The oral microbiota

The oral microbiota is the source of our health

Microbiotic expertise is at the heart of The Smilist's DNA.

Having a balanced oral microbiota is essential

for a healthy mouth and body.

What is the oral microbiota?

The oral microbiota is a complex set of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, that reside in the oral cavity. These microorganisms play a crucial role in the preliminary digestion of food, protection against pathogens, and maintenance of oral and overall health.

Studies indicate that the mouth can house up to a billion bacteria per milliliter of saliva, highlighting the diversity and complexity of this ecosystem. In addition to the many different species, more than 700 species of bacteria can inhabit the human mouth, which contributes to the richness of our oral microbiota.

What is the role of the oral microbiota?

The oral microbiota directly influences our overall health in several ways. It helps break down food, facilitates nutrient absorption, and plays a defensive role against infections. Additionally, a healthy balance of oral microbiota is essential for preventing oral diseases, such as tooth decay and periodontal disease.

What happens when the oral microbiota is imbalanced?

An imbalance in the oral microbiota, often called dysbiosis, can lead to a variety of health problems.
Dysbiosis is generally caused by inadequate oral hygiene, an unbalanced diet, tobacco use, or certain medical treatments. Research reveals that imbalances in the oral microbiota may be associated with systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even certain cancers.

  • 30%

    endocarditis is due to the presence of a pathogenic bacteria in the mouth: Streptococcus Mutans*

    * Streptococcus mutans, bacteria
    opportunistic of the oral sphere is found in 30% of cases of endocarditis.
    María-Rocío Mang-de la Rosa, The bacteremia of dental origin and its
    implications in the appearance of bacterial endocarditis, Med Oral Patol Oral
    Cir Bucal. 2014 Jan 1;19 (1):e67-73. and Lockhart P et al. J Am Dent Assoc
    2009;140(10):1238-1244

  • 40%

    colorectal cancers are due to the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the mouth: Fusobacterium*

    * Fusobacterium nucleatum, bacteria
    present in the oral microbiota is associated with 40% of colorectal cancers.
    Komiya Y.et al.. Gut. 2019;68:1335-1337 and Bullman et al. Science
    2017; 358: 1443-1448
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How to take care of your oral microbiota?

Taking care of your oral microbiota is an essential step for overall health, which includes the use of prebiotics and selective antibacterial agents. Prebiotics, which are non-digestible fibers and carbohydrates, essentially serve as food for good bacteria, and promote their growth, contributing to a healthy oral environment. At the same time, selective antibacterial agents specifically target pathogenic bacteria without disrupting good bacteria, crucial to our well-being.

It's in this perspective that dental microbiotic care take on their full meaning. They are formulated to balance our oral microbiota by supporting beneficial microorganisms while controlling pathogens, thus avoiding imbalances that can lead to oral and even systemic diseases. By integrating microbiotic care into our routine of dental health, we provide our mouth not only with cleanliness, but also with a holistic care which has its benefits throughout our body.