What is the oral microbiome, and why is it important for overall health?

The oral microbiome is the second-largest and most diverse microbiome in the body, containing approximately 700 different bacteria (2 billion total). An imbalanced oral microbiome increases the risk of systemic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis, and infertility, and can lead to inflammation and bacterial spread throughout the body.

How does poor oral health contribute to COVID-19 complications?

Poor oral health, especially gum disease, contributes to COVID-19 complications through increased inflammation, adding to the 'cytokine storm' caused by the virus. Additionally, oral bacteria can travel to the lungs, causing bacterial superinfections like pneumonia, which was a leading cause of death in COVID patients.

How do modern diets affect jaw development and tooth crowding?

Processed, easy-to-chew foods in modern diets mean children don't develop their jaws and facial muscles sufficiently at an early age. This lack of development leads to smaller jaws, causing crowding of teeth and a higher incidence of impacted wisdom teeth, unlike ancestors with harder diets.

Are oral microbiomes unique to individuals, and how do genetics play a role?

Yes, oral microbiomes are highly individual. While common pathogenic bacteria may be present, the body's specific immune response and the strains of bacteria, along with genetic mutations, dictate whether disease develops. Some individuals may have excellent oral hygiene but still be predisposed to gum disease due to genetics.

What is the link between oral bacteria and Alzheimer's disease?

Research shows a strong link between gum disease, especially for over 10 years, and a 70% increased chance of Alzheimer's. A specific oral bacteria, P. gingivalis, can travel to the brain, cross the blood-brain barrier, and release toxic enzymes called gingipains, which break down neurons and brain tissue, leading to cognitive decline.

How does stress affect oral health and the oral microbiome?

Stress negatively impacts oral health by increasing inflammatory markers and causing dry mouth. This reduced saliva flow starves good bacteria, allowing bad bacteria to proliferate. Severe stress can even cause measurable collagen breakdown in the gums, indicating a direct physiological impact.

What are the dental implications of mouth breathing, and how does it relate to ADHD?

Mouth breathing bypasses the nose's natural filtering system, allowing unfiltered air and bacteria directly into the lungs and mouth, potentially leading to an unhealthy oral microbiome. In children, mouth breathing is strongly linked to sleep-disordered breathing and a 50-90% higher chance of developing ADHD-like symptoms, mainly due to reduced oxygen delivery to the brain.

How does kissing and oral sex impact the transfer of oral bacteria between partners?

Frequent kissing (more than 11 times/day) can lead to partners sharing similar oral microbiomes. Studies show that good bacteria can be transferred through kissing. Oral sex can also transfer bacteria, with cases showing gum inflammation in one partner due to bacteria from the other partner's urinary tract issues.

What are the safest ways to whiten teeth and remove plaque at home?

For extrinsic stains from coffee or tea, a professional hygiene treatment is effective. Whitening should be done professionally with reputable brands, as some products can damage enamel or gums. At home, water flossers can help remove plaque, and certain supplements can reduce plaque buildup. However, proper brushing and flossing remain primary.

How can one get an oral microbiome test and personalized recommendations?

Dr. Samson's clinic, 'The Health Society' in central London, offers oral microbiome testing along with other saliva tests for comprehensive oral and systemic health analysis. The test provides personalized recommendations for toothbrushes, supplements, toothpaste, and floss based on individual bacterial profiles and genetic mutations. The test is also being rolled out to other countries, with interested individuals able to email the clinic.

Dr Sampson: Your Oral Microbiome Is Linked To This Disease!

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Oral microbiome health is deeply linked to systemic diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer's, and infertility.

Key Insights

The oral microbiome, the second largest and most diverse after the gut, significantly impacts overall health.

An imbalanced oral microbiome is linked to increased risk of systemic diseases including heart disease, Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis, infertility, and erectile dysfunction.

Oral bacteria, specifically Fusobacterium nucleatum, has been found in higher levels in breast and colorectal cancer tissues, potentially making cancer more aggressive.

Poor oral health, particularly gum disease, poses a significant risk for severe COVID-19 complications and can contribute to bacterial superinfections.

Diet, stress, and lifestyle choices significantly influence the oral microbiome; modern processed diets and infrequent chewing contribute to jaw and tooth development issues.

Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by delivering nutrients to bacteria and neutralizing acids; dry mouth can disrupt this balance.

Oral hygiene practices like brushing (with proper technique and timing) and flossing are essential for mechanically removing bacteria, as teeth do not shed like skin.

