Oral Health and Your Brain
Apr 09, 2026
We hear quite a bit about the gut microbiome, or the collection of microbes that live in our digestive tract, but did you know there is also a unique microbiome in your mouth?
The collection of over 700 species of microbes in your mouth help initiate digestion, maintain the proper oral pH, protect against foreign pathogens and helps the immune system differentiate beneficial from harmful microbes. Disruptions in this microbiome can have local impacts such as cavities, tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Dysbiosis of the oral microbiome can also have systemic impacts. It has been found to contribute to cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, rheumatoid arthritis and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Research has shown that the inflammation produced from gingivitis and periodontitis doesn’t stay just in the mouth. In fact, the bacteria, P. gingivalis, itself has been found in postmortem brain tissue of Alzheimer’s patients along with toxic enzymes called gingipains. In the brain, the bacteria and gingipains can damage neurons, increase amyloid-B production and trigger the microglia cells of the brain’s immune system, causing more inflammation. Chronic inflammation from gum disease may weaken the blood-brain barrier which would make it easier for other bacteria, inflammatory molecules and toxins like heavy metals to enter the brain and fuel more neuron damage.
While it hasn’t been found that oral issues directly cause Alzheimer’s disease, their destructive nature doesn’t promote good brain health and can accelerate neurodegenerative processes already in progress. Practicing good dental care is an important modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline.
To protect your oral health, you can practice tongue scraping, daily flossing and brushing with a toothpaste that supports the oral microbiome. Avoid harsh mouthwash products that strip the microbiome and can alter the pH, don’t smoke and get regular dental check ups for early intervention.
Taking care of the gut microbiome can also positively impact the oral microbiome. We sometimes think of bacteria and microbes as being bad things that make us sick, but our bodies have developed important relationships with many species that help protect us and promote health so it is vital to our overall wellbeing to maintain this balance.
Source:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30746447/
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