White teeth are not the sole measure of good oral health any more than a lean frame equates to overall health. The condition of your gums, teeth, facial bones, blood flow, and digestive health significantly impacts your overall health. Among the numerous oral health issues, gingivitis and periodontitis are particularly notable for their potential to influence gut health. However, your gut health also has just as much influence on your oral health.
“To put it into perspective, if your hands bled when you washed them, would you be concerned?” This direct quote from Coach Meredith (RDH) to one of her patients highlights a critical point. There is only one instance where bleeding is considered a potential sign of health: a woman’s monthly menstruation, and even then, there are stipulations and guidelines in place.
Your body is not Vegas, What happens in the gut and oral cavity does not stay there. Remember it is a top down process with digestion beginning in the oral cavity.
Gingivitis, Periodontitis, and Gut Health
Gingivitis can be an early stage of gum disease possibly characterized by inflammation, redness, and bleeding gums. It can be caused by many reasons, some even rather benign however even with this inflammation is a yellow flag at the very least. This disease is primarily, not only, caused by plaque buildup on the teeth and on (ultimately under) the gums, leading to bacterial proliferation. Think of this as “leaky gums” just like we have discussed leaky gut or intestinal permeability. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. It is important to note you do not have to have or ever had to have gingivitis to have periodontitis. Periodontitis involves the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including bone.
But how do these oral diseases in the mouth connect to the gut?
Ways Oral Health Affects Gut Health:
Note: this is not an exhaustive list
The bacteria causing gingivitis can enter the bloodstream through highly permeable gum tissue, potentially affecting distant organs, including the gut. These bacteria can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to digestive issues and systemic inflammation. This works vice versa as well which can end up feeling like quite the hamster wheel.
The bacteria causing gingivitis affects the attachment site of the gum tissue to the tooth allowing bacteria to cause attachment loss not only affecting the tissue but not potentially affecting and infecting the tooth as well as jaw bone (periodontitis).
The advanced infection in periodontitis allows more virulent bacteria to enter the bloodstream, reaching the gut and potentially altering its microbiome. These pathogenic bacteria can outcompete beneficial gut bacteria, leading to dysbiosis.
Periodontitis can exacerbate systemic inflammatory conditions, contributing to gut disorders such as IBD. The systemic inflammation can also worsen symptoms of existing digestive conditions.
Immune Response: Persistent gingivitis and periodontitis can dysregulate the immune system, affecting its ability to manage gut microbiota and leading to imbalances that disrupt gut health. This immune imbalance can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and chronic digestive issues.
Ways Gut Health Affects Oral Health:
Note: this is not an exhaustive list
The gut microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. An imbalance in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can lead to the proliferation of harmful bacteria.
These harmful bacteria can travel through the bloodstream to the oral cavity, increasing the risk and severity of gingivitis and periodontitis.
Digestive issues such as malabsorption can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, D and virtually anything, which are vital for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Vitamin C deficiency, for example, can lead to scurvy (not common to this degree but vitamin C deficiency is more common than we may think), characterized by bleeding gums and loose teeth. Lack of vitamin D can weaken the teeth and bones, making them more susceptible to decay and periodontal disease. Lack of B Vitamins can also show up in the tissues.
DO NOT RUN OUT AND BUY ALL THE SUPPLEMENTS! Address the issues , although supplementation is likely as a second step
Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis involve chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which can extend to the oral cavity, causing mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, and other oral issues.
Acid reflux (we did a great Instagram post on symptoms that you may not be aware of HERE as well one on low stomach acid HERE and HERE ) and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus and mouth. The acid can erode tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity, cavities, and even tooth loss over time.
Practical Steps to Address Both Oral and Gut Health
Improve Your at Home Oral Hygiene Routine: Regular brushing, flossing, salt water rinses and professional cleanings are essential. Consider using a water flosser to enhance interdental cleaning, which can not only lavage the tissue but break up and flush plaque.
Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration supports saliva production, which helps maintain oral health and prevent dry mouth. Drinking plenty of water can also support digestive processes and gut health.
A nutrient-rich diet supports both oral and gut health. Reduce processed foods and increase intake of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Meal Hygiene: chewing your food well, placing your utensils down between bites. Remember digestion starts in our oral cavity (technically prior). Which leads us to our next point .
Stress management techniques and regulating your nervous system techniques like mindfulness and regular exercise can improve systemic and gut health. Reducing stress can lower inflammation levels, benefiting both oral and digestive health. Good meal hygiene while eating can be very beneficial practice. Remember digestion is promoted during rest and digest, not flight or fight.
Review Medications: Consult with a healthcare provider about the impact of medications on oral and gut health. Alternatives or adjustments may be necessary to minimize negative effects on saliva production and gut function.
Seek Professional Guidance: Regular dental check-ups and professional advice can ensure comprehensive care and early intervention as well as prevention.
If you would like more individual support either via 1 on 1 coaching or a professional 1 on1 consultation with one of our coaches or if you are a coach wanting to have deeper conversations in a 1 on 1 or group setting reach out to us today!