In the conversation about longevity and health aging, the focus turns to identifying and resolving chronic inflammation, particularly in the context of disease prevention. Historically, oral health has been considered as an isolated entity, but current research has identified the oral cavity as essential for overall well-being.
The oral microbiome, a vibrant community of microorganisms residing in our mouths, is crucial in maintaining oral and systemic health. With approximately 700 species, it is one of the most diverse and abundant microbial communities in the human body, second to the gut microbiome.
Its primary function is to preserve oral health by preventing infections, aiding digestion, and maintaining the integrity of oral tissues. However, recent research has shed light on its broader impact on overall health and longevity.
The Oral-Systemic Health Connection
The oral microbiome is becoming an increasing area of interest in the medical community as research highlights several connections between chronic oral dysbiosis, or imbalance in the oral bacteria, and systemic diseases, with inflammation being a common link.
The most common chronic inflammatory diseases present in the oral cavity are gingivitis and periodontitis, which affect 42% of the US adult population. Oral dysbiosis can contribute to both local and systemic inflammation, increasing the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and autoimmune disorders.
This occurs because oral bacteria and their byproducts can enter the bloodstream, trigger systemic inflammation and potentially impact other organs and systems.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is multifactorial, meaning there are numerous genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that interact to cause impairment in cognitive function.
One hypothesis of AD development, known as the “microbial hypothesis”, proposes that AD may be caused by an infection by certain bacteria (or other microbes) that manage to pass through the blood-brain barrier, leading to an inflammation process that leads to AD.
Recent research has unveiled a robust connection between AD and the composition of the oral microbiome. Specific bacteria that play central roles in periodontitis, namely P. gingivalis, T. forsythia, and T. denticola, have been implicated in AD. A groundbreaking 2019 study uncovered the presence of P. gingivalis in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
These bacteria release toxins known as gingipains, which can contribute to neurodegeneration. Additionally, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of some oral bacteria including p. gingivalis, can induce brain inflammation and neurodegeneration, two of the hallmarks of AD.
Autoimmune Disease
Oral dysbiosis is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to the development and progression of various autoimmune diseases, including irritable bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus (SLE) and Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). This dysbiosis can trigger autoimmune responses through several mechanisms.
In microbial translocation, bacteria can breach the oral mucosal barriers and enter the bloodstream, triggering immune responses in distant sites. In addition, some bacterial proteins may resemble host proteins, leading the immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues, a process known as molecular mimicry.
Dysbiosis can also lead to an increase in inflammatory chemicals called cytokines, which can further fuel the autoimmune response. Just as in Alzheimer’s disease, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been associated with autoimmune diseases.
Cardiovascular Disease
Researchers have long observed a strong correlation between gum disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The American Heart Association reports that individuals with periodontal disease have a 20% higher risk of heart disease.
The mechanism behind this connection lies in the bacteria from oral infections entering the bloodstream and contributing to forming arterial plaques, which can lead to atherosclerosis.
Increases in bacterial populations, such as P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and T. forsythia can exacerbate CVD by triggering local inflammation, which in turn stimulates systemic inflammatory and immune responses associated with CVD. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is also implicated in the development of atherosclerosis, the most prevalent cardiovascular disease.
Insulin Resistance and Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus, marked by elevated blood glucose and inflammation creates an environment conducive to microbial dysbiosis. A bidirectional relationship has been observed between type 2 diabetes and oral infections such as periodontitis, and there is increasing evidence of an association between periodontal bacteria and insulin resistance.
Alterations within the oral microbiome have been reported, with distinct bacterial shifts observed in diabetic individuals. Elevated proportions of P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and others have been noted, hinting at potential microbial contributors to diabetic-associated oral complications.
At Entavida, we utilize saliva testing to identify imbalances in oral bacteria, and integrate specific dietary and nutraceutical recommendations, including pre- and probiotics, to support a healthy oral bacterial population in our Retain Your Brain and Longevity & Health Aging programs.
For more information or to see if Entavida’s approach is right for you, visit our website, Entavida.com to schedule a free Discovery Consult.
The Oral-Gut Microbiome Axis
The oral and intestinal microbiomes are directly connected anatomically, and communicate with each other through the oral-gut microbiome axis to establish and maintain microbiome balance.
In addition to directly, periodontal bacteria may also be indirectly involved in the regulation of systemic health and disease through the disturbed gut, impacting an individual’s inflammatory state and immune function, and ultimately the development of multiple systemic diseases.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Oral Microbiome
An unhealthy oral microbiome often manifests through various tell-tale signs, such as:
- Persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, is one of the most common indicators, often resulting from an overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
- Gum inflammation, characterized by redness, swelling, or bleeding during brushing or flossing, can signal gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease caused by bacterial imbalance.
- Tooth decay and frequent infections, such as oral thrush or canker sores, further suggest an unhealthy microbial environment in the mouth.
These symptoms point to an imbalance in the oral microbiome, which, if left unchecked, can lead to more severe complications affecting overall health.
Caring For Your Oral Microbiome
To care for your oral microbiome, focus on practicing good oral hygiene, maintaining hydration, and prioritizing a healthy diet.
This includes regular brushing and flossing, staying hydrated to promote saliva flow, and consuming a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, prebiotics and nitrate-rich foods. Probiotic toothpaste and oral rinses can introduce beneficial bacteria to help balance the oral microbiome.
In conclusion, the oral microbiome is more than just a contributor to oral health; it is a vital component of our overall well-being. By taking steps to rebalance your oral bacteria, you can prevent dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath as well as promote longevity and healthy aging.
