Does mouthwash kill the good bacteria in your mouth?
Awareness of our gut microbiome, and how it functions, has never been higher on the health agenda, with the advice – and probiotic products – supporting it advancing quicker than butter sinking into a crumpet. Now, the oral microbiome is garnering attention too, as it's considered the second largest microbial community in the human body.
But what exactly is the oral microbiome? And how does it impact our health? Dr Reena Wadia, a leading periodontist and founder of RW Perio in London, reveals everything you need to know.
What is the oral microbiome?
'The oral microbiome is the community of microorganisms that reside in the human mouth and plays a vital role in oral health and disease.'
'After the gut, the oral microbial is the second largest microbial community in humans harbouring over 700 species of bacteria. The whole body is connected, so it is vital to look after your overall health, which is naturally linked to oral health.'
How the oral microbiome affects our health
The mouth’s bad bacteria can not only travel to the gut, but all over the body, which studies suggest can cause a range of problems such as:
Cardiovascular disease
Cancer
Alzheimer’s disease
Arthritis
Adverse pregnancy outcomes
Oral bacteria can also travel to the nervous system and influence mood
What affects your oral microbiome?
'Food consumption, suboptimal oral hygiene practices and lifestyle factors such as smoking, vaping and alcohol consumption can all cause disruption to your oral microbiome,' schools Dr Wadia. Here's how:
Diet and Food Choices: 'Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the oral microbiome. Foods high in sugars and refined carbohydrates can fuel harmful bacteria, leading to the formation of acids that erode enamel and contribute to plaque buildup. Processed foods and those lacking in fibre and essential nutrients can hinder the growth of beneficial bacteria that protect against harmful microorganisms. These nutrient-poor foods don’t stimulate saliva production as effectively as whole foods, and saliva is essential for neutralising acids and washing away food particles.'
Poor or inconsistent oral hygiene: 'This allows plaque - a sticky film of bacteria - to build up on teeth and gums, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. When plaque isn’t regularly removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by professional cleaning and contributes to gum inflammation.'
Smoking: 'This habit introduces toxins that impair the immune response in the mouth and directly impact gum tissue, promoting an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive. This leads to a higher risk of gum disease and reduces the mouth’s ability to heal.'
Vaping: 'Though sometimes considered less harmful than smoking, has its own risks. Many vaping liquids contain chemicals that can irritate and dry out the oral tissues, potentially altering the balance of the microbiome. Some research suggests that vaping can increase susceptibility to gum inflammation, a key component of gum disease.'
Alcohol consumption: 'Particularly in high amounts or when using alcohol-based mouthwashes frequently, can dry out the mouth. Reduced saliva production disrupts the microbiome, as saliva plays a key role in balancing bacterial populations and removing waste. Excessive alcohol consumption is also linked to gum disease, tooth decay, and an increased risk of oral cancer.'
Can mouthwash affect your oral microbiome?
'Using overly harsh oral care products or excessive mouthwash can strip away beneficial bacteria along with the harmful ones. This disruption may create an imbalance in the microbiome, sometimes allowing pathogenic bacteria to dominate,' she reveals.
If you're wondering "is it good to use mouthwash every day?" Dr Wadia says, 'mouthwash is good as a breath freshener but should be used at a different time to brushing, or it will wash away all the important ‘good stuff’, i.e. fluoride in the toothpaste. ' Ultimately, 'mouthwash can be helpful but think of it as a luxury for your smile to use in addition to your cleaning routine not in place of it.'
How to look after your oral microbiome
'Managing the mouth’s microbiome is essential for maintaining not only oral health but also overall well-being. The mouth is home to a complex community of bacteria, both beneficial and potentially harmful. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to an increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and even systemic health issues,' explains Dr Wadia.
6 ways to improve the health of your oral microbiome
'Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help support a healthy oral environment, reducing the risk of inflammation and gum disease.
An optimal oral hygiene regime is also important for long-term stability. It ensures your gums are left pink and healthy, eliminates bad taste, and enables your teeth to remain in the desired position.
Creating the healthiest smile starts with the gums – ensure that you are brushing twice a day with a rechargeable electric toothbrush, use the correct interdental brushes to clean between your teeth.
Don’t forget the rest of your mouth! TikTok videos tagged ‘tonguescraper’ are amassing 253M views. This simple practice ensures you can remove 95% of harmful bacteria in a simple scrape. Forget disposable and plastic versions – gold and silver options designed to clinical grade standards ensure superior results.
When it comes to professionally cleaning in-clinic, Airflow is the very best and latest tech to air polish teeth and for the disinfection of your mouth. The powder used has natural antibacterial properties and will leave you with "The Gleam" – that smooth, dentist-fresh feeling and a noticeably brighter look.
Practicing gentle but thorough oral hygiene - such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and possibly using a mouth rinse with antimicrobial but microbiome-friendly ingredients - helps maintain a balanced oral ecosystem.'
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