ORAL HEALTH

The oral flora – a complex and sensitive system

There's a lot going on in our mouth: more than 800 different types of bacteria live around our tongue, gums and teeth. The oral microbiome, also known as oral flora, varies from person to person and is influenced by proper dental hygiene, but above all by lifestyle factors such as diet. If the healthy balance of the oral flora is disturbed, it not only endangers oral and dental health, but can also promote diseases such as diabetes.

What are the functions of bacteria in the mouth?

Our health begins in the mouth: the microorganisms that naturally occur in the oral cavity on teeth and mucous membranes fulfil an important protective function. They displace unwanted germs in the mouth and throat - and in some cases even produce special defence substances against invading pathogens.

However, just like in the gut, a healthy environment is also necessary in the mouth in order to fulfil all important tasks. If the number of beneficial bacteria decreases, complaints such as bad breath, tooth decay, bleeding gums or gum inflammation can be the result.

How the oral microbiome becomes unbalanced

A weakened immune system and a hormonal imbalance can promote disturbed oral flora. In addition, our modern lifestyle offers countless factors that can upset the delicate balance of our oral microbiome.

• Nutrition and luxury foods: Sugar is the favorite food of pathogenic bacteria, and even very protein-rich diets can feed increased numbers of putrefactive bacteria. Alcohol also promotes the growth of harmful germs - which suppresses the proliferation of health-promoting microorganisms.
• Smoking: According to studies, there are more harmful bacteria in the saliva of smokers than non-smokers, and the risk of periodontitis is increased in heavy smokers. Tobacco smoke is carcinogenic, contains over 4,000 toxic substances, inhibits blood flow to the oral mucosa and promotes dry mouth.
• Medicines: Certain medications such as antibiotics, cortisone or chemotherapy also affect oral health by destroying not only bad but also good bacteria or by suppressing the immune system. This can lead to yeast infections (oral thrush) or inflammation of the oral mucosa (oral mucositis).
• Lack of dental hygiene: Thorough oral and dental hygiene is important to maintain the balance between good and harmful bacteria.
• Mouthwashes: Caution is advised with strong antibacterial mouthwashes, especially antiseptics from the pharmacy. Although they have a strong effect against tooth decay and inflammation, they also kill the useful microorganisms in the mouth and thus promote the growth of unhealthy germs.

Where does bad breath come from? The most important causes

Bad breath is a topic that no one likes to talk about. According to the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, around one in four Germans suffers from the persistent foul smell caused by sulfur-containing compounds.

Common causes of bad breath are:

• Lack of dental hygiene: Food residue in the spaces between teeth, plaque on teeth or a lack of tongue cleaning can cause bacterial colonization and lead to unpleasant odors.
• Infections in the nose, throat and mouth: In addition to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), inflammation of the periodontium (periodontitis) or tooth decay, inflammation of the oral mucosa (stomatitis), respiratory tract infections, sinus or tonsillitis (tonsillitis) can also occur in the short term. cause unpleasant smells.
• Dry mouth: Anyone who drinks too little promotes the growth of putrefactive bacteria.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: Complaints such as heartburn (reflux), Heliobacter Pylori infections, inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or stomach ulcer, inflammation of the esophagus or even food intolerances can lead to sour bad breath.

Identify and prevent gum inflammation

Painful, red or swollen gums and frequent bleeding gums can be signs of inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). Gingivitis doesn't happen without a reason. The cause is usually poor dental hygiene. Together with the food residue, bacteria and microorganisms present on our teeth in the mouth are deposited, forming a sticky biofilm. If we don't brush it regularly or thoroughly enough, the plaque can harden into tartar over time.

In addition, unwanted bacteria in the mouth secrete acids that can attack the sensitive gums and thus cause gingivitis at the gum line. This effect increases when your mouth is dry, as saliva washes away food particles and protects your teeth from acid attacks.

Other triggers that can promote gingivitis are:

• Brushing your teeth too hard hurts our gums
• Stress
• Stimulants such as cigarettes and alcohol
• Diabetes
• Medicines such as antibiotics, cortisone or chemotherapy
• Hormonal changes
• Lack of vitamins, especially vitamin C

The best prevention against gum inflammation is good oral hygiene and an optimal supply of vitamins and minerals. As a rule, acute gingivitis can be cured within a few days with good care. Chronic gum inflammation should definitely be examined by a dentist so that the bacteria do not become permanent residents.

Periodontitis – more than just a problem in the oral cavity

If the causes of gum inflammation are not effectively eliminated, periodontitis can occur. The disease affects both the gums and the tooth-bearing part of the jawbone (periodontal ligament), which is why tooth loss is a possible consequence.

In fact, the effects in the mouth of periodontitis are the smaller problem: the disease of the periodontium indicates a bacterial imbalance in the body and is usually accompanied by inflammatory processes that can lead to health problems throughout the body. For example, chronic inflammation increases blood sugar levels and can promote the development of type 2 diabetes. People with periodontitis also have a higher risk of having a heart attack and developing various forms of cancer. Studies during the pandemic also confirm that periodontitis can have health effects on the entire body: A study showed that periodontitis increased the likelihood of a severe course of COVID-19 disease.

Uncomplicated or chronic periodontitis?

Uncomplicated periodontitis can arise simply from inadequate dental hygiene. In this case, the bacteria in the mouth can often be brought back into balance and the inflammation reduced through better dental care and dental measures such as regular professional teeth cleaning.

