Interview By Dr. Dominique Carson, LMP, MMP, H.C.
What if the gateway to wellness was through our mouths?
Well, experts say, the oral microbiome may be the missing link,
essential for staving off sickness and disease—and preserving overall health.
The mouth microbiome is a living ecosystem that helps maintain a balanced bacterial community in our mouth. When bacteria in the mouth are balanced, it boosts the immune system and promotes healthier gums, fresher breath, and efficient digestive system circulation. But when the microbiome is imbalanced, it can cause widespread havoc, leading to inflammation, cavities, gingivitis, and even head and neck discomfort.
Considered the early messenger to the rest of the body, the oral microbiome is influenced by the foods we eat, the products we use, vitamin and mineral deposits, and stress levels. Our oral habits play a massive role in the mouth; therefore, the microbiome must be healthy to support good bacteria and protect our mouths and all that follows.
Hygiene is foundational to dental care—but true oral health extends beyond routine habits. Surprisingly, even well-intentioned practices—many passed down through generations—may unintentionally disrupt this ecosystem, working against a truly healthy oral environment.
Preferred Health Magazine spoke with Family Eco Dental’s Dental Hygienist, Wilfrido Cordova, RDH, about the mouth microbiome, how and why oral hygiene and lifestyle can affect the condition, and why detailed cleanings are necessary for long-term dental results.
Preferred Health Magazine: How would you define the oral microbiome, and why is it considered the “gateway” to overall health?
Wilfrido Cordova, RDH: I would definitely say that the oral microbiome is very diverse, being that our mouths are full of so much bacteria that can travel through our arteries and affect our hearts, as well as travel to our brain and possibly cause Alzheimer’s. The gateway to overall health would definitely be, of course, a better diet, combined with regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings, because dental cleanings can definitely reduce the amount of bacteria in our mouths. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is also a plus.
PHM: What are the biggest misunderstandings people have about bacteria in the mouth—especially the difference between harmful and beneficial microbes?
WC: One of the biggest misunderstandings I've noticed with patients is that they are not aware that the bacteria in our mouths can affect our body’s health overall, and vice versa. Some say, “Oh, I didn’t know having dental cleanings was that important.”
PHM: How does the oral microbiome influence systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders?
WC: There are thousands of bacteria in our mouths that can definitely affect our arteries, such as those who suffer from periodontal disease. This, unfortunately, can clog the arteries, which can cause someone to have cardiovascular issues. Diabetes, unfortunately, is another contributor to oral health because it delays the healing in someone's gums.
PHM: What daily habits most disrupt the balance of the mouth microbiome, and which habits support it?
WC: Daily habits such as smoking, high intake of sugar, alcohol, acidic foods/drinks can disrupt the balance of the mouth microbiome. A habit that can support it is maintaining good oral hygiene care at home, as well as being more careful with your diet.
PHM: How do everyday dental products—like alcohol-based mouthwash, fluoride toothpaste, and whitening agents—impact microbial diversity?
WC: Alcohol based products we should all be careful with because they can make things worse for those who, let's say, are or have gone through radiation therapy due to cancer treatment. The mouth can become even drier due to less saliva production. Too much fluoride, whether it's mouthwash or, let's say, toothpaste, isn’t good either, because it can lower microbial diversity and become toxic to one.
Whitening agents won’t affect microbial diversity much because only a few drops of whitening gel are usually placed on each tooth, and sometimes it's applied on a custom whitening tray, so it doesn’t spread elsewhere in the mouth.
PHM: Can dietary changes significantly shift the oral microbiome? If so, what foods support a healthier microbial environment?
WC: Dietary changes can definitely shift the oral microbiome. Foods we often hear about that benefit our overall health, such as fruits, vegetables, probiotic foods, and even prebiotic fibers, can positively influence the oral microbiome.
PHM: What do you think about probiotics for oral health? Are they effective,
and who might benefit from them?
WC: Probiotics for oral health can benefit everyone, no matter what your health condition may be. They can help balance the good and bad bacteria, which can reduce gum inflammation, cavities, and even bad breath.
PHM: How does the microbiome differ between people with chronic gum disease, cavities, or dry mouth compared to those with optimal oral health?
WC: The microbiome may not be well balanced for those, for example, who have gum disease or dry mouth, because that means more harmful bacteria are present.
PHM: What emerging research or technologies do you find most exciting for understanding or improving the oral microbiome in the next five years?
WC: What I’m looking forward to when it comes to improving the oral microbiome is helping reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth even more by doing something we have access to today: spreading the word. Unfortunately, I treat many patients who have never held a thread of floss, and flossing overall makes a big difference.
In the end, optimal oral health is not about doing more—it’s about doing better. By reexamining long-held habits and embracing a microbiome-conscious approach to dental care, we create the foundation for a healthier mouth and a more resilient body. When balance is restored in the oral ecosystem, confidence follows, wellness deepens, and the smile becomes a true reflection of whole-body health.