Did you know that within your mouth resides a bustling community of viruses, fungi, and bacteria? These microorganisms (over 700 varieties) make up what is known as your oral microbiome. While it might sound daunting, this community actually plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral health. Not all microorganisms are created equal however, and certain strains can cause inflammation and periodontal (gum) disease. Thankfully, others can promote healthy soft tissue and outcompete the harmful bacteria altogether.
New research suggests that maintaining a healthy balance within this intricate ecosystem can potentially prevent a range of conditions that go beyond the mouth, from Alzheimer's disease to cancer. At Coast Dental, we strongly believe that the mouth is the primary gateway to the body, and maintaining good oral health is key to a long life full of smiles.
What You Can Do
Taking steps to nurture your oral microbiome is vital for your overall health. Here are a few simple yet effective measures you can implement:
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Commit to Regular Dental Visits: Scheduling regular dental appointments allows our expert team to monitor the status of your oral microbiome and catch any potential issues early on. We recommend visiting the dentist at least twice a year. This way, our skilled dental professionals can provide personalized care and guidance to ensure your oral health is tiptop!
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Embrace Proper Oral Hygiene: Incorporate daily habits such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and tongue scraping. Many forget about the tongue but taking 1-3 minutes out of your day to give it a quick scrub can help reduce bad bacterial growth, freshen your breath, and even make your food taste better!
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Reduce Antiseptic Mouthwash Use: As we mentioned before, the oral microbiome is a balanced ecosystem – so conventional mouthwashes that advertise killing “99.9% of germs” could end up doing more harm than good. With frequent use of alcohol-based mouthwash, you can dry out your mouth and inadvertently eliminate your mouth’s natural immunities. We recommend using mouthwash only as instructed by your dentist, and/or using a natural brand advertised to support the oral microbiome.
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Mind Your Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can positively impact your oral microbiome. Avoid excessive sugar and carbohydrates, as it can lead to an imbalanced microbiome overrun with bad bacteria, thereby increasing the risk of oral health issues.
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Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption: Tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can disturb the balance of your oral microbiome, leading to an increased risk of periodontal disease and other oral health problems.
Conclusion
Caring for your oral microbiome is vital in achieving optimal overall health. By scheduling regular dental appointments and implementing a few simple habits into your daily routine, you can nurture your oral microbiome and unlock the secret to smiles for life. Call (877) 880-1212 or book online, and let our dedicated team help you maintain a healthy oral microbiome.