Gut Health Weston, FL
Many patients are surprised to learn that gut health is inextricably linked to oral health. Similarly, oral health and overall health are linked together. A total health dentist understands how to examine the oral microbiome for signs of health issues.
Gut health treatment is available at Artful Dentistry & Wellness in Weston and the surrounding area. Choosing a total health dentist as your primary dental care provider may improve your overall health. Call us today at (954) 526-2266 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Understanding the Oral Microbiome
A microbiome is a congregation of the microbial residents in the body. It is made up of commensal, pathogenic, and symbiotic microorganisms. There are as many or almost as many microbes in the body than there are cells. The microorganisms found in the human oral cavity are known as the oral microbiome, sometimes called the oral microbiota or oral microflora. It is the second-largest microbial community in the body after the gut.
Research on oral microbiomes is still expanding. However, existing literature makes it evident that it can cause both oral and systemic conditions. Ideally, the oral microbiome rests within biofilms throughout the oral cavity, forming an ecosystem that maintains health in a state of equilibrium. If this equilibrium is disrupted, pathogens may manifest and cause disease. As such, patients should ensure that their primary dental provider understands the importance of the oral microbiome.
“The microorganisms found in the human oral cavity are known as the oral microbiome, sometimes called the oral microbiota or oral microflora.”
Bacteria and the Digestive System
The mouth is a natural breeding ground for bacteria, especially since it acts as an entryway to the digestive and respiratory tracts. Fortunately, most of such bacteria are harmless and can be kept at bay with the body's natural defenses and good oral hygiene. However, improper maintenance may allow bacteria to flourish, leading to oral infections. This oral bacteria can make its way to the gut, changing the microbiome and potentially influencing its immune defense.
This may lead to colon conditions such as Crohn's disease, gluten sensitivity, and colitis. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, fatigue, malnutrition, severe diarrhea, and weight loss. People with gluten sensitivity, as the name suggests, have issues with digesting gluten. They may experience fatigue, leg numbness, muscle cramps, and stomachaches. Finally, colitis is a condition that causes the inflammation of the colon's inner lining. Primary symptoms depend on the exact cause of the condition but generally include abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea.
“…oral bacteria can make its way to the gut, changing its microbiome and potentially influencing its immune defense.”
Oral Health and Other Body Systems
A balanced microbiome is a sign of health to the immune system. The body's microbiome serves as a signal of homeostasis in which the overgrowth of certain oral bacteria provokes an immune response. Both oral and gut dysbiosis get associated with people who have chronic inflammation (for example, in rheumatoid arthritis) or complications related to the immune system.
The endocrine system, which functions to maintain homeostasis through hormone secretions, is also influenced by oral health. Changes in the oral microbiome signal a shift in homeostasis and compel the endocrine system to adapt and release excess hormones. Often, the first signs of endocrine dysfunction are recognized during a dental examination.
Poor oral health can also affect your metabolism. For example, oral bacteria causing damage to the intestine further affects the gut's ability to metabolically regulate fat and insulin levels. Some healthy gut microbiota interacts with undigested carbohydrates and helps the body store fats. When the gut microbiome gets disrupted, diseases like diabetes and metabolic syndrome may arise.
“Overgrowth of certain oral bacteria may provoke an immune response.”
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Gut Health and the Brain
Together, the gut and the brain comprise the enteric nervous system (ENS). This system is two thin layers of over 100 million nerve cells that line the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum. It is responsible for controlling digestion and is in constant communication with the brain. The ENS may trigger mood swings in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional bowel problems. It may even affect cognition and raise or reduce a patient's risk for certain health conditions.
The gut and brain are connected through various nerves and neurotransmitters. Gut microbes may also produce chemicals that affect the brain and affect inflammation. Those with functional gastrointestinal disorders are more perceptive to pain since their brains are more responsive to pain signals from the gastrointestinal tract, and stress can worsen these symptoms.
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the oral microbiome, and why is it important?
Q. How do oral bacteria affect the digestive system?
Q. How does oral health affect other body systems?
People Also Ask
Q. Are oral conditions genetic or a result of environmental factors?
Q. What are some conditions that a complete health dentist can diagnose?
Q. Beyond regular checkups, what additional procedures might a dentist recommend?
Q. What services are offered by a general dentist?
Q. What pre-existing conditions are affected by dental health?
Maintaining Gut Health
There are many things individuals can do to maintain their gut health at home. Lowering their stress levels is critical, as is getting enough sleep. They should eat slowly, stay hydrated, and take a pre- or probiotic. Some may also benefit from checking for food intolerances and changing their diet accordingly. However, nothing can replace the expertise of a complete health dentist.
Though most dentists are aware of the link between gut health and oral health, traditional dentists still tend to focus on treating isolated symptoms rather than the root cause of a patient's condition. This can be a costly mistake, as poor gut health may lead to periodontal disease and dental decay. A complete health dentist can identify signs of poor gut health and stop its adverse effects. Furthermore, complete health dentists are not limited to diagnosing and treating oral health conditions. They can often recognize the signs of other systemic diseases associated with poor oral health.
Poor gut health often starts when bacteria enter the mouth, cause oral infections, and spread to other parts of the body. Artful Dentistry & Wellness is proud to help patients maintain their total health through personalized treatment tailor-made to fit each individual's unique needs. This involves regular cleanings, dental exams, wellness visits, and various other dental treatments a patient may need. Our offices can also, with patient permission, communicate with other healthcare providers to provide the most comprehensive care plan possible. Poor gut health may lead to several other health conditions. We can help patients maintain their oral hygiene to prevent any unnecessary complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the oral and gut microbiome?
A. The oral and gut microbiome describes a collective colony of microscopic organisms. They include bacteria that inhabit the soft tissues of your mouth and digestive system, respectively. The gut microbiome is the largest microbiome in the body with the second largest being the mouth.
Q. How does the microbiome affect my health?
A. Beneficial microbiota fights off harmful bacteria and stimuli and helps maintain homeostasis. But if problematic bacteria become overgrown or spread, they can cause damage to healthy tissue. This can mess with body functions, inviting inflammation and disease.
Q. How are oral health and gut health linked?
A. The mouth is the gateway to the digestive system, and if harmful bacteria associated with oral health migrate to the gut, the gut microbiome becomes unbalanced. That signals to the immune system that something is off and sets off an inflammatory response. Unwanted inflammation can damage the tissue lining the gut resulting in "leaky gut" syndrome.
Q. What can I do to improve oral health?
A. Eating fiber-rich and probiotic-rich foods help naturally keep the mouth clean while supporting healthy digestion. Of course, maintaining daily dental hygiene habits accompanied by regular dental check-ups will help you improve your oral health.
Q. Why is total health dentistry important for overall health?
A. Studies show that the health of the mouth and the health of the body are closely related. Adopting healthy dental habits may reduce your risk of developing other health problems. Ask your total health dentist what changes you can make to ensure good overall health.
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Call Us Today
Proper gut health maintenance is critical to good oral and overall health. We at Artful Dentistry & Wellness may be able to help. Call us today at 954-526-2266 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
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