Poor oral health and oral dysbiosis: what’s the link?

The oral cavity houses more than 700 types of bacteria. While some bacterial species are beneficial for dental and overall health, in some cases, they can play a role in the development of serious systemic illnesses.

Studies show that maintaining a balanced microbial ecosystem in the mouth is crucial for oral health and has a significant impact on how the body responds to various diseases. Dysbiosis, or an imbalanced oral microbiome, or ecosystem, can lead to various health issues ranging from common dental problems like cavities and gum disease to severe conditions such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.

Recent studies have revealed that oral dysbiosis may even be involved in the development of life-threatening digestive cancers. Digestive cancers include cancers located in the oesophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum. Their incidence and related mortality are increasing worldwide, with the majority of new cases of digestive cancers (63 per cent) and related deaths (65 per cent) occurring in Asia, followed by Europe and North America.