Emerging research suggests a link between mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, and conditions like ADHD, impacting oxygen delivery to the brain.

Early intervention and treatment of oral diseases, particularly gum disease, can lead to significant improvements in systemic health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular issues.

Oral microbiome testing offers personalized insights into bacterial levels, genetic predispositions, and inflammation, guiding targeted interventions and product recommendations.

THE ORAL MICROBIOME'S OVERALL HEALTH IMPACT

Dr. Victoria Sampson emphasizes that the mouth is the 'gateway to the rest of the body' for overall health. The oral microbiome, second only to the gut in diversity, plays a critical role. An imbalanced oral microbiome elevates the risk of various systemic diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis, infertility, and even erectile dysfunction. Research indicates that over 90% of diseases can be traced back to microbiome imbalances, highlighting the mouth's critical, often overlooked, contribution to systemic well-being.

LINKS TO CHRONIC AND SERIOUS DISEASES

The connection between oral health and chronic diseases is profound. Studies reveal that men with gum disease are significantly more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, specific oral bacteria, like Fusobacterium nucleatum, have been found in elevated levels in breast and colorectal cancer tissues, potentially exacerbating cancer's aggressiveness. This research suggests a causative link, not just correlation, between oral pathogens and increased cancer risk and severity.

ORAL HEALTH AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES: THE COVID-19 CONNECTION

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical link between oral health and severe infections. Research found that patients with poor oral health or gum disease were nine times more likely to suffer severe COVID-19 complications. This is attributed to two main factors: heightened systemic inflammation from gum disease exacerbating the 'cytokine storm' triggered by the virus, and oral bacteria traveling to the lungs, causing bacterial superinfections like pneumonia, which was a primary cause of death for many patients.

DIET, LIFESTYLE, AND ORAL HEALTH

Modern dietary habits and lifestyles significantly impact oral health. Processed foods, lacking the hardness of natural diets, lead to underdeveloped jaws and crowded teeth, a departure from ancestral oral structures. This dietary shift, coupled with high sugar intake, fuels acid-producing bacteria, leading to tooth decay. Dr. Sampson advocates for consuming sugar in one go ('sugar attack') rather than sipping to allow saliva to neutralize acids effectively, preventing prolonged demineralization.

THE ROLE OF SALIVA AND HYGIENE PRACTICES

Saliva is paramount for oral health, acting as a delivery system for nutrients to beneficial bacteria and neutralizing acids. Coffee and tea can cause dry mouth, reducing saliva flow and positively impacting the microbiome. Proper oral hygiene, including electric toothbrushes and flossing, is crucial for mechanically removing bacteria, as teeth are non-shedding surfaces. Importantly, one should wait 30 minutes after acidic or sugary intake before brushing to avoid grinding acids into enamel, and should not rinse with water after brushing to retain fluoride benefits.

ORAL MICROBIOME TESTING AND PERSONALIZED CARE

Oral microbiome testing offers a detailed snapshot of an individual's oral health, analyzing bacterial ratios, genetic predispositions, and inflammation markers. This personalized approach allows for targeted recommendations, such as specific toothpastes, supplements (like probiotics tailored to one's microbiome), and dietary advice. Identifying beneficial and harmful bacteria, including those linked to serious diseases like P. gingivalis, enables proactive management and prevention strategies for optimal long-term health.

ORAL HEALTH'S CONNECTION TO BRAIN AND MENTAL WELL-BEING

The link between oral health and cognitive function is increasingly evident. Gum disease, particularly when present for over a decade, significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The oral bacterium P. gingivalis can cross the blood-brain barrier, releasing enzymes that damage neurons. Maintaining oral health, even in individuals with Alzheimer's, can slow cognitive decline. While the link to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety is complex, poor oral health can be an indicator of declining mental well-being, often becoming the first area of self-care neglected during stress.

FERTILITY, PREGNANCY, AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Oral health profoundly impacts fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Over 90% of subfertile men exhibit oral infections, with treatment leading to a 70% improvement in conception rates and better sperm quality. In women, gum disease delays conception and increases risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Sugar-free chewing gum has shown a reduction in preterm birth rates by stimulating saliva and utilizing antibacterial agents like xylitol. Furthermore, gum disease elevates the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke by up to 30-40%, demonstrating inflammation's systemic effect on cardiovascular function.

