How Does Physical Activity Affect the Oral Microbiome?
Physical activity affects many systems in the body. Researchers are now studying whether regular exercise also influences the microorganisms that live in the mouth. The oral microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms found on the teeth, tongue, gums, saliva, and other oral surfaces. Current research suggests that physical activity can be associated with differences […]
How Do Sweeteners Affect the Oral Microbiome?
Sweeteners are often used to replace or reduce added sugar in foods, drinks, chewing gum, and other products. But “sweetener” is a broad term. Different sweeteners have different chemical properties and can interact with the oral environment in different ways. Some are fermented by oral microorganisms, while others are much less readily used as microbial […]
How Does Acid Reflux Affect the Oral Microbiome?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents move back toward the esophagus and, in some cases, reach the mouth. Because the mouth is connected to the upper digestive system, repeated exposure to gastric contents can change the conditions experienced by oral tissues, saliva, teeth, and microorganisms. Researchers have therefore investigated whether acid reflux is associated with […]
How Does Sleep Duration Affect the Oral Microbiome?
Sleep is an important part of health, and researchers are increasingly studying how sleep may interact with the microbiome. The oral microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms living on the teeth, tongue, gums, saliva, and other surfaces of the mouth. Recent research suggests that sleep duration is associated with differences in the diversity and […]
How Does Obstructive Sleep Apnea Affect the Oral Microbiome?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which the upper airway repeatedly becomes narrowed or blocked during sleep. Because sleep apnea can influence breathing patterns, saliva, oxygen conditions, inflammation, and oral health, researchers have also investigated whether it is associated with changes in the oral microbiome. The available evidence suggests that people with […]
How Does Mouth Breathing Affect the Oral Microbiome?
Breathing through the mouth instead of primarily through the nose can change the environment inside the mouth. The oral microbiome depends on conditions such as moisture, saliva, oxygen availability, temperature, nutrients, and the surfaces where microorganisms live. When mouth breathing is frequent or persistent, these conditions may change. Research, particularly in children, has found differences […]
How Does Oral Hygiene Affect the Oral Microbiome?
Oral hygiene does more than make the teeth feel clean. Brushing, cleaning between the teeth, and other daily hygiene practices change the amount of dental plaque and the conditions in which microorganisms live. The goal of good oral hygiene is not to eliminate the oral microbiome. The mouth naturally contains a large and diverse community […]
How Does Menopause Affect the Oral Microbiome?
How Does Menopause Affect the Oral Microbiome? Menopause is a natural stage of life marked by major changes in hormone levels. Because hormones influence many tissues and biological processes, the transition through menopause can also affect the mouth. The oral microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms living on the teeth, tongue, gums, saliva, and […]
How Does Alcohol Affect the Oral Microbiome?
Alcohol can affect the body in many ways, and the mouth is one of the first areas exposed to it. The oral microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms that lives on the teeth, tongue, gums, saliva, and other surfaces of the mouth. Research suggests that alcohol consumption is associated with differences in the composition […]
How Do Non-Antibiotic Medications Affect the Oral Microbiome?
How Do Non-Antibiotic Medications Affect the Oral Microbiome? Medications can influence the body in many ways, and some of their effects may also reach the oral environment. The oral microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms living on the teeth, tongue, gums, saliva, and other surfaces of the mouth. While antibiotics are specifically designed to […]