Did you know that dentists have the capability to improve your oral and overall health using knowledge in oral microbiome? In fact, they can offer targeted treatments and prevention strategies by simply understanding how microbial imbalances can contribute to dental diseases.
What Is Oral Microbiome?
This term refers to the complex community of microorganisms living inside your mouth. These include bacteria, fungi, and viruses, as well as other microbes that cohabitate and play a crucial role in maintaining oral and overall health.
Characteris tics of Oral Microbiome
There are at least hundreds of microbial species living on your tongue, teeth, gums, and cheeks, not to mention your saliva. They live in a diverse ecosystem and a dynamic environment in which their balance is influenced by several factors, including diet, oral hygiene, and overall health.
The main function of the oral microbiome is to protect against disease. This is done with beneficial bacteria acting as a defence in preventing harmful microbes from causing infections like gum disease or cavities. They also help in breaking down food particles and initiating digestion. Moreover, they interact with the immune system by helping it respond to threats appropriately.
If the oral microbiome is out of balance, harmful bacteria can increase exponentially. This can lead to several issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, or increased risk of systemic issues. In fact, this can be linked to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
You can avoid this from happening by maintaining a healthy oral microbiome. You can do this by practicing good oral hygiene like brushing or flossing. Apart from that, you may avoid excessive sugar and processed food intake. If possible, include probiotics in your diet and visit your dentist in Wagga Wagga regularly.
How Dentists Use Oral Microbiome
Dentists use their knowledge of oral microbiome to understand any imbalance that may contribute to dental diseases.
- Diagnose oral conditions
It is the expertise of dentists to identify signs of an imbalanced oral microbiome, including tooth decay, gum disease, or persistent bad breath. They also use advanced testing like microbial DNA analysis to help pinpoint specific bacteria causing inflammation or infections.
- Provide personalised treatment plans
Dentists may also prescribe medication to target harmful bacteria without harming beneficial microbes. This is in the form of antibiotics or antimicrobials. On the other hand, they can also use probiotics or probiotic supplements or mouth rinses to restore the microbial balance inside your mouth.
- Offer preventative care
You can also maintain a healthy oral microbiome with proper guidance from your dentist. They will encourage you to take proper oral hygiene and give advice on a diet that will support beneficial bacteria. They can also recommend products like fluoride toothpaste and antimicrobial rinses whenever necessary.
- Manage systemic conditions
Note that imbalances to the oral microbiome are linked to systemic diseases; dentists work hand-in-hand with other healthcare providers to better manage overall health risks. For instance, you may reduce inflammation that will affect the rest of your body by controlling gum disease.
Dentists can also conduct regular check-ups to help monitor the microbiome. This is essential to determine the early signs of dysbiosis that will allow for the timely intervention before any serious conditions will develop.
