The oral microbiota is the set of microorganisms that live in our mouth. Although it may sound strange, these millions of bacteria, fungi and viruses play a fundamental role in our oral and general health.

Having a balanced and healthy microbiota is essential to prevent diseases, maintain fresh breath and ensure good digestion from the first step: the mouth.

What is the oral microbiota and what is its function?

The oral microbiota is the community of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in our mouth.

From the gums and teeth to the tongue and saliva, this community has diverse species that live in balance.

This balance is key, since “good” bacteria help control “bad” bacteria, preventing infections, cavities and other diseases.

Index

• How to maintain a healthy oral microbiota
• Foods that are beneficial for the oral microbiota
• Products to care for the oral microbiota

How to maintain a healthy oral microbiota

Maintaining a balanced and healthy oral microbiota is essential for a healthy mouth. There are daily practices you can adopt that help promote an environment in which “good” bacteria flourish while keeping harmful bacteria in check.

• Use oral hygiene products that protect the microbiome, which you can find in the entire YOTUEL microbiome line
• Brush and floss: Brushing at least twice a day and flossing helps remove food debris and plaque that can upset the balance of bacteria.
• Clean your tongue: The tongue is an area where bacteria that cause bad breath and unbalance the microbiota tend to accumulate.
• Avoid excessive sugar consumption: Sugar is the favourite food of bacteria that cause cavities, so reducing its consumption greatly benefits the microbiota.
• Use oral probiotics: Specific probiotics for the mouth help maintain and restore the balance of beneficial bacteria.

If you want to know more about how to take these steps and take care of your microbiota, check out our article How to maintain a healthy oral microbiota.

Foods that are beneficial for oral microbiota

Diet is essential for a balanced oral microbiota. Some foods promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, while others can encourage the development of harmful bacteria. Here are some foods that help keep your oral microbiota in tip-top shape:

• Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Foods like apples, carrots, and celery not only stimulate saliva production (which helps control bacteria) but also naturally clean teeth.
• Yogurt and fermented foods: They are rich in probiotics, which can benefit the bacterial balance in the mouth.
• Nuts and seeds: They are rich in essential minerals for teeth and help reduce acid in the mouth, promoting proper pH.
• Green tea: Contains catechins, which have antibacterial properties that help maintain the balance of the microbiota.

Products to care for the oral microbiota

In addition to habits and diet, there are products that specifically help to care for and maintain a balanced oral microbiota.

These products can facilitate the control of harmful bacteria and support beneficial bacteria.

Discover the range of YOTUEL microbiome products with The Oral-Gut Connection® technology, and take care of the oral microbiome that is essential for health.

Frequently asked questions about oral microbiota

How does a high-sugar diet affect the oral microbiota?
A diet rich in sugar encourages the growth of bacteria that cause cavities and other oral problems. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria, unbalancing the microbiota.

Can the oral microbiota affect general health?
Yes, the oral microbiota not only influences oral health, but can affect general health, as infections and imbalances can lead to systemic diseases if not controlled.

What are the symptoms of an unbalanced oral microbiota?
Bad breath, frequent cavities, gum infections and dry mouth are some of the common symptoms of an imbalance in the oral microbiota.

Which products are best for the oral microbiota?
Ideally, you should choose to include products from the YOTUEL microbiome care range in your oral hygiene routine.

In this sense, the oral microbiota is an essential part of our oral and general health.

An adequate balance of microorganisms in the mouth protects against infections, facilitates digestion and maintains a healthy oral environment.

With small changes in our habits, such as good oral hygiene, an adequate diet and the use of specific products, we can take care of our microbiota and ensure that it works in favour of our health.

Maintaining a balanced microbiota is a step towards a healthy mouth and, ultimately, a healthy body.