Did you know? Your body is home to trillions of tiny organisms that work alongside your cells. These microorganisms settle into different parts of your body and form unique communities that quietly play a big role in keeping you healthy. Your mouth is actually home to one of the most diverse of these ecosystems—more than 700 different bacterial species live on your teeth, gums, tongue, and throat.

When balanced, your oral microbes do a lot of important work. They help keep your teeth and gums healthy, kickstart digestion, and act as a natural defense against harmful bacteria. But what's less commonly understood is how closely your oral health is tied to the rest of your body, particularly your digestive system.

A two-way street between your mouth and gut

Every time you swallow, millions of mouth bacteria pass through your digestive tract and interact with the microbes already in your gut. Research shows that nearly half of the bacteria in your mouth are also found in your gut, showing just how interconnected these two systems are. This relationship is known as the oral-gut axis.

With good, consistent oral care, mouth bacteria pass through your system smoothly, keeping your gut microbes balanced. But if your oral care habits slip, like skipping brushing or flossing, harmful bacteria can start to build up and inflammation increases. Over time, that imbalance can travel beyond your mouth and disrupt the microbial balance deeper in your digestive system.

The cost of neglecting your oral health

In most cases, your digestive system is strong and handles oral bacteria without any problem. However, when the balance is off and there is more harmful inflammatory bacteria in your mouth, these bacteria are more likely to reach your gut. Studies have linked gum disease bacteria and increased gut permeability, inflammation, and immune response. This has been shown to exacerbate conditions such as inflammatory bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. There is also a strong link between gum disease and colorectal cancer.

A state of inflammation in the gut can also affect vitamin absorption and increase the demand for vitamins, particularly vitamins B12, C, D, and the fat-soluble vitamins A, E, and K. These nutrients are important for energy, immunity, and repairing your body, so when your gut can’t absorb them properly, the effects can ripple throughout your body. 

Inflammation in the mouth or gut can also disrupt your gut-brain axis, affecting mood, stress response, and even contributing to anxiety or low mood.

Keeping your microbiome in check

The good news is that supporting a healthy oral microbiome doesn't require anything complicated. It starts with the basics: brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with your regular dental cleanings.

Professional dental cleanings at The Assembly can help you catch what daily brushing and flossing alone can’t. We spot early inflammation, check gum health, and catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems. These visits also let us track changes over time and adjust care, whether that’s treating sensitivity, recommending targeted periodontal therapy, or simply reinforcing the habits that are already working well.

Oral health = whole health

Your mouth and gut are more connected than most people realize. When one is out of balance, the other can be too. We see this every day, which is why we look beyond just teeth and gums. Whether you’re keeping up with your routine or noticing changes, we’re here to answer your questions and help you stay on top of potential concerns. Book your next visit and let’s take a closer look together.

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