The gum-gut connection

We often think of oral hygiene as something that only affects our teeth and gums. Brush, floss, rinse—end of story, right? But what if the state of your mouth is actually influencing your gut health?

- DARSHITA JAIN

We often think of oral hygiene as something that only affects our teeth and gums. Brush, floss, rinse—end of story, right? But what if the state of your mouth is actually influencing your gut health? Well, the bacteria in your mouth don't just stay there. They can travel down to your digestive system, affecting everything from digestion to immunity, and contribute to serious gut disorders.

“There is a saying that the face is the index of mind; the same way the oral cavity reflects the condition of general health,” says Dr. V Venkatesh, BSc (Hons), BDS, MDS, senior consultant and clinical director and specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Apollo Hospitals.

The mouth, like the gut, is home to a mix of good and bad bacteria. When this balance is disturbed, trouble begins. “Good bacteria help maintain oral health, while bad bacteria cause dental caries and gum infections (gingivitis and periodontitis). These infections can spread to the gut, leading to IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and other gastric-related diseases,” he explains.