Poor oral hygiene is linked to cancer and heart attack – 10/03/2023 – Balance and Health

It’s normal to have bacteria in your mouth, but harmful bacteria have been linked to a number of health problems.

Medical scientist Glenda Davison and microbiologist Yvonne Prince, who have researched the oral cavity, explain why it’s so important to practice good oral hygiene.

Can poor oral hygiene lead to serious illnesses? Why and how?

Abnormal bacterial communities in the oral cavity have been linked to liver disease, kidney failure, cancers, heart disease, and hypertension.

The oral cavity is the gateway to the gastrointestinal tract and the rest of the body.

Just like the intestine, the mouth is home to several diverse colonies of bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa. It is the second largest microbial community in humans, after the intestine.

More than 700 species of microorganisms reside in the mouth. New technologies, such as 16S ribosomal RNA analysis, have allowed researchers to study their genetic makeup and family trees.

These microbes are found throughout the mouth: on teeth, gums, tongue, palate and saliva. Generally, they remain stable throughout our lives, but if the balance in the bacterial community is disturbed, harmful bacteria can become dominant. This can lead to bleeding gums and oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

How can mouth problems lead to other diseases?

Changes in pH (acidity or alkalinity), temperature and oxygen in the oral cavity are known to cause abnormal growth of groups of bacteria that are normally harmless. When they become dominant, they can cause disease.

This disturbance in oral biota causes inflammation and the slow development of periodontitis, bleeding gums and tooth decay. As gum disease destroys the gums and begins to erode the bone, inflammatory molecules called cytokines can enter the bloodstream.

These substances activate immune system cells and can result in chronic low-grade inflammation with the development of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis or thickening of the arteries and many others, including obesity.

The bacteria themselves can also travel from the gums to surrounding tissues and release toxins that can spread throughout the body.

Likewise, the gut is home to over a thousand species of bacteria that reside in the large intestine and play a vital role in digestion, absorption, immunity, and protection against toxins and harmful bacteria.

Humans cannot live without a healthy and diverse gut biota. If this balanced community of microbes is disturbed and not restored, gastrointestinal disorders can occur.

Recent research has linked abnormal intestinal biota to diseases as diverse as autoimmunity, obesity, cardiovascular disease and even Alzheimer’s.

Where do bacteria in the body come from?

It all starts with our microbes, tiny organisms that share our bodies and are vital to the health of humans.

There are 39 trillion microbes in the human body, surpassing the estimated 30 trillion human cells, and they inhabit almost every organ and crevice of the human body. They can be found in the intestine, skin, lungs, seminal and vaginal fluid, eyes, scalp and mouth.

Each of these habitats has its own environment, attracting different organisms that adapt to their surroundings and make it their home. They live in synergy with each other and with surrounding tissues. If this relationship is disturbed, illness can result.

Most of these microbes come from our mothers and enter our bodies when we are born.

The uterus is sterile, but as the baby moves through the birth canal and enters the outside world, bacteria and other microbes occupy the newborn and create a unique ecosystem called the human microbiome.

As we grow and begin to explore the world, these microorganisms become more diverse and varied and are influenced by our diet, lifestyle, interactions with animals and the environment. It is important to maintain this balance to reduce the risk of developing diseases.

What should people do to avoid these risks?

Good oral hygiene includes regular dental appointments, preventing plaque buildup through regular tooth brushing, and avoiding foods high in carbohydrates and sugar, which can lead to increased tooth decay and cavities.

To further support the balance of bacteria in the mouth, it is recommended to include foods rich in antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, in our diet.

Dentists also recommend avoiding the use of antibacterial mouthwashes, which have been shown to disrupt the balance of microbes. Excessive use can lead to disorders and stimulate species of bacteria that can cause disease.

High levels of stress and lack of exercise have also been linked to disruptions in the balance of oral biota. Therefore, a balanced diet with sufficient rest, accompanied by good oral hygiene, is recommended.

The mouth is the gateway to the intestine and the rest of the body. Ensuring the harmony of the microbes that live there is important to reduce the risk of disease.