Your Mouth: A Gateway to Whole Body Health

At WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods, we believe that true wellness starts with the basics, and that includes your smile. Your mouth isn’t sterile; it’s a lively ecosystem. Over 700 bacterial species (plus viruses and fungi) can live in your saliva, gums, and on your teeth. In fact, the oral microbiome is second only to the gut in diversity.

Most oral microbes are harmless or even helpful; they crowd out pathogens and help maintain enamel-friendly conditions. Good bacteria like Streptococcus sanguinis protect teeth, while others help train immune cells to tolerate friendly microbes. But balance is key: when “bad” bacteria overgrow (say, after a sugary snack or poor brushing), plaque and inflammation can flare up. That’s why brushing, flossing, and a healthy diet remain the foundation for good oral health.

Your mouth matters

Emerging science suggests the oral microbiome doesn’t just affect the mouth. Imbalances in oral bacteria have been linked to conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and inflammatory gut conditions. While research is still uncovering cause-and-effect relationships, the pattern is clear: a healthy mouth is more than cosmetic, it’s potentially a valuable piece of the wellness puzzle.

Probiotics for the Mouth?

This growing interest in the oral microbiome has led to new strategies to support it, including oral probiotics. One example available at WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods is Biome Dental™ from Activated Probiotics™. It contains specific good bacterial strains (including Lactobacillus helveticus, L. rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium longum) along with Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast.

Designed to be swished in the mouth before swallowing, Biome Dental™ aims to support gum and plaque health by delivering friendly microbes directly to the oral cavity. In a clinical trial, children using Biome Dental™ nightly showed an amazing 69% reduction in plaque, and improved gum health after just two weeks, performing better than even a standard antiseptic mouthwash.

While these early findings are promising, more research is needed. That said, oral probiotics like Biome Dental™ may offer a helpful complement to daily hygiene and dental care routines. If you’re curious, visit one of our friendly WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods pharmacists or team member to help choose the right option for your needs.

Everyday Habits for a Healthier Oral Microbiome

Regardless of new innovations, the best support for your oral microbiome still comes down to daily habits:

• Brush and floss daily: this physically removes plaque and food debris that fuel harmful bacteria.
• Eat for balance: diets rich in vegetables, fibre, and dairy can support a healthier oral environment, but limit sugary or processed foods that feed plaque-forming microbes.
• Stay hydrated: saliva helps regulate mouth bacteria. Drinking water supports this natural defence system.
• Avoid smoking: tobacco use disrupts the oral microbiome and weakens gum tissue.
• See your dentist regularly: routine check-ups and cleanings help maintain microbial balance and catch any problems early.
• Consider probiotic support: if you’re interested in trying an oral probiotic, look for well-researched options like Biome Dental™, available at WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods.

Taking care of your oral microbiome isn’t just about fresh breath; it could have benefits for your overall health too. With a little daily care (and possibly a probiotic boost), your mouth can stay a thriving hub of health-supporting microbes.

References:

1. Rajasekaran JJ, Krishnamurthy HK, Bosco J, Jayaraman V, Krishna K, Wang T, Bei K. Oral Microbiome: A Review of Its Impact on Oral and Systemic Health. Microorganisms. 2024 Aug 29;12(9):1797. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms12091797. PMID: 39338471; PMCID: PMC11434369.
2. Elzayat H, Mesto G, Al-Marzooq F. Unraveling the Impact of Gut and Oral Microbiome on Gut Health in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Nutrients. 2023; 15(15):3377. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153377
3. Wang Z, Kaplan RC, Burk RD, Qi Q. The Oral Microbiota, Microbial Metabolites, and Immuno-Inflammatory Mechanisms in Cardiovascular Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024; 25(22):12337. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252212337
4. Activated Probiotics. Biome Dental™ Accessed: https://activatedprobiotics.com.au/probiotics/biome-dental-probiotic