What is the oral microbiome?
General Dentist San Diego
The term microbiome has become a buzzword over the past few years. It’s frequently mentioned in the popular press, especially on health and wellness websites. Scientists are also increasingly interested in research on the microbiome, which is increasingly being shown to be important for well-being. It’s relevant to many aspects of health, including oral health.
As a dentist, Dr. Carpenter sees it as his mission to help you maintain or improve your oral health, which in turn can enhance your overall well-being. Your oral microbiome has a significant impact on your health.
What is the microbiome?
The microbiome is the group of microorganisms (mainly bacteria) that live in and on your body. There are trillions of these organisms, with the majority of them residing in your gastrointestinal tract. They can have a variety of beneficial effects. For example, they prevent more dangerous, disease-causing organisms from growing in your body. They also produce beneficial compounds, such as certain vitamins. Science is just beginning to characterize all of the effects of the microbiome on human health.
Your mouth, like other parts of your body, contains a huge number of microorganisms. Some of these species can be beneficial, while others can be harmful. Science is still working to characterize different species in order to determine what mix of species is best for human health.
The term probiotic refers to products that contain beneficial species. These are used in order to tip the balance of the microbiome towards species that are better for health. Some day, we may find ourselves using probiotic oral products to enhance the growth of the beneficial species. For example, a probiotic mouthwash could contain species that help to prevent tooth decay.
How do you keep your oral microbiome healthy?
While it may be interesting to learn about the bacteria in your mouth, what’s ultimately most important is knowing what steps you should take to protect your long-term oral health. You can help to keep the bacteria in your mouth healthy in a few ways.
The most important one is to brush and floss regularly. Some of the harmful bacteria in the mouth are able to form a structure called a biofilm. (You may have noticed this film forming on your teeth; for example, when you wake up in the morning, your teeth may feel a bit slimy or sticky.) Biofilms allow bacteria to stick to teeth and protect them, making it harder for saliva to get rid of them. Brushing and flossing physically disrupts this biofilm.
Another important factor is what you eat and drink. Certain types of bacteria in the mouth metabolize sucrose (table sugar). When they do this, one of the byproducts is acid, which in turn causes damage to the enamel of the teeth. Eating less sugar provides less food for these bacteria, and so there will be fewer of them in the mouth. Studies have shown that disruption in the oral microbiome can be detected in the months leading up to the development of caries (dental cavities). Choosing healthier foods with less sugar helps to keep your microbiome balanced toward species that are healthier for you, rather than those that can cause harm.
General Dentist San Diego
Brushing, flossing, and eating healthy foods are all important parts of maintaining a healthy oral microbiome. Another important part is visiting your dentist regularly. A professional cleaning can remove bacteria from areas where home hygiene simply can’t reach, or plaque that has become hardened and difficult to remove. If it’s been six months or longer since you last visited the dentist, then it’s time for an appointment!
If you’re looking for a general dentist San Diego, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a visit. Whether you simply want to see a friendly and knowledgeable dentist for your oral health maintenance, or you would like an expert with decades of experience to help you with your cosmetic and restorative dentistry needs, Dr. Carpenter can offer you to the high quality dental care that you need and deserve.