Does all Disease Start in the Gut?

Gut health and the gut microbiome have in recent years become a focal point in the health and wellness industry and for good reason as gut health is a major determinant of our overall health and wellbeing. It is not, however, the only place that houses microbial communities that greatly influence our health.

Did you know that the oral cavity, where digestion is initiated, is the home to the second largest and diverse microbial community in the body? Housing over 700 species of bacteria that colonise the various soft tissues of the oral mucosa such as the gums and tongue as well as the soft and hard surfaces of the teeth. These microbes are responsible for maintaining our oral health and as such are also inextricably linked to our systemic health.

Disturbances caused by our modern lifestyles including excess sugar and processed carbohydrates, improper dental hygiene and stress promote dysbiosis and the proliferation of disease producing bacteria in the mouth. With the ability of causing gingivitis, dental carries and periodontitis which can further lead to negative systemic health consequences including atherosclerosis, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and inflammatory intestinal diseases.

So, what can we do to prevent oral dysbiosis and help to prevent all this nastiness from eventuating?

Nutrition is always at the top of the spectrum. Limiting sugar and processed foods at the same time providing nutritious foods that are full of anti-inflammatory nutrients – AKA: fresh whole foods such as vegetables, wholegrains, quality protein and healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and seeds.

Oral hygiene as prescribed by your dentist or biological dentist if you are looking for an integrative approach to dental health as well as including the following which are natural ways to maintain oral health and therefore reduce systemic disease risk:

• Use non-alcoholic dental products such as a mouthwash that contains xylitol, a sugar alcohol that oral bacteria cannot metabolise, and which has been shown to prevent dental carries.

• Try oil pulling with coconut oil, shown to decrease plaque build-up due to its anti-bacterial properties.

• Supplement with specific nutrients such as CoQ10 which has been shown to significantly reduce gingival inflammation and Omega 3 fatty acids which has shown efficacy as an adjunct treatment in periodontitis.

Interested in finding out more about protecting your oral health and supporting your wellbeing? Book an appointment.