Chronic periodontitis, which often no longer responds adequately to dental treatment, is a health problem. It is an expression of an internal inflammatory process (silent inflammation) and of previous illnesses (some of which have not yet been diagnosed), a weakened immune system, stress or an unhealthy lifestyle. Despite good dental hygiene, chronic periodontitis can progress to tooth or implant loss.

What chronic periodontitis has to do with the intestines

Periodontitis is always accompanied by pathogenic bacteria in the mouth. It used to be believed that eliminating these bacteria could also stop periodontitis. Today we know that pathogenic germs are present in the oral mucosa of all people, but in healthy people they are kept in check by the immune system and good bacteria. Whether disease-causing or healthy germs prevail depends on the immune system and therefore also on intestinal health. That is why periodontitis is now understood as a systemic disease that is often linked to other diseases. These include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes mellitus
• Lung diseases such as asthma
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Hormonal disorders
• Fat metabolism disorders
• Osteoarthritis and arthritis
• Joint wear
• Stroke
• Heart attack and cardiovascular diseases

The long-standing belief that periodontitis is a localized infection of the gums and surrounding tissue has been refuted. On the contrary, periodontitis is seen as an expression of a disturbed endogenous regulation of the entire organism and is increasingly being treated as such.

Treat periodontitis holistically

It is therefore obvious that classic periodontitis therapy with improved dental hygiene, prophylaxis, antibiotics or even surgery is important, but only scratches the surface of the problem. These measures are not sufficient, especially for people with severe chronic periodontitis. In order to restore a bacterial balance, it is important to strengthen the intestinal immune system. As the largest immune organ, the largest mucous membrane area, the center of our bacterial colonization and the place where nutrients are absorbed, an intact intestine is extremely important for our health.

The following lifestyle factors have a positive effect on the intestines, immune system and bacterial balance:

• Treat yourself to a varied diet with fresh ingredients, lots of fruit and vegetables, preferably organic, so that your body receives enough vitamins and vital substances.
• Exclude processed foods from your diet as much as possible - they contain ingredients that can put a strain on the intestines.
• Sugar is bad for your teeth and bad for your intestines.
• Reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption.
• Exercise is fun, boosts your metabolism and reduces stress.
• In fact, stress is considered a direct and indirect influence on chronic inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis. Find out for yourself which little breaks have room in your everyday life and support your inner balance.
• Nourish your gut with viable gut cultures such as Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Important micronutrients in periodontitis therapy

The following micronutrients in particular play a key role in the treatment of periodontitis:

• Vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 status has long been associated with chronic inflammatory diseases.^[1]
• Coenzyme Q10: Long-term consumption of coenzyme Q10 can improve periodontitis by regulating the intestines.
• Vitamin E: It has also been proven that vitamin E supports periodontal healing.^[2]

Even a latent deficiency of these and other nutrients can promote the development of chronic inflammation. Depending on your personal situation, taking appropriate high-quality nutritional supplements can support your teeth, periodontium and the entire body.

What you can do for your oral health

Good oral hygiene consists of thorough care of the teeth, tongue and spaces between teeth, a tooth-friendly diet and high-quality care with micronutrients from the inside.

Proper tongue and dental hygiene

Good oral care includes:

• Brush your teeth in the morning and evening, paying attention to the correct technique and replacing your toothbrush on time
• Cleaning the spaces between teeth using dental floss or interdental brushes
• Daily removal of plaque with the help of a tongue scraper
• Regular removal of tartar and other plaque as part of a professional teeth cleaning

Eat tooth-friendly

This is what you should pay attention to when eating a healthy diet:

• Eat plenty of natural, organic food – without additives or preservatives
• Consume lots of alkaline fruits and vegetables. Only enjoy acid-forming foods such as sugar, meat, fried foods, preservatives and stimulants such as coffee or alcohol in moderation
• After every meal, drink some water or rinse your mouth with it to clean your teeth
• So that the tooth enamel that has been softened during eating does not suffer unnecessarily due to brushing, only brush your teeth 30 minutes after a meal

Oil pulling

The oil pulling method can be useful to rid the mouth of harmful bacteria and other germs. It comes from Ayurveda. To do this, use a small amount of high-quality organic mouth extracting oil every day when you get up and move it in your mouth for about 10 to 20 minutes. You can think of it as pulling it through your teeth. Then spit the oil into the trash can and not down the drain.

The best vitamins for teeth and gums

In order to stay healthy and stable, teeth, gums and jawbone need not only regular, thorough dental care from the outside but also vitamins, minerals, trace elements and the right fatty acids from the inside.

Particularly important nutrients and vitamins for teeth, gums and the mucous membranes in the mouth are:

• Vitamin A, because it supports the maintenance of the mucous membranes.
• Vitamin C, because it contributes to normal collagen formation. This benefits the gums, but also cartilage and bones in the periodontium.
• Vitamin D, because it is important for maintaining normal teeth.
• The minerals calcium and magnesium also support the teeth.

Tip: With our highly pure dietary supplements you can be sure that you are taking important nutrients in a form that is compatible with your body, in reasonable amounts and free of any harmful additives.

_{[1]Uwitonze, A.M., et al.: Effects of vitamin D status on oral health. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 175: 190–194, 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28161532
[2]Singh, N., et al.: Vitamin E supplementation, superoxide dismutase status, and outcome of scaling and root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial. J of Periodontology, 85(2): 242–249, 2014, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1902/jop.2013.120727}

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