Today, the importance of the gut microbiome has become well known, but less attention is paid to another crucial ecosystem in our bodies—the oral microbiome. The mouth is home to over 700 different types of microorganisms, making it the second-largest microbial community within us. This intricate oral ecosystem does more than just impact oral hygiene; its health plays a central role in overall wellness.
Let’s explore the oral microbiome’s complexity and why maintaining a balanced microbial environment in the mouth is essential for whole-body health. You’ll have the tools to care for your oral microbiome in ways that support not only your mouth but your entire body.
Discovering the Oral Microbiome
Just like our gut, the mouth harbors its own unique microbial ecosystem, home to over 700 different types of microorganisms. Known as the second-largest microbial community in the human body, the oral microbiome plays a crucial role in both dental and overall health. Research has shown that an imbalance in this microbiome, called dysbiosis, can contribute to a wide range of health issues, from cavities to systemic diseases.
What Does a Healthy Oral Microbiome Look Like?
In a healthy state, the mouth's microbiota is mainly aerobic, needing oxygen to survive. These beneficial organisms form a thin, transparent biofilm on the teeth, which keeps gums pink and teeth smooth. However, when this balance is disrupted, the biofilm thickens and hardens into plaque, often leading to bad breath, cavities, gum disease, and other signs of an unhealthy oral microbiome.
In a healthy state, the mouth's microbiota is mainly aerobic, needing oxygen to survive. These beneficial organisms form a thin, transparent biofilm on the teeth, which keeps gums pink and teeth smooth. However, when this balance is disrupted, the biofilm thickens and hardens into plaque, often leading to bad breath, cavities, gum disease, and other signs of an unhealthy oral microbiome.
Causes of Oral Microbiome Imbalance
The oral microbiome is sensitive to changes, and numerous factors can upset this delicate balance. Harmful oral products, sugary or refined carbohydrate-rich diets, and even stress can disturb the microbiome. Many common oral care products are designed to kill "bad" bacteria but often eliminate beneficial microbes, leading to an imbalanced oral microbiome. Sugars and processed foods create an acidic environment that further disrupts the microbiome. Stress can also affect oral health by decreasing saliva production, which is vital for balancing oral pH and keeping harmful bacteria in check.
Common Oral Health Conditions and Their Signs
Unfortunately, oral health problems are widespread, yet often preventable. Despite increased awareness, conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer remain common. These each have an impact on our overall health:
- Tooth Decay: Caused by enamel erosion from acid-producing bacteria, untreated tooth decay can lead to sensitivity, infection, and tooth loss.
- Gum Disease: Starting with gingivitis, untreated gum disease can progress to periodontitis, (affecting nearly half of adults over 30!)
- Oral Cancer: Oral cancer, found most often on the tongue, lips, or gums, can have serious consequences if not diagnosed early.
- Jaw Cavitations: Often near wisdom teeth, cavitations are small jawbone infections that, though hard to diagnose, can spread toxins affecting the entire body.
Oral Health and Its Links to Systemic Diseases
The mouth provides a unique glimpse into the body’s overall health, as many systemic conditions can show early signs in oral tissues. Studies suggest a strong correlation between oral health and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, lung infections, and mental health issues. Even chronic bad breath or gum bleeding can signal underlying health concerns, from diabetes to liver problems.
The Role of Inflammation in Oral and Cardiac Health
It has been proven that oral health contributes to various systemic health issues. For example, it's impact on cardiovascular wellness. Poor oral health, especially gum disease, is associated with increased risks of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and even heart attacks. Studies indicate that gum disease can lead to inflammation in arteries, triggering immune responses that affect heart function.
Modern Dentistry and Holistic Approaches
Modern dentistry has advanced significantly, yet some practices raise concerns. Amalgam fillings, which contain mercury, have been linked to heart disease. Root canals, while widely used to save teeth, can sometimes harbor harmful bacteria, affecting overall health. Additionally, while fluoride can prevent cavities, high doses may impact neurological health.
Holistic dental practices are steadily gaining popularity as more people recognize the connection between oral health and overall well-being. These dentists prioritize preventive care and carefully select materials that support the body's natural balance. For instance, a properly skilled biologic dentist ensures that the removal and replacement of amalgam fillings are performed in a controlled, safe environment—protecting both patients and dental staff from exposure to toxic mercury vapors that can be harmful to the body.
