Human beings are correctly classified as holobionts, complex organisms intertwined with numerous classes of symbionts or symbiotic microorganisms. The microbiome (the aggregate genome of our microbial residents) coupled with the human genome equals the hologenome, the collective genetic system of the human body. The oral microbiota exists as an integral facet of the systemic microbiota, and houses the second most diverse populace of microbes, including over 700 bacterial species [1] [2]. As expressed by Kilian et al., "The diverse community that makes up the oral microbiome is finely tuned by nature to protect from disease, and it is of great importance to maintain its natural diversity" [3].
The human microbiome at large plays numerous roles in the metabolic and immunologic functionality of the body, being involved in: the maturation of the immune system, the digestion of foodstuff, the generation of ATP, the regulation of fat storage, the detoxification of toxicants, the maintenance of mucosal barriers, the modulation of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes, and the body's resistance toward unwanted microbial colonization [4] [5] [6] [7]. Focusing on the oral microbiota, oral bacteria are able to communicate via 'quorum sensing,' which aids in their colonization of the mouth, their formation of biofilms, and their adaptation to environmental changes (changes stemming largely from the human's diet and dental hygiene) [8]. Different microbes settle in different regions of the mouth that offer mini habitats, such as the tongue, cheeks, lips, teeth, and soft palate [9]. Human saliva contains antimicrobial proteins such as lactoperoxidase, lysozyme, and lactoferrin, yet at the same time, some oral bacteria can feed off of salivary glycoproteins [10]. For those who supplement with nitric oxide precursors (like L-arginine), there is a point worth making here. Normally, the presence of oral bacteria expressing the enzyme nitrate reductase is beneficial and desirable, as these bacteria reduce salivary nitrate to nitrite, which can then be converted into nitric oxide, a crucial player in cardiovascular health. However, with an excess of nitric oxide being formed in the body (possibly due to supplementation with nitric oxide precursors), an undesirable amount of peroxynitrite may be crafted, potentially contributing to enhanced oxidative stress and DNA damage [11] [12]. I am not saying that supplementation with nitric oxide precursors should be avoided though, I'm just saying that excessive nitric oxide generation is something worth keeping an eye on. Now looking at the health of the oral cavity itself, when too many organic acids are produced through bacterial fermentation of carbohydrates, a lowering of the local pH can drive demineralization of the teeth [13]. Additionally, with a shift toward the selection of acid-tolerating bacteria, a self-perpetuating cycle of inflammation, tissue breakdown, and worsened dysbiosis can be instigated that promotes the ultimate development of periodontitis [14]. With an overgrowth of pathogenic microbes in the mouth, one may become more susceptible to such ill-health conditions as cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, respiratory tract infection, and diabetes [15] [16] [17]. Armed with this knowledge, from now on you may wish to inquire about an individual's oral microbiome health before you give them a kiss. I hope this article was helpful. Have a great weekend. References:
2 Comments
11/1/2017 00:58:40
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Denton
11/1/2017 15:59:49
Thank you very much for the feedback, I'm glad you found the article of some benefit.
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AuthorDenton Coleman is an Exercise Physiologist and Medical Researcher. Archives
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