The Surprising Gut-Mouth Link: What You Need to Know
When we think about oral health, the focus often remains on teeth and gums. However, the connection between your mouth and your gut is deeper than you might realize. The gut and mouth are part of the same digestive system and are intricately linked, influencing each other in surprising ways. Let’s explore how this connection works and why it matters for your overall health.
Did you know that your oral health and your digestive health are closely related? Each can directly affect the other, as well as being an indicator that something is wrong.
The systems in our body all depend on each other to function well. Because the mouth is a sort of “gatekeeper” for your body, controlling a lot of what is allowed inside, it is especially important.
The Oral Microbiome and Gut Microbiome
Your body is home to trillions of microorganisms that form microbiomes in different areas, including your mouth and gut. The oral microbiome consists of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in your mouth. Similarly, the gut microbiome resides in your digestive tract.
When these microbiomes are balanced, they support digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. However, an imbalance in one area can affect the other. For example, harmful oral bacteria can travel to your gut and disrupt the delicate microbial balance, potentially contributing to inflammation or digestive issues.
How Your Oral Health Affects Your Digestive Health
Bacteria can travel between the mouth and the stomach. When there is too much bacteria or harmful bacteria in our mouth, it passes to the digestive tract. Here, it weakens the stomach’s ability to fight off infection. It also triggers an immune response that further weakens the stomach. This can contribute to a higher risk for irritable bowel disorders, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
How Your Digestive Health Affects Your Oral Health
When we think of the digestive system, we often focus on the stomach and intestines. However, it’s important to remember that the digestive tract includes several other organs, beginning with the mouth. Often, an imbalanced diet can lead to an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. When there is too much harmful bacteria, it causes both local and systemic inflammation. This includes inflammation of the gums, which can cause spaces surrounding the teeth, leaving them open to increased bacteria, infection, gum disease, and bone loss.
Other stomach problems, like acid reflux, can expose your teeth to high levels of dangerous acid, which wear away tooth enamel.
Pathways Between the Mouth and Gut
1.Saliva and Swallowing
Saliva acts as a transport medium for bacteria from the mouth to the digestive system. When you swallow, oral bacteria enter the gut, where they can either integrate into the gut microbiome or trigger immune responses.
2.The Role of the Bloodstream
Gum diseases, such as periodontitis, allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. From there, they can impact gut health and even exacerbate systemic issues like heart disease and diabetes.
What You Can Do
There are several things you can do to protect both your oral and digestive health:
- Floss & brush your teeth at least twice a day, including after meals and before bed.
- Avoid food & drinks with too much acid or sugar.
- Drink a lot of water every day.
- Quit smoking.
- Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fiber and good bacteria.
Your mouth can tell you a lot about the health of the rest of your body. During dental visits at our dental office, Joshua M. Ignatowicz, DMD & Associates, we not only focus on your smile but also consider its connection to your overall well-being. Make sure to provide your dentist with a complete medical history and update them if any new developments occur. By choosing our experienced team, you can ensure your oral health and hygiene are in expert hands, supporting your overall health every step of the way. Schedule your appointment today to prioritize both your smile and your well-being!
