The Mouth-Gut Axis: How Oral Health Impacts Overall Health
Photo of Anna Karina & Jean-Claude Brialy ℅ Une Femme est une Femme
There is growing evidence on the impact that our gut microbiome has on numerous bodily systems, from our nervous system and mood regulation to heart health. The bacteria in our gut functions similar to an endocrine or hormonal organ, initiating its own bioactive metabolites that induce various physiological pathways. These bacteria can even travel through translocation, causing the presence of bacterial products in systemic circulation and a heightened inflammatory state.
Oral bacteria can similarly travel throughout the body and cause a number of systemic diseases. Studies have indicated that oral bacteria can also translocate to the gut, altering the microbiota and immune defenses. Oral conditions such as gingivitis further create dysbiosis in oral microbiota that dysregulate the gut microbiome.
To properly and holistically tend to our gut health should also then include oral health. But simply removing “microbes” from our mouths would be amiss when considering the important role of the bacteria that live in our mouth. The mouth is the gatekeeper of the gut, starting with digesting carbohydrates with salivary enzymes and maintaining a heathy oral microbiome with protective probiotic stains. They perform various functions, including releasing acids that prevent the growth of harmful bacteria which, as previously mentioned, can translocate to the gut to potentially create disease.
These good bacteria strains require a delicate environment, which is why considering our oral care products is crucial in caring for our gut and overall health. Contrary to popular belief, maintaining their ideal environment doesn’t require killing off all germs which would also kill or alter the presence of good bacteria. Such products include harmful antibacterial mouthwashes that strip the oral microbiome. Rather, it is to create a symbiotic environment that allows the good bacteria to o their job for oral and overall health.
How do you ensure that you have a balanced & diverse oral microbiome?
There are various ingredients in natural oral care products that target bad bacteria without causing harm to the good bacteria in our mouths. When bacteria has no food source, it can’t produce the acids that lead to cavities. And that’s exactly what Xylitol, a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, does. It starves harmful bacteria of their food source, so they can’t produce the acid that causes cavities.
Another ingredient is Hydroxyapatite, which is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up 97% of our tooth enamel and has been scientifically-proven to strengthen and protect teeth without fluoride.
As the main component of tooth enamel, Hydroxyapatite is able to chemically bind to teeth and act as a shield. Not only that, but Hydroxyapatite “acts as filler because it repairs small holes and depressions on enamel surface,” preventing from bad bacteria from entering and proliferating in such spaces. It’s also naturally whitening, which allows for the avoidance of toxic teeth whitening products that strip the enamel and further enable the growth of bad bacteria.
Since Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral in our teeth and bones, it’s also food grade and harmless if ingested, both overall and specifically to gut health. This is important for kids who accidentally or intentionally swallow toothpaste. See below for a kid-friendly toothpaste with both Xylitol and Hydroxyapatite along with our favourites from Risewell. Make sure to use the code “10THETHIRLBY” for an additional 10% off!
The Effect of Oral Hygiene on Immune Defenses and More
Recent studies have shown that improved oral care may reduce the duration of infection, making it even more important during the current COVID-19 pandemic. One study found that poor oral hygiene increased the duration of viral shedding of COVID-19 from approximately 20 days to approximately 50 days. This means that the virus is detectable for longer in your saliva EVEN if your symptoms have resolved if you’re not brushing properly. The study hypothesises that by not brushing your teeth properly and often, viral nucleic acid may accumulate in an uncleaned oral cavity and may continue to be detected.
Moreover, comorbidities that can be caused by poor dental hygiene can not only increase the risk of susceptibility to COVID-19 but worsen its complications. Due to health disparities and social determinants of health, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that “non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, and American Indians and Alaska Natives generally have the poorest oral health of any racial and ethnic groups in the United States,” and these same populations have disproportionately higher incidence of COVID-19–related infection and death. There are even more potential downstream connexions between oral health and COVID-19. Research suggests a strong association between oral health conditions like erosion, caries, and periodontal disease and mood conditions like stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
So, as much as we expend energy towards our individual oral and overall health, those who are privileged in time and resources must also dedicate it towards fighting inequality in healthcare access. A reminder that everything regarding our bodies, wellness, and self-care—especially for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour—is political.
About the Author
Almila Kakinc is the Founder, Editor-in-Chief of The Thirlby. She is also the author of the book The Thirlby: A Field Guide to a Vibrant Mind, Body, & Soul. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Nursing as a Dean’s Scholar at Johns Hopkins University. Her background is in Anthropology & Literature, which she has further enriched through her Integrative Health Practitioner training at Duke University. She lives in Baltimore, MD, where she regularly contributes to various publications. She is a member of Democratic Socialists of America and urges others to join the movement.
