Oral Microbiome and Gum Disease: What Recent Research Shows

May 13

Gum disease is driven by an imbalance in the oral microbiome, rather than simply the presence of bacteria. Some oral bacteria are good and prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to soft or hard surfaces in the mouth. As they build up, those bacteria lead to gingivitis and periodontitis.

“The balance of the bacteria in the mouth affects inflammation, infection, and disease progression.”

What is the Oral Microbiome?

The oral microbiome is the community of microorganisms, like bacteria, that live in the mouth. The term refers to the full set of genetic material, or DNA, of an organism (genome), including that of the microbes living in the mouth.

They live on both hard and soft surfaces in layers that stick together (biofilm). Fed nutrients by saliva, the bacteria thrive in the average temperature of the human mouth, which is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

The mix of bacteria in your mouth can change quickly as microbes adapt to their environment. Factors such as pH changes, diet, smoking, physical changes, and genetics can influence how the oral microbiome functions. [1]

An oral microbiome imbalance is where diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis can begin. Good bacteria can prevent harmful bacteria from adhering, but oral bacterial infection can take hold when harmful bacteria increase and breach this barrier.[2]

Patients can take an at-home or in-office oral microbiome test to analyze the bacteria and fungi present in saliva. This helps assess oral health and identify when periodontal treatment may be needed.

The Role of Oral Microbiome In Gum Health And Periodontal Disease

There are many types of mouth bacteria, or mouth flora, that live on soft surfaces such as the cheeks, tongue, and gums, as well as on hard surfaces such as teeth. As bacteria stick and accumulate on these surfaces, they form dental plaque, or biofilm.

The balance of the bacteria in the mouth affects inflammation, infection, and disease progression. If the balance is upset by poor hygiene, other health conditions, stress, smoking, or other factors, this can increase gum inflammation, leading to gingivitis and ultimately periodontitis.[3]

Periodontitis results from an alteration in the oral microbiome. Oral bacteria can enter the circulation or migrate to the gut, where they can invade endothelial cells. And some bacteria within the gut and oral cavity can overlap.[4]

However, when certain oral bacteria colonize the gut, the gut microbiome is disrupted, leading to gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis is a microbial imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract, in which beneficial bacteria are reduced, and harmful microorganisms increase.[5]

Signs of Bacterial Infection in the Mouth

Bacterial mouth infections often present with several symptoms ranging from mildly uncomfortable to serious. Common signs of bacterial infection in the mouth include:

Throbbing toothache
Inflammation and swollen gums
Chronic bad breath
Red or bleeding gums
Sensitivity to temperatures
Pain when chewing or biting
Pussy discharge or spots
Pimples along the gumline
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

If you notice one or more of these signs or any oral discomfort, it may be time to seek professional periodontal treatment.

How To Improve Oral Microbiome

The microbiome plays a critical role in periodontal health and disease, and should be targeted in dental therapies. The following are a few practical ways you can improve your oral microbiome and oral health.

Improve Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

Daily oral hygiene is critical not only for oral health but also for gut and overall health. Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothbrush and a fluoride-infused toothpaste. Flossing daily is also important, getting those hard-to-reach spaces.

Use a tongue scraper to reduce bacteria and improve breath. Don’t overuse antibacterial mouthwash; it's beneficial in the short term, but daily use can upset good bacteria along with the bad.

Make Dietary Adjustments

What you eat has a significant impact on oral health and microbiome. For better oral health, reduce intake of highly processed or sugary foods that fuel bacterial production and plaque-causing acids.

Increase your fiber intake with more crunchy, raw vegetables that stimulate saliva. As much as possible, incorporate probiotic-rich and fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, as well as nitrate-rich foods like leafy greens and beet juice.

Lifestyle Changes

How you move through your day-to-day routines can also affect your oral health. Stop smoking or vaping, which can disrupt the microbiome and reduce oxygen. Always stay hydrated, with water, not just coffee.

Find opportunities to reduce stress levels and improve emotional health. Also see: Your Mouth and Stress: Effects on Oral Health You Should Know About.

Professional Care

Regular dental checkups and treatment are the best prevention against poor oral health and improving the oral microbiome. Professional periodontal disease treatment is essential for managing harmful bacteria and maintaining long-term gum health.

Contact Central Texas Periodontics to evaluate your oral health and address any oral microbiome concerns.

Sources

[1][2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6503789/

[3][4][5]https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10445586/#S0003