Home Practices for Oral Health
While professional dental visits are essential, there are many daily practices you can implement at home to support your oral microbiome and maintain dental health:
- Brush and Choose Natural Toothpaste
Brushing at least twice daily with fluoride-free, non-toxic toothpaste helps maintain a healthy microbiome. Look for ingredients like coconut oil, baking soda, and peppermint for additional benefits. - Scrape Your Tongue
Tongue scraping, an ancient practice, removes bacteria and dead cells from under the papilla, reducing bad breath and plaque. - Stay Hydrated and Rinse with Water
Drinking plenty of water and using fluoride-free rinses can help maintain an alkaline oral environment. - Eat a Balanced Diet
Choose whole foods low in sugars to prevent acid formation and maintain a balanced pH. - Drink Green Tea
The antioxidants in green tea promote oral health, reducing inflammation and protecting against plaque. - Use an Oral Irrigator
Oral irrigators offer an alternative to flossing, removing particles from between teeth without causing irritation.
Next Steps for Optimal Health
The journey to a healthy oral microbiome doesn’t stop here. Understanding and maintaining this ecosystem has far-reaching impacts on your body as a whole, and you can make informed choices that support both oral and systemic health.
As a registered dental hygienist and board-certified functional medicine practitioner, I am passionate about empowering clients with knowledge and tools to support whole-body wellness. I believe strongly in the connection between oral health and overall health, understanding that the body is a unified system where every part plays a role in maintaining balance. My focus is on preventing ill health by addressing root causes rather than simply treating symptoms.
If you’re ready to take your health further, I offer personalized wellness consulting and functional medicine services, including a free discovery call where we can discuss your unique needs and how functional medicine can work for you.
Unlock the mysteries of autoimmune diseases and embark on a journey toward healing with insights that reveal how seemingly disparate conditions like Hashimoto’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, and Rheumatoid Arthritis share a common thread—a misdirected immune system.
Discover why our modern lifestyle, filled with processed foods, stress, and toxins, might be fueling a rise in these illnesses and learn about the unique, underlying triggers that could be affecting your health.
Whether it's intestinal permeability, heavy metal toxicity, or food sensitivities, unraveling these triggers is your first step toward remission. Imagine taking control of your health with the power of gluten elimination and targeted gut healing strategies that promise relief and a new way of living.
Ready to diminish inflammation and reclaim your vitality? Dive into a tailored approach to wellness, where personalized guidance awaits to help you piece together your unique health puzzle. Your path to lasting healing and a life free from autoimmune complications begins now.
Read more...
How can you tell if you have low stomach acid and why does it matter?
A healthy stomach creates a highly acidic environment with a pH between 1.0 and 2.5, which is essential for proper digestion. However, various modern lifestyle factors can lower stomach acid production.
Common causes which can reduce acid secretion include:
- age
- H. Pylori overgrowth
- chronic stress
- low thyroid hormone
- certain autoimmune conditions
As we age, the most significant cause of reduced stomach acid is an infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). While H. pylori is commonly present in the gut, it can overgrow and persist silently for years. This low-grade infection can reduce stomach acid over time and, if left unchecked, may lead to ulcers. Interestingly, H. pylori thrives in a low-acid environment and works to suppress stomach acid further, creating a cycle of poor digestion.
Studies estimate that around 50% of people aged 60 and older produce insufficient stomach acid, with this number rising to 80% by age 85. Low stomach acid, also known as hypochlorhydria, can lead to a wide range of health issues, yet it often goes unnoticed in conventional medicine.
To make matters worse, acid-suppressing medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers (used to treat acid reflux) significantly lower stomach acidity, providing temporary relief but long-term consequences.
These drugs, along with NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen) and antibiotics, can impair stomach acid production and lead to poor nutrient absorption over time.
Strong stomach acid is vital for breaking down proteins, absorbing vitamins like B12, and making essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc available for absorption. When stomach acid is too low, the digestive enzyme pepsin becomes less effective, and the entire digestive process is compromised. This affects not only digestion but also the balance of pancreatic and gallbladder enzymes, which are critical for overall health.
Hypochlorhydria has been linked to a variety of health issues, including hormone imbalances, neurotransmitter deficiencies, B12 deficiency (leading to fatigue, cognitive problems, and nerve damage), and poor mineral absorption, which can contribute to conditions like anemia, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases, depression, and hypothyroidism.
Common signs of low stomach acid include:
- Nausea after taking supplements (except for zinc, which can cause nausea on its own)
- Undigested food in stools.
- Bloating, belching, or feeling full during or after meals.
- Frequent gut infections or imbalances, such as candida or parasites.
- B12 or iron deficiency despite eating animal-based foods.
- Brittle hair or nails.
