Change Your Oral Health to Support Your Digestive System

By Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis

You’ve likely read about the colonic microbiome (studied through stool testing) and perhaps you have read about the small intestine microbiome, which is less studied, but have you heard of the oral microbiome? The mouth, teeth and gums (gingiva) have a unique microbiological community with organisms including bacteria, fungi, archaea, viruses and protozoa. The predominant bacteria are Streptococcus, Veillonella (both in the genus Firmicutes) and Prevotella (of the Bacteroidetes genus) although there may be hundreds of species.

The bacteria and other microbes interact to form biofilms which can be healthy normal biofilms or more chronic disease forming types. These are present on the surface of teeth, gums and below the gum surface. The chronic disease- associated biofilms (dysbiotic) are associated with dental cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease). These complex biofilms composed of bacteria and other oral microbes produce acidic products that can degrade bone, enamel and teeth as well as stimulate excess inflammation in the gingiva. Pockets form between the gingiva and the roots of teeth which, if not corrected, become deeper and more inflamed. A final stage includes loosening and loss of teeth due to bone loss and destruction of ligaments that support the tooth.

These types of changes in the oralbiome have distant effects in other body systems. Well researched examples include coronary heart disease, premature birth and rheumatoid arthritis. Saliva is an essential part of the sea in which these organisms live. Saliva deposits something called the pellicle which adheres to all surfaces of teeth. Saliva has numerous functions including buffering acidity, depositing minerals into teeth, protecting and lubricating the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth, starting the digestive process and controlling bacterial growth. Saliva is food for bacteria but also controls overgrowth via antimicrobial factors.

Active salivary components include secretory IgA (an important surface antibody), lysozyme (an enzyme that destroys certain microbes), lactoferrin (robs microbes of iron that they need for growth), mucin and amylase (starch digestive enzyme that also controls bacterial growth).

Emotions affect the oral microbiome through saliva as well. Parasympathetic stimulation (vagal nerve “rest and digest”) produces watery saliva while sympathetic stimulation (“fright, flight or freeze”) produces more viscous (stringy, bubbly or thick) saliva.

Why all this concern about saliva? Healthy humans produce 1.0-1.5 liters of saliva per day which is swallowed into the esophagus and travels to the stomach. The stomach contains many of the same factors as saliva, but also hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin (a protein digestive enzyme). The acid and enzyme further control bacterial growth. Consider the situation in which someone has dysbiotic oral flora. They may be swallowing up to 1.5 liters of infected saliva, teeming with dysbiotic bacteria, fungi, etc. If they, in addition, are taking any of the commonly prescribed acid suppressive medications (ie proton pump inhibitors) or have a decreased production of HCl or pepsin due to various chronic health conditions – these organisms may lead to bacterial overgrowth in the upper GI tract. Bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine is the most common cause of irritable bowel syndrome and is associated with dozens of other disease states.

Factors that can change a healthy oral microbiome (eubiotic) to a disease-causing oral microbiome (dysbiotic) include consuming sucrose and other sugars, genetics, age, antibiotic and steroid treatment, tobacco use and chronic diseases. An individualized program for improving the health of the oralbiome may include diet and various natural medicines.

Therapeutic diets such as sucrose-free, sugar-free and low fermentation diets (specific carbohydrate diet, SIBO food guide, FODMAPs, and others), have been effective for some people with oral dysbiosis. Other options include xylitol (a sugar alcohol which supports healthy biofilms), Aloe vera, arginine (an amino acid), oil pulling (pulling sesame, coconut or ozonated oil back and forth through the teeth), herbal mouthwashes such as Glyco Thymoline (a unique thyme based product approved by the ADA as a treatment for gingivitis), propolis (from bee pollen) and green tea. If more advanced dental abscesses have formed, a biological dentist may inject ozone into the gums which is often highly effective in clearing infections.

How to Use Oil Pulling

1 tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil is not just swished in the mouth, but sucked back and forth in the spaces between teeth. This is continued for 15-20 minutes daily and then spit out.* Research gives evidence that oil pulling has the following effects:

• Produces antioxidants which damage the bacterial cell wall and kill microorganisms.

• Attracts the fat in the bacterial cell walls, causing bacteria to stick to the oil. 

• After 5 minutes, the oil gets emulsified (oil mixes with watery saliva) and the surface area increases making it more effective at grabbing bacteria. 

• Coats the teeth and gingiva and inhibits bacteria from accumulating and forming plaque.

These effects of oil pulling can help prevent and treat bad breath, dental cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis.

*In order to avoid the possibility of clogging the plumbing, it is recommended one spit the oil into a trash receptacle rather than down the drain.

Hive Mind Medicine blog posts are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your health care practitioner for personalized guidance.