Oral microbiota found to contribute to overall state of human health

Researchers from Tsinghua University in China looked at how oral microbiota impacts human health. Their review was published in Food Science and Human Wellness. 

• An estimated 700 microorganisms in the human cavity form the oral microbiota. This includes different types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
• Oral microbiota is linked with gut microbiota, but they have distinctions. For instance, diet and the environment heavily influence gut microbiota but only have minimal effects on oral microbiota.
• Oral microbiota can reach the digestive system in three ways:
  • Through the esophagus
  • Through periodontal blood
  • Through metabolites entering the bloodstream
• Studies have shown that oral-derived bacteria can colonize the intestines. This can activate the intestinal immune system and induce chronic inflammation.
• Oral microbiota can influence the body through food, as well as food patterns and food extracts.
• Eating certain types of food has varying effects on the oral microbiota. For the study, food and diet patterns were considered.
• Metabolites produced by oral microbiota can influence the development of various oral diseases, such as dental caries, periodontitis, and oral cancer.
• Oral microbiota also plays a role in the regulation of systemic diseases. These diseases include diabetes, obesity, liver diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and some types of cancer.
• It is observed that the oral microbiota between healthy individuals and those who suffer from any of the latter conditions had significant differences in microdiversity and its populations.

The findings showed that oral microbiota affects human health in various ways.

Read the full study at this link.

Journal Reference:

Lu M, Xuan S, Wang Z. ORAL MICROBIOTA: A NEW VIEW OF BODY HEALTH. FOOD SCIENCE AND HUMAN WELLNESS. March 2019;8(1):8–15. DOI:10.1016/j.fshw.2018.12.001