- Chronic allergies or skin conditions like rosacea
- Osteopenia or osteoporosis
- Fatigue after eating, even after a small or slow meal.
- Multiple food allergies or sensitivities
- Chronic indigestion or GERD (acid reflux)
Addressing low stomach acid can significantly improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. If you suspect low stomach acid, it may be worth exploring this further, especially if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above.
As a functional medicine health coach, I can help you manage these interconnected conditions and guide you through a comprehensive healing process.
I look beyond just the symptoms of low stomach acid and will work with you to identify and address the root cause of the issue. Whether it's related to stress, H. pylori infection, nutrient deficiencies, or thyroid imbalances, I will create a personalized plan tailored to your unique health needs.
This customized strategy will consider your overall lifestyle, health history, and current challenges. This whole-body approach leads to a more effective and sustainable resolution for issues like low stomach acid, unlike generic one-size-fits-all solutions.
Diet plays a crucial role in managing stomach acid levels, but figuring out the right foods can be confusing. I will provide tailored dietary recommendations, teaching you how to eat for optimal digestion, and support you with practical lifestyle tips like reducing stress, improving sleep, and optimizing nutrient absorption.
I offer an effective supplement protocol for low stomach acid that goes beyond just HCL Betaine and digestive enzymes. I’ll guide you in using supplements safely and effectively, helping you find the right dosage to avoid discomfort or complications..
However, addressing low stomach acid isn't just about taking supplements; it's about helping your body heal and restore proper function. I will work with you to develop strategies to rebuild gut health, balance hormones, and improve stomach acid production over time. You will have ongoing support, so you're not left to figure things out on your own.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed or inconsistent when trying to address health issues. I am here to provide you accountability and encouragement, help you stay on track, tweak your approach when needed, and ensure long-term success with your health goals.
By working with me as your health coach, you'll receive personalized care that not only improves your stomach acid levels but also enhances your overall health and well-being in the long run!
Apply for a free discovery call today to learn how I can support you!
Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, is often more than just a social inconvenience; it frequently indicates an underlying microbial imbalance in the mouth. Contrary to common belief, up to 90% of bad breath originates not in the stomach or sinuses but in the mouth. The diverse niches within the oral cavity, such as the back of the tongue and gum pockets, provide excellent environments for specific bacteria and fungi, which, when overgrown, generate the volatile compounds responsible for persistent halitosis.
The various types of bad breath are driven by specific microbial imbalances. For instance, inflammatory and non-inflammatory gum bacteria are prominent contributors, thriving in subgingival plaque and fermenting food particles into foul-smelling volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). Other factors such as a white-coated tongue, fungal overgrowth, and opportunistic bacteria migrating from the gut further complicate the picture. These issues are exacerbated or mitigated by oral hygiene practices, diet, immune health, and functional medicine approaches.
To effectively tackle halitosis, one needs to understand the specific microbial dynamics at play and adopt a holistic approach to treatment. Addressing the root causes of bad breath, including potential systemic imbalances and lifestyle factors, is crucial for lasting improvement. Proactive steps such as maintaining a balanced oral microbiome, consulting with healthcare professionals, and possibly employing natural antifungals and probiotics can help restore fresh breath and overall oral health.
Read more...
Emerging research is highlighting a fascinating connection between oral health and blood pressure management, underscoring the significance of the oral microbiome in cardiovascular health. The bacteria in our mouths play an essential role in producing nitric oxide, a vasodilator that helps manage blood pressure by keeping blood vessels relaxed and arteries flexible. Alarmingly, common practices like using antiseptic mouthwash or excessive antibiotic consumption can significantly disrupt this beneficial microbial community, potentially increasing blood pressure and contributing to cardiovascular issues.
High blood pressure, affecting one in three American adults, is a critical health concern that elevates the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious conditions. Traditional treatments often fall short, with only about half achieving successful management, indicating a missing piece in the puzzle. The support of nitrate-reducing oral bacteria becomes crucial, as they convert dietary nitrates from vegetables like spinach and beets into nitric oxide, a process that could naturally reduce blood pressure when nurtured.
To promote oral and heart health, embracing simple lifestyle changes can support the beneficial bacteria in our mouths. Avoiding antiseptic mouthwash, consuming nitrate-rich foods, using microbiome-safe oral care products, practicing nasal breathing, and limiting antibiotic use when necessary are recommended strategies. This integrative approach not only addresses oral hygiene but also paves the way for preventive cardiovascular care, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our body's systems and how focusing on oral health can become a powerful tool in managing hypertension.
Read more...