THE IMPACT OF BREATHING AND HABITS ON ORAL HEALTH

Mouth breathing, often linked to ADHD and other developmental issues in children, bypasses the nasal filter, exposing the mouth to more pathogens and leading to dry mouth. This can exacerbate oral health problems. Habits like kissing, while facilitating oral microbiome exchange, are generally beneficial or neutral between long-term partners. However, interventions like mouth taping can help identify and address mouth breathing issues. Practices like smoking and vaping are detrimental, causing dry mouth, reducing blood flow, and significantly increasing the risk of gum disease.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Supplements

●Companies

●Organizations

●Studies Cited

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Optimal Oral Health Quick Guide

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes with an electric toothbrush (with pressure sensor).

Brush at a 30-degree angle towards the gum margin using circular movements, gently massaging gums.

Follow a systematic brushing method (e.g., all outsides, then biting surfaces, then insides).

Spit, but DO NOT rinse with water after brushing to keep beneficial toothpaste ingredients on your teeth.

Chew sugar-free gum, especially with xylitol, to stimulate saliva and kill bacteria.

Have 'sugar attacks' by consuming all sugar at once, rather than sipping/snacking over time, to allow saliva to neutralize acid more effectively.

Use straws for acidic, sugary, or staining drinks (except wine) to bypass teeth.

Consider oral probiotic supplements, especially if genetic testing shows missing good bacteria.

Go for regular dental hygiene appointments to remove plaque buildup.

If you are pregnant, visit your hygienist regularly due to pregnancy gingivitis.

Avoid This

Do NOT brush immediately after consuming anything acidic or sugary; wait 30 minutes.

Avoid abrasive whitening toothpastes that can damage enamel.

Do NOT use over-the-counter or online whitening products; seek professional whitening.

Avoid excessive coffee consumption if it leads to dry mouth.

Do NOT put sugar in your tea or coffee, especially if sipping over extended periods.

Do NOT smoke or vape, as both dry out the mouth and impede blood flow to gums.

Do NOT ignore bleeding gums, as it's a sign of inflammation.

Common Questions

For men, over 90% of subfertile men had an oral disease, and treating it led to a 70% improvement in pregnancy success and better sperm quality. For women, gum disease can take two months longer to conceive and increases risks for preterm birth and preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Topics

Gum Disease Tooth Decay Mouth Breathing Dentistry Saliva Testing Oral Hygiene Genetic Mutations

Mentioned in this video

personVictoria Samson

A trailblazing dentist, founder of the Health Society, and proponent of the mouth-body connection, known as the 'saliva queen'. She developed one of the first oral microbiome tests in Europe and conducts research on the links between oral health and systemic diseases.

studyCould there be a link between oral hygiene and severity of COVID infections

A research paper authored by Dr. Samson that was the first to link gum disease with worse COVID-19 complications. It became one of the most cited articles in the British Dental Journal.

bacteriaPorphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis)

One of the 'worst oral bacteria' that can travel from the mouth to the brain, cross the blood-brain barrier, and release toxic enzymes (gingipains) that break down neurons, strongly linked to Alzheimer's.

bacteriaFusobacterium nucleatum

A specific oral bacteria found in high levels in the breast microbiome of women with breast cancer and in the colons of over 50% of colorectal cancer patients. It has been shown to accelerate tumor growth in mice and make cancer more aggressive.

studyThe association between periodontitis and blood pressure highlighted in systemically healthy individuals

A study cited (not Dr. Samson's own) that found people with gum disease were twice as likely to have a heart attack and three times as likely to have a stroke.

organizationKarolinska Institute

Described as the 'best dental school in the world' by Dr. Samson, where she received some of her dental training. It is noted for its focus on the mouth-body connection and saliva testing.

organizationBritish Dental Journal

A dentistry publication that cited Dr. Samson's research paper on oral hygiene and COVID-19 complications as one of its most cited and viewed articles.

personJames Nester

Previous podcast guest who discussed how processed foods have changed jaw shape and the importance of nose breathing over mouth breathing.

enzymeGingipains

Toxic enzymes released by P. gingivalis bacteria that can break down neurons and brain tissue. Found in 97% of Alzheimer's sufferers' brains in one study.

organizationThe Health Society

Dr. Samson's clinic in central London focused on integrating dentistry and medicine to help patients understand and optimize their oral health through microbiome testing and other saliva tests.

studySAGE

toolgreen tea