Gut health is a significant aspect of people’s general well-being, but quite often, the connection between oral health and gut health is not explained thoroughly. Whether going for a dental check-up at your local dentist or scheduling an appointment at a dental office in North York, oral health is critical in reducing the infiltration of unhealthy bacteria into the system with disastrous effects on the stomach. The microorganisms within the oral biome are quite influential on the whole biome of the body especially in relation to the gut functions.
What is the Relationship Between Oral Microorganisms and Gut Bacteria?
There are over ten times more microorganisms living in the human body than there are actual cells and these are mainly located in the gut, where they perform functions that include digestion, immunity, and metabolism.
However, even the bacteria found in the oral cavity are the first to interact with the food and the beverages taken, and as such determine what is consumed by the gut flora. Research points out that a lack of proper dental hygiene results in increased toxins that in turn build up in the large intestine hence changing the makeup of the gut.
This state is called dysbiosis and, if left untreated, it causes inflammation and diseases to occur in the gut and other territories across the body.
How Does Poor Oral Health Affect the Digestive System?
When oral health is compromised several effects may be encountered that inflict harm on the digestion health. Specific infections like gingivitis and periodontitis are responsible for gum diseases and these pose the risk of putting bacteria into circulation within the circulatory system and or digestive system.
Harmful bacteria can then compromise the balance of microbes in the gut and may cause the development of leaky gut syndrome, IBS, and other digestive disorders. Also, a weakened oral cavity may hinder chewing and digesting food leaving more pressure on the digestion process.
Is It Possible That Maintaining a Healthy Mouth Equates to a Healthy Body?
A healthy mouth may sound more than cleaning the teeth but it can have a huge impact on an individual’s health. It is essential to brush the teeth, floss, and attend dental check-ups often to lower the amount of dangerous bacteria in the mouth to avoid spreading the infections to other sections of the body. Mouth health also goes hand in hand with gut health and given that gut health can determine digestion, immune system competence, and even absorption of nutrients.
What is The Relationship between Gut Health and the Immune System?
About 70% of the body’s immune system is found in this organ, especially the bacteria found in the gut. If oral hygiene declines and toxic bacteria increases, then the immune system starts working in overdrive and triggers inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
On the other hand, a healthy mouth status and balanced gut microbiome aid in the regulation of immune responses so as to avoid inflammation-related diseases and enhance immunity against infections. What this interconnection demonstrates is the fact that oral as well as gut health are interrelated and determine immunity and overall health.
Conclusion
Oral health and gut microbiota are directly connected to one another and the digestive health as well as the general health of an individual. Proper oral health also presents a plus to general health since it affects digestion, the immune system, and the prevention of diseases.
The link between the oral health system and the general health system means that regular dental check-ups form a part of the check-up system as people’s health as a whole. Healthy teeth and gums make for a beautiful smile, but what people fail to realize is that a healthy mouth is an important step towards a healthy body.