Oral Hygiene & Your Microbiome The relationship between oral health and overall health is an area of increasing interest among researchers and clinicians. 40 years ago, a relationship was observed between atherosclerosis and alveolar bone loss (in tooth sockets). Now we know that a relationship exists between oral health and systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), bacteremia/endocarditis, pneumonia, gastritis, rheumatic arthritis (RA), cancer, liver and kidney disease and dementia. As the entry point for the digestive system, oral bacteria can translocate to the GMB, impacting the flora and health. This finding surprised researchers who had assumed bacteria from the oral cavity could not survive the acidic nature of the stomach. The Human Microbiome Project has discovered oral bacteria in the stool of almost half of all studied subjects. The relationship between the oral cavity and the gut is known as the oral-gut microbiome axis. An imbalance of bacteria in the oral cavity trending towards pathology (periodontal disease, caries, cancer, thrush) is known as oral dysbiosis. While the relationship between oral health and cardiovascular health was established 40 years ago, the connection between oral health and cognitive health is a relatively new area of exploration, the GMB is the bridge between the two. Preliminary studies have shown:
It is possible the relationship is as straight forward that those with neurodegenerative conditions or cognitive impairment are less likely to maintain their oral health. But it is also possible that oral dysbiosis contributes to inflammatory mediators or that oral bacteria translocates to the brain, either theory can potentiate neuro-inflammation. Time will tell as studies continue. Clearly, there is much we are still learning about the relationship between oral health, GMB and systemic conditions/diseases. We do know that maintaining oral health includes:
So, refresh your toothbrush and check with your dental hygienist for when you are due to be seen next then test your dental health knowledge with this quiz: We'll see you next week when we visit the relationships between the GMB and past mini/micro-resolutions. But first we'll leave you with an interesting tidbit of information: Interestingly, the microbiome is fully formed by age 2 or 3 and is initially provided by the mother at birth via the birth canal and during breastfeeding (C-section and bottle-fed babies are thought to have less diverse microbiomes with potential long-term effects on the child’s health and immunity). Throughout life, the GMB is highly modifiable by lifestyle and environment. This can be used to our advantage or disadvantage. See you next week as we explore past resolutions and how they impact the GMB—it’s all connected! Feel free to email your Motivated Mondays Coach Michele at [email protected] with your individual questions. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS YOUR MINI RESOLUTION: SUPPORT YOUR MICROBIOME! This month, be sure to take the dental health quiz and continue logging all your past resolutions! Click or tap to view and download the log.
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MICHELE MCCAMBRIDGE, MPH, MSMichele is the Senior VP of Membership Development at Concierge Choice Physicians. She is also a professional in the areas of nutrition, fitness and wellness. Archives
October 2024
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