Building a healthy oral flora – warning signs and aids

A healthy oral microbiome is often underestimated, yet it is extremely important for overall well-being. Among other things, a healthy oral microbiome can ward off infections and maintain dental health.

This text explains how to build a healthy oral flora, what warning signs to look out for, and what role probiotics play in maintaining a healthy oral flora.

What is the oral flora and why should you build up a healthy oral flora?

When we talk about oral flora, we mean the microorganisms found in the oral cavity. Typically, the oral flora contains several hundred or even thousands of different bacteria and fungi that act as a protective barrier against diseases and infections. However, harmful bacteria – such as the caries-causing Streptococcus mutans – are also found in the oral cavity.

The term "flora" is somewhat misleading in this context. This stems from the earlier view that bacteria, for example, belong to the plant kingdom. Therefore, in dentistry, the oral flora is now also referred to as a microorganism community or microorganism group. However, the term "oral flora" is still commonly used in everyday language.

Important information about the oral flora:

• Proper names: microorganism community or microorganism society
• It consists of several hundred or thousand different bacteria.
• A healthy oral flora prevents inflammation and infections.
• Nutrition and oral hygiene are essential factors.

Why are bacteria found in the oral cavity?

Many people immediately think of bacteria and fungi as harmful invaders that impair and endanger our health. But that's not quite right. Rather, these very bacteria and fungi – as in the gut flora – play an important role in preventing harm to our health.

For example, there is the bacterium Streptococcus salivarius. Its functions include defense against pathogens and inflammation. Of course, there are also harmful strains. One of these is Streptococcus mutans. This bacterium can cause tooth decay, which can lead not only to poor teeth but also to bad breath and other health problems.

Where do the bacteria in the mouth come from?

The oral flora develops immediately after birth. This is because microorganisms only have the opportunity to colonize the oral cavity after birth. While the fetus is still developing, these microorganisms are not yet present.

Generally speaking, the oral flora needs time to develop. Bacteria are introduced into the oral cavity in various ways, such as through pacifiers or baby bottles. In this way, parents become, in a sense, "carriers" of the bacteria. But don't worry: As already mentioned, bacteria in the oral cavity are completely normal and nothing to be concerned about.

What disrupts the oral flora?

If you want to build a healthy oral microbiome, diet plays an important role. Especially nowadays, many foods contain sugar, which has been proven to promote tooth decay. Besides sugar, there are other factors that are detrimental to a healthy oral microbiome.

Alcohol also promotes the growth of harmful bacteria and plays a role in inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. The consumption of tobacco smoke, medications, inadequate oral hygiene, or a compromised immune system can disrupt the oral flora. If this complex system becomes unbalanced, not only inflammation in the mouth and throat, but also other diseases can result.

What role does diet play in the oral flora?

As mentioned earlier, diet is an important factor when it comes to oral health. Too many sugary foods harm the oral flora and promote the development of cavities. And untreated cavities, in turn, lead to bad breath and tooth loss, among other things. A healthy diet is therefore key to building a healthy oral flora.

Foods that can promote a healthy oral flora include dairy products. The calcium they contain, among other things, strengthens teeth. Fish, with its omega-3 fatty acids, tea, and fresh fruits and vegetables can also have a positive effect on the oral flora. These foods encourage the colonization of the oral cavity by beneficial bacteria.

What symptoms indicate poor oral flora?

How can you tell if you have a healthy or unhealthy oral microbiome? The symptoms of an unhealthy oral microbiome are varied, but usually easy to identify. Of course, tooth decay, which is often accompanied by inflammation of the tooth root, is a particularly well-known symptom.

But other symptoms can also indicate poor oral flora. For example, if you have an above-average number of mouth ulcers or other inflammations in the oral cavity, this could also be one of the symptoms. Fungal infections, bad breath, gum inflammation, or unusually thick coatings on the tongue are also signs of poor oral flora.

