The oral microbiome: the gateway to overall health

When we think about health, our minds often wander to diet, exercise, and mental wellbeing—yet one important element is often overlooked. The oral microbiome is an intricate ecosystem of microorganisms in the mouth, playing an important role in maintaining a balanced oral environment.

Understanding the oral microbiome

The oral microbiome is a diverse community of over 700 species of microorganisms and is one of the largest microbial communities in the body after the gut. These microorganisms contribute to everyday processes such as the early stages of digestion and maintaining a stable oral environment.

A well-balanced oral microbiome supports healthy teeth and gums and helps maintain overall oral hygiene.

The connection between oral health and overall health

Studies has explored connections between oral conditions and broader aspects of wellbeing, sometimes referred to as the ‘oral-gut axis’, a term that refers to the continuous physical and chemical pathway that joins the oral microbiome to gut microbiota.

With the mouth acting as a gateway to the rest of the body, an imbalance in the oral microbiome (known as dysbiosis) can influence conditions within the oral environment. Dysbiosis occurs when certain microorganisms become more dominant within the biofilm that forms on teeth and oral surfaces.

Maintaining a clean oral environment plays an important role in supporting this balance.

Immune system regulation

The oral microbiome plays a crucial role in the immune system as it helps build resistance to harmful microbes. Healthy oral bacteria release antimicrobial peptides, which help maintain the immune system's balance by eradicating harmful pathogens before the immune response is needed. This reduces the risk of chronic inflammation, a gut-health issue that can lead to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Inflammation and infection 

Oral bacteria produce various metabolites, which can have anti-inflammatory effects that support your gut lining. However, increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by oral bacteria has been linked with an imbalanced microbiome and systemic health issues. 

Poor oral health, such as gum disease, can lead to systemic inflammation. Inflammatory molecules and pathogens from conditions such as gum disease, can enter the bloodstream from the oral cavity and travel to other organs and systems including the gut and the heart. Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for various gastrointestinal disorders and cardiovascular conditions.

How do oral appliances impact my microbiome? 

Using an oral appliance can make it more difficult to regulate a healthy balance in your oral microbiome. Oral appliances disrupt the flow of saliva, accelerate the growth of biofilms and can introduce harmful pathogenic bacteria to your body, when not cleaned properly.

Saliva plays an important role in supporting a healthy and viable biome by washing away bacteria and food particles around your teeth. Containing essential nutrients and enzymes, saliva also breaks down food in preparation for the next stages of the digestive system. Saliva flow naturally reduces at night, washing away and breaking down fewer particles. However, wearing an oral appliance traps food between your teeth and further disrupts saliva's natural cleaning process, heightening the risk of imbalance. 

Maintaining a healthy oral microbiome

Regularly cleaning your oral appliance helps maintain a balanced oral environment and supports good oral hygiene as part of your daily routine. Just as it is important to brush your teeth and floss thoroughly before bed, the same goes for your oral appliance! Here are some tips to help ensure you keep your oral health (and overall health) in good shape:

Regular cleaning

Brushing and flossing are fundamental to removing food particles, plaque build up and biofilms that can harbor harmful bacteria. The same goes for your oral appliance, which needs to be thoroughly cleaned before wearing. 

The Dental Pod uses ultrasonic cleaning technology to remove debris, plaque buildup and biofilm from your oral appliance. In a process called ‘cavitation’, millions of tiny bubbles are created, which then vibrate rapidly against the surface of your appliance - lifting and dislodging particles.

We recommend using an Ultrasonic Boosting Tablet with the Dental Pod every time you wear your oral appliance for 6 hours or more, as biofilm buildup develops over this time. It is essential to remove this buildup as part of a consistent cleaning routine. Regular cleaning with a Zima Tablet helps break down biofilm and enhances the ultrasonic cleaning process, contributing to a visibly cleaner result.

The Zima UV Case portable carry case with in-built UV light technology is a convenient way to keep your oral appliances clean between uses, no matter where you are.

The oral microbiome plays an important role in influencing the state of overall health. By practicing good oral hygiene, following a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and utilising advanced cleaning tools like the Dental Pod for your oral appliances, you can ensure your oral microbiome remains balanced and healthy. Taking good care of your oral health and its intricate balance of microorganisms, not only minimises your risk of oral diseases, but also works to support overall health and well-being.