The oral microbiome is defined as the collection of microorganisms living in the oral cavity. These microorganisms are diverse and play important roles in maintaining oral health.

However, growing evidence suggests that the oral microbiome can also have an impact on various other aspects of health, including cardiovascular health.

Connection between oral and cardiovascular health

Several studies have observed a connection between oral and cardiovascular health.

For instance, periodontitis, which is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the supporting tissues of teeth, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This could be partly due to the bacteria associated with periodontitis, which can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation and damage to blood vessels.

Another way that the oral microbiome can impact cardiovascular health is through the production of certain metabolites.

Some oral bacteria produce metabolites, such as trimethylamine (TMA), which can be converted into trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) in the liver. High levels of TMAO have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as it promotes plaque formation in arteries.

Several studies have found that people with high levels of TMAO in their blood also have high levels of certain oral bacteria, suggesting a link between the two.

Risk factors for oral microbiome disruption

Several factors can disrupt the oral microbiome and lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. These include poor oral hygiene, smoking, poor diet, and alcohol consumption.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and other microorganisms in the mouth, increasing the risk of periodontitis and other oral diseases.

Smoking has been linked to an imbalance of the oral microbiome, with a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in harmful bacteria. A poor diet, high in sugar and processed foods, can also disrupt the oral microbiome and lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

Finally, excessive alcohol consumption can damage the tissues in the oral cavity, leading to an increased risk of oral diseases and a disruption of the microbiome.

How to maintain a healthy oral microbiome

There are several steps that can be taken to maintain a healthy oral microbiome:.

Brush and floss regularly: Brushing and flossing regularly can help remove bacteria and other microorganisms from the mouth, reducing the risk of oral diseases and maintaining a healthy microbiome.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help maintain a healthy oral microbiome. Avoiding sugary and processed foods can also reduce the risk of harmful bacterial overgrowth.
Avoid smoking: Quitting smoking can help restore the balance of the oral microbiome and reduce the risk of periodontitis and other oral diseases.
Limit alcohol consumption: Reducing alcohol consumption can help prevent damage to the tissues in the oral cavity and maintain a healthy microbiome.

The role of probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. Some probiotics have been shown to have a positive impact on the oral microbiome and reduce the risk of oral diseases.

For instance, probiotics containing Streptococcus salivarius have been shown to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of periodontitis. Other probiotics, such as lactobacilli, have been shown to reduce the amount of bacteria that produce TMA in the mouth, potentially leading to a reduction in TMAO and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

The oral microbiome is an important aspect of overall health, with growing evidence suggesting that it can impact cardiovascular health.

Maintaining a healthy oral microbiome through regular oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and avoiding risk factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of periodontitis and other oral diseases, ultimately reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, using probiotics may be a valuable strategy to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the oral cavity, further reducing the risk of disease.