The oral microbiome is the community of over 700 types of microbes (mostly bacteria, plus fungi, viruses, and more) that live in the mouth. They colonise on the teeth, tongue, gums, cheeks, and in the saliva. Some microbes are beneficial and have a protective effect on teeth and gums, some are neutral, and others can become harmful if they are given the opportunity to overgrow. When the balance is disrupted (known as dysbiosis), disease often follows.
Signs and symptoms of oral microbiome imbalance
● Tooth decay and cavities
● Gum disease
● Bad breath (halitosis)
● Dry mouth
● Oral thrush (fungal overgrowth)
● Frequent mouth infections or sores
● Inflammation or burning sensation
Why is the oral microbiome important?
1. Maintains Oral Health
Prevents Disease-Causing Overgrowth. Good microbes help control potentially harmful ones by:
● Competing for nutrients and space by crowding out the bad or potentially pathogenic bacteria
● Producing antimicrobial peptides
● Modulating the immune system
Key Protection Against:
● Dental caries (cavities) — e.g., Streptococcus mutans overgrowth leads to acid production and enamel damage
● Gingivitis and periodontitis — caused by inflammation driven by Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and others (the microbes mentioned in this section are tested in our oral microbiome test)
● Oral thrush — fungal overgrowth, often due to immune suppression or antibiotic use
2. Immune System Regulation
The oral microbiome:
● Influences the immune system and educates it on which microbes to tolerate vs. attack
● Helps maintain oral mucosal barrier integrity
● Produces immune-modulating molecules, such as SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids)
If disrupted, it can cause:
● Chronic inflammation
● Autoimmune flare-ups
● Heightened allergic responses
3. Linked to Systemic Health
The oral microbiome is closely tied to multiple whole-body systems, because oral microbes (or their byproducts) can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums or dental procedures. Associated conditions include:
● Heart disease
● Diabetes
● Alzheimer’s disease
● Autoimmunity
● Pregnancy complications
● And even some cancers (such as oral)
4. Impacts the digestive system
● Digestion begins in the gut. Along with enzymes such as amylase and lipase contained in saliva to break down carbohydrates and fats, the oral microbiome also interacts with food particles to begin metabolising certain nutrients before they enter the stomach.
● A healthy oral microbiome helps to filter out pathogenic bacteria before it reaches the gut helping to prevent damage to the gut barrier and limiting intestinal permeability which can trigger the immune system and cause inflammation and disease.
5. Impact when the oral microbiome becomes imbalanced
● Loss of good/beneficial microbes can result in an increased opportunistic pathogens
● Increased acidity can result in tooth enamel demineralisation and cavities
● Chronic inflammation can increase the risk of periodontal disease and bone loss
● Systemic inflammation is linked to heart, brain gur and reproduction disorders.
Tips for Supporting a Healthy Oral Microbiome
● Regular brushing and flossing
● Use of non-alcoholic mouthwash to preserve beneficial microbes – We love Bio Me Oral – a probiotic mouthwash which supports the oral microbiome.
- Buy Bio Me Oral Mouthwash HERE
● Consider a toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite which can help remineralise tooth enamel, reducing the risk of cavities such as RiseWell.
- Buy Risewell Toothpaste HERE
● Limiting sugar and refined carbs
● Diet rich in fibre, probiotics, and polyphenols
● Staying hydrated
● Managing stress (which can alter microbial balance)
Further support at Body Fabulous
Oral Microbiome Test - This test can help identify good and bad bacteria linked to oral and gut health.
Book a General Advice Call - Speak with our clinical team who can advise on the right testing or supplements based on your symptoms and needs.
