How to have a healthy mouth?

We can take great care with our food and cosmetics (we know we ingest a fair amount of lip balm and lipstick) and yet use conventional toothpaste three times a day without ever checking the ingredient list. Today, we're focusing on the oral microbiota and the influence of lifestyle on oral and dental health. As a bonus, naturopath Marie Le Troadec shares her experience—having a "cavity-prone mouth" isn't irreversible...

Our bodies are home to billions of microorganisms or bacteria that line our organs such as the intestines, mouth, skin, and vagina . These bacteria are referred to as the intestinal, vaginal, or oral "microbiota".

Just like our gut, often called our "second brain" because of its vast microbiota (more than 3 kg) and its impact on overall health, the mouth is home to a complex ecosystem , known as the oral microbiota.

While the gut microbiota captivates the attention of researchers and the public, the oral microbiota, closely connected to the gut microbiota, plays an important role in the good health of the mouth, teeth, digestion (and breath!).

What is the oral microbiota?

The oral microbiota is the collection of microorganisms (or bacteria) present in the oral cavity. Contrary to popular belief (mouthwashes are often 99% bactericidal!), not all of them need to be destroyed; quite the opposite! The oral microbiota is composed of more than 700 species of bacteria, not counting other microorganisms, which play an essential role in food digestion, protection against pathogens, and the regulation of various bodily functions. Each individual has a unique oral microbiota, influenced by genetics, diet, hygiene, and lifestyle.

The influence of the oral microbiota on our health

A healthy balance of the oral microbiota is essential for oral and overall health. An imbalance in this ecosystem, known as dysbiosis, can lead to tooth decay, periodontal diseases (such as gingivitis and periodontitis), infections, and more serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. The presence of certain pathogenic bacteria, in particular, can not only cause local inflammation but also affect the host's immune system.

The oral microbiota plays a vital role in oral health by preventing the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria responsible for cavities, gum disease, and infections. However, its influence is not limited to the oral cavity. Recent studies have revealed links between the composition of the oral microbiota and various medical conditions.

How to maintain a balanced oral microbiota?

To maintain a healthy oral microbiota, it is essential to adopt a regular oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing teeth twice a day with a suitable toothbrush, using dental floss (or interdental brushes) and periodic visits to the dentist.

A healthy lifestyle is essential for maintaining the health of the oral microbiota if you tend to have dental problems (see testimony of Marie Le Troadec below).

You can also use microbiotic dental care products. These contain prebiotics, which are non-digestible food compounds that serve as nourishment for beneficial bacteria, promoting their growth and activity. They may also contain natural extracts that neutralize pathogenic bacteria without disrupting the balance of the microbiota. These extracts work by inhibiting the ability of harmful bacteria to adhere to teeth and gums, thus preventing their proliferation.

We're absolutely loving The Smilist's natural and organic skincare routine . This routine, consisting of a toothpaste and a whitening serum, rebalances the oral microbiome thanks to a complex of prebiotics and goldenrod flower extract. Results in just 28 days for a healthy mouth and teeth! Thanks to François Bonnat, co-founder of the brand, for his invaluable insights into the oral microbiome.

The Testimony of Marie Le Troadec

Formerly prone to cavities, Marie has managed, through her lifestyle, to rebalance her oral microbiota and enjoy remarkable dental health after 30 years.

I discovered naturopathy seven years ago. Initially, I went because I was suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome, but I never imagined that this holistic approach would have such a profound impact on my health. I've since made it my profession and become a naturopath three years ago.

As a child, I had a lot of dental problems, including recurring cavities, eight tooth extractions, and four years of braces. Since the orthodontic treatment worked well, the only remaining issue I had as an adult was cavities. During my annual checkups, without fail, I had one, or even several, cavities. Between the ages of 20 and 25, I had five crowns and inlays fitted. So I had resigned myself to having a "cavity-prone mouth" for the rest of my life (and even though I eat very few sweets, it's unfair!).

But during my last check-ups, no more cavities. Healthy teeth. A quick cleaning and I'm good until next year. Being the naturopath that I am, I've come up with several hypotheses regarding my unexpected cure of my "cavity-prone mouth".

I would say the most likely answer lies in my gut microbiota/intestinal flora. These 3 kg of bacteria living in our intestines are good for us. It's been a hot topic in the medical field in recent years, because we're increasingly realizing that an imbalanced gut flora leads to a plethora of unpleasant symptoms. More and more people are affected. This is due, among other things, to our modern lifestyle: nutrient-poor diets, stress, sedentary habits, pollution, endocrine disruptors…

Over the past three years, I've made many changes to my daily life, particularly regarding my health. By focusing on the three pillars of naturopathy (diet, exercise, and stress and emotion management), I've rebalanced my gut flora. These three elements are directly linked to the health of your microbiota.

What does this have to do with cavities? It's not just gut flora; you also have oral flora (and skin flora! and vaginal flora!), and don't forget that the digestive system is a single tube that starts in the mouth. They influence each other, as does the rest of the body.

The inside of the mouth is a balanced ecosystem that is home to numerous bacteria and fungi. They contribute to the proper functioning of the oral cavity by maintaining healthy gums and teeth, as well as fighting against external aggressions and aiding in the predigestion of food. Bacteria in an unbalanced flora are therefore harmful and can lead to the proliferation of cavities, for example, even if you don't have a sweet tooth.

Ultimately, everything is connected: several symptoms, located in different parts of your body, can have the same cause. For example, a recent study demonstrated that a bacterium found in the mouth could be one of the causes of endometriosis.

My naturopathic tips:

1. Brushing your teeth vigorously with an unsuitable toothpaste can disrupt the balance of your oral (and therefore intestinal) flora. This can kill the beneficial bacteria and fungi that work to protect your teeth. Opt for natural, probiotic-based products.

2. Brushing your teeth too soon after a meal prevents digestive enzymes from doing their job and properly digesting your food. Do you brush your teeth quickly after eating and tend to experience bloating/gas? This could be one of the causes.

3. Digestion begins in the mouth: take the time to chew your food. I always put my fork down between bites to slow down and fully enjoy my meal.

4. The daily use, every morning, of a tongue scraper. The tongue scraper is placed at the back of the tongue and gently pulled forward several times to remove deposits, which helps reduce bad breath, improve oral hygiene and taste.

Learn more about the gut microbiota , what it does and how to ensure it is well nourished.