentist or hygienist every six months for oral hygiene advice.
Doing these few things will not only make your smile beautiful, but it can also extend your life.