Inside your mouth, there is lots more than what meets the eye. This world is called the oral microbiome, and it's made up of a community of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa and archaea. It plays an important role in your health, affecting everything from how your breath smells to protecting against serious health issues.

Here, I’ll explain more about the oral microbiome and what may help to keep it healthy. 

What is the oral microbiome?

Just like how the earth has many different landscapes, so does the mouth.

Studies have shown that different species of microorganisms live in different parts of the mouth due to the unique conditions in each area. For example, the buccal mucosa, or the inner lining of the cheek, is largely dominated by a bacterial species called Streptococcus. Meanwhile, the tongue is very diverse and home to a number of bacterial species including Rothia andVeillonella.

But don’t let the word ‘bacteria’ fool you: not all bacterial species are bad. The oral microbiome is home to both helpful and harmful organisms. A balance among these organisms helps promote a healthy oral microbiome.

How does the oral microbiome affect our overall health?

The mouth is part of the digestive and respiratory systems and has many functions, like eating, speaking and breathing. The good bacteria in your mouth is often your body's first defense against pathogenic, or harmful, microorganisms from these sources. These good bacteria can even help support your body’s immune health. 

What’s an unhealthy oral microbiome?

An unhealthy oral microbiome means that the balance of microorganisms in your mouth is disrupted. Both too many and too few helpful microorganisms may lead to the growth of harmful organisms.

This may lead to oral conditions including:

• Tooth decay 
• Gum disease
• Bad breath
• Other oral diseases

Although these conditions start in the mouth, they may impact health in broader ways. For example, several theories suggest that low-grade inflammation such as periodontitis, which is also called gum infection or gum disease, may cause other diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and digestive disorders.

Not sure if you have a healthy oral microbiome? Fresh breath, clean teeth and healthy gums are all signs of a healthy oral microbiome.

Your dentist or healthcare provider can also help you check for signs of an unhealthy oral microbiome, such as:

• Cavities
• Tooth decay
• Oral infections

How can I keep my oral microbiome healthy?

The oral microbiome is very dynamic. Some factors that can affect the health of your oral microbiome include dental hygiene, diet, smoking and medications. Here are a few simple tips you can use to keep your oral microbiome balanced and healthy. 

Practice good oral hygiene 

Practicing good oral hygiene can help improve and maintain the health of your oral microbiome by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.

This means brushing twice a day and flossing daily, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)

Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also essential to help address any potential oral health issues. The CDC recommends visiting the dentist once per year.

Eat a balanced diet 

What you eat and drink also plays an important role in keeping your oral microbiome healthy.

Sugar, fat and vitamin intake can all contribute to the balance of your oral microbiome.

MD Anderson recommends eating meals rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds.

Limit alcohol 

Alcohol can also impact the balance of your oral microbiome. That’s just one reason why it's recommended to limit your alcohol use.

For cancer prevention, MD Anderson experts say it is best to avoid alcohol. However, while no alcohol is best, women who choose to drink should have no more than one drink a day, and men no more than two drinks a day.

Avoid smoking

In addition to increasing your cancer risk, smoking can also negatively impact the health of your oral microbiome. 

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or call 1-877-632-6789.