Bad breath. Have people close to you suddenly started mentioning that your breath is unpleasant, when it never used to be? It could well be down to an imbalance in your oral flora! Halitosis — the scientific term for bad breath — can be caused by pathogenic bacteria, which release sulphur-based compounds that disperse into the air.
Too much plaque and tartar. Pathogenic bacteria, combined with saliva, sugars, acids, and proteins, form a whitish deposit called plaque on and between the teeth. After 48 hours, plaque hardens into tartar — a porous, resistant layer that helps bacteria to anchor themselves. Plaque builds up day after day, even with regular brushing, but an excessive tartar build-up can indicate an imbalance in the oral microbiome.
Cavity formation. An imbalance in the oral flora increases the likelihood of cavities developing. Bacteria proliferating in the plaque between or on the teeth produce acids that directly attack the tooth's enamel, demineralising it. They progressively destroy the tooth, which — if the cavity is left untreated — can be eaten away down to the pulp, causing pain.
Gingivitis. Bacteria developing in the plaque along the gum line cause localised inflammation of the gums: this is gingivitis. The most common symptoms are swollen, bleeding, red gums with a smooth appearance. It should not be taken lightly, and if left untreated quickly enough, it can lead to periodontitis.
Non-local conditions. Periodontitis, or periodontal disease, is an infectious disease characterised by the loosening of teeth, the progressive destruction of the surrounding tissue, bone, and gums, and — over the long term — tooth loss. But the effects are not only local: pathogenic bacteria can cause a weakening of the immune system, lung abscesses, abdominal discomfort, or localised inflammation of the liver. A microbiome imbalance can occur for several reasons: age, changes in diet, oral hygiene habits, or medication use.
The best way to prevent an oral microbiome imbalance is to brush your teeth regularly — and don't forget to brush your tongue to dislodge bacteria lurking there! Remember to floss and use a toothpick to tackle plaque build-up. Finally, adding prebiotics to your oral hygiene routine is excellent for your microbiome: they nourish the good bacteria in your body, helping it to fight off harmful pathogenic bacteria!
