The Dental-Gut Connection: How Your Mouth Affects Your Mood

We often think of our mouth and our stomach as separate systems, but new research suggests they are intimately connected highways of bacteria that influence our entire wellbeing.

The Oral Microbiome

Your mouth is the gatekeeper of your gut. Every time you swallow, you are seeding your gut microbiome with bacteria from your oral cavity. When oral hygiene is neglected, pathogenic bacteria can travel downstream, causing dysbiosis (imbalance) in the gut.

Systemic Inflammation

Gum disease (periodontitis) has been linked to increased systemic inflammation. This low-grade chronic inflammation is a known stressor on the body, elevating cortisol levels and potentially contributing to anxiety and fatigue.

What You Can Do

• Prioritize Oral Hygiene: It's not just about cavities; it's about protecting your internal ecosystem.
• Eat Prebiotic Foods: Foods rich in fiber feed good bacteria in both the mouth and the gut.
• Stay Hydrated: Saliva is your mouth's primary defense mechanism against bad bacteria.