Oral Health and Gut Health: Understanding the Connection
Your mouth and your gut may be more closely connected than you think.
Exploring the relationship between oral health and digestive health, from the oral microbiome and acid reflux to simple everyday habits.
#1 - The Connection Between Oral Health and Digestive Health
Whatever is in our mouth, whether food or microorganisms, can eventually be swallowed and enter the digestive system.
A familiar example is food poisoning. Many of us have experienced symptoms such as diarrhoea or a fever after eating contaminated food.
When we think about it this way, it makes sense to pay attention to the health of our mouth as part of looking after our overall health.
In this article, I would like to explore the relationship between oral health and digestive health, and why the mouth may deserve more attention when we think about gut health.
#2 - What I Noticed from My Own Experience
The reason I became interested in this subject was my own experience.
At one point, I was told that I had tooth decay during a dental check-up, then I realised the connection between experiencing excess stomach acid and the tooth decay.
This made me start thinking about a possible connection between the condition of my digestive system and the health of my mouth, two things I hadn't previously thought the link.
I then started paying more attention to how I managed stress, incorporated a homeopathic remedy into my routine, and changed some of my dental care habits.
These changes gave me an opportunity to look at my health from a broader perspective and made me more aware of how different aspects of our wellbeing can sometimes be connected.
#3 - The Oral Microbiome and the Gut Microbiome
There are many different microorganisms living in our mouths.
Just as we have a community of microorganisms in the gut, the mouth also has its own oral microbiome, a diverse community of bacteria and other microorganisms living in the oral environment.
Rather than simply dividing these microorganisms into “good” and “bad” bacteria, it is more useful to think about the balance and diversity of the microbial community as a whole.
Many factors can influence this environment, including our diet, oral hygiene, saliva and everyday habits.
Looking after our oral health is therefore not simply about keeping our teeth clean. It is also about maintaining a healthy environment within the mouth.
#4 - The Mouth Is the Beginning of the Digestive System
The mouth is the entrance to the digestive system.
Food begins its journey through the digestive system in the mouth, and microorganisms from the mouth are also swallowed throughout the day.
Saliva has an important role in the oral environment, helping to lubricate the mouth, wash away food particles and contribute to the natural balance of microorganisms.
For this reason, it can be interesting to think about oral health not only as something related to our teeth and gums, but also as one part of the digestive system and our overall health.
#5 - Oral Health and Gut Health
In recent years, researchers have been increasingly interested in the relationship between the oral microbiome and health elsewhere in the body.
The relationship between the oral microbiome and digestive health has also been studied, including its possible connection with H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) and gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
Cass Nelson-Dooley, MS, discusses this connection in her book Heal Your Oral Microbiome. In the section on the mouth and gut, she describes research looking at the relationship between oral health and digestive conditions, including H. pylori infection and IBS.
The book discusses studies in which people with these conditions were considered alongside their oral health, and describes findings suggesting that improving oral hygiene and the oral environment may be associated with better outcomes in some cases.
This is an interesting perspective because it suggests that, when looking at digestive health, it may also be worth paying attention to what is happening in the mouth.
However, these findings do not mean that improving oral health alone can treat or resolve H. pylori infection or IBS. Oral and digestive health are influenced by many different factors, and further research is needed to understand these relationships more fully.
Digestive health is connected not only with the oral environment, but also with stress and emotional wellbeing. You may also like this article.
#6 - Acid Reflux and Your Teeth
There is also a possible connection in the other direction.
When someone experiences acid reflux, stomach acid can sometimes reach the mouth. Repeated exposure to acid can affect the enamel of the teeth and contribute to dental erosion.
For this reason, if you notice changes in your dental health, it may be worth considering not only your oral hygiene and diet, but also whether you are experiencing symptoms such as acid reflux.
If you have persistent bleeding or inflammation of the gums, tooth pain, or other changes in your mouth, it is important not to ignore them. A dental professional can assess the condition of your teeth and gums and advise you on appropriate care.
If you are interested in learning more about acid reflux and heartburn, you may also like my article:
#7 - Simple Ways to Look After Your Oral Health
There are also some simple things we can do in everyday life to look after our oral health.
For example:
Try not to consume too many sugary foods and drinks
Make brushing your teeth part of your daily routine
Use dental floss or other interdental cleaning tools appropriately
Include tongue cleaning as part of your oral hygiene routine
Have regular dental check-ups
Pay attention to your digestive health, including symptoms such as acid reflux
Products containing xylitol can also be considered as one option for supporting oral care. However, they are not a substitute for regular tooth brushing or professional dental check-ups.
#8 - In Conclusion...
We often think about oral health and digestive health as two separate areas, but the mouth is also the beginning of the digestive system, so the two are not completely unrelated.
If you have been experiencing digestive symptoms for a long time, or if you have concerns about both your digestive health and your oral health, it may be helpful to take a step back and look at your overall health rather than considering each symptom separately.
In a homeopathic consultation, I take time to understand not only the symptoms you are experiencing, but also your health history, changes in your health over time and your individual experience.
Homeopathy considers the individual as a whole, and a homeopathic remedy is considered according to the individual pattern of symptoms and the overall picture.
If you would simply like to talk through your situation and find out whether a consultation may be appropriate for you, I also offer a 15-minute online introductory chat.
You are welcome to get in touch and tell me a little about what you have been experiencing.
All the best for your healing journey!
Love and gratitude
Hiroko
Reference
Nelson-Dooley, C. (2019). Heal Your Oral Microbiome: Balance and Repair Your Mouth Microbes to Improve Gut Health, Reduce Inflammation and Fight Disease. Ulysses Press.