The most common symptoms at a glance:

• Bad breath
• caries
• Periodontitis
• gum inflammation
• Canker sores
• Inflammation of the oral mucosa
• Coating on the tongue
• Tooth root inflammation

How do you restore the balance of your oral flora?

If these or other symptoms occur, you will naturally want to restore a healthy oral flora and ensure that the bothersome accompanying symptoms disappear. If you follow a few tips and guidelines, this goal is not so difficult to achieve.

The importance of diet as a crucial factor has already been mentioned several times. Reduce the amount of sugary foods in your diet. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can also help restore balance to your oral flora. Eating healthy foods is essential for a healthy oral microbiome.

Oral hygiene is also an important factor.

In addition to a sensible, balanced diet, good oral hygiene can also help build a healthy oral flora. This starts with regular tooth brushing (at least twice a day). Cleaning between the teeth and the tongue is also important in this context. Special tongue scrapers or toothbrushes with a suitable backing are available for the latter.

When it comes to cleaning your teeth, you should have a professional dental cleaning at your dentist at least once a year. This allows them to clean areas that are difficult to reach yourself. Health insurance companies usually cover one professional dental cleaning per year. Removing tartar also helps improve the oral flora.

What home remedies can be used to restore the oral flora?

If you want to restore your oral flora using home remedies, one or more of these can help. Mouthwashes are an effective – and very simple – option. Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, rinses with chamomile, sage, calendula, or thyme are particularly suitable.

Furthermore, the teas already mentioned are a good home remedy. It's important to avoid adding sugar. Another option is "oil pulling." This involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for a few minutes and then spitting it out. It's important to make sure you also pull the oil through your teeth.

Which tablets/probiotics can you use to rebuild your oral flora?

Medications or tablets are also a good option if you want to establish a healthy oral flora. Preparations containing probiotics are particularly relevant here. One product you can take is Lactolux forte.

Lactolux forte is a high-dose probiotic. Lactobacillus bulgaricus plays a key role. The perfectly balanced formula ensures a synergistic effect. The benefits of Lactolux forte extend beyond a healthy oral flora. Hair, nails, the gastrointestinal tract, and the immune system also benefit from its use.

How to rebuild your oral flora after antibiotic treatment

If you have had to take antibiotics due to illness, it is necessary to rebuild a healthy oral flora afterward. Why? Well, while antibiotics do fight the bad bacteria in the body, they don't only kill the good bacteria. The good bacteria also fall victim to antibiotic treatment. Therefore, you need to rebuild a healthy oral flora afterward.

The gastrointestinal tract can also become unbalanced after a course of antibiotics. In this case, it also makes sense to pay attention to the oral flora, as this – assuming a healthy state – also has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. This can help prevent side effects such as diarrhea or fungal infections.

How do children develop a healthy oral flora?

One of the most important things is good oral hygiene right from childhood. This ensures that beneficial bacteria colonize the oral cavity from the start. The oral flora is not disrupted by harmful bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans. This bacterium is already present in the oral cavity shortly after birth.

Holistic dental hygiene for children – as for adults – includes professional teeth cleaning, cleaning between the teeth and gum pockets, and regular mouth rinses.

Special attention should be paid to nutrition in childhood

Especially during childhood, it's important to pay attention to nutrition. As few sugary foods and drinks as possible, high-quality dairy products, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables – all the virtues that help adults build a healthy oral flora also apply to children.

Conclusion

There are several ways to build a healthy oral flora. An important factor is, of course, a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, high-quality dairy products, and low in sugar. These things should be followed from childhood onward to prevent harmful bacteria from even having a chance to colonize the oral cavity.

Equally important is good oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing, cleaning between the teeth and in the gum pockets, using mouthwash, and having professional teeth cleaning at the dentist.

There are several effective home remedies for establishing a healthy oral flora. Rinsing with chamomile tea, thyme, sage, or calendula is anti-inflammatory and helps in the process of achieving a healthy oral flora.

If you notice symptoms of poor oral flora, you can counteract them with these remedies. Taking probiotics such as Lactolux forte can also help on the path to a healthy oral flora.