What Impact Do Sugary Foods Have on the Bacteria in Our Mouths?

Research has shown that certain foods result in types of bacteria in our mouths that are known to contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. These foods are those with a high sugar and high glycemic level. Moreover, as well as impacting oral health, they also impact our physical health. The results of this research reaffirm the importance of eating healthily and having excellent oral hygiene.

Recent research has looked into the impact that the foods we eat have on the bacteria in our mouths. The collective group of bacterium in our mouths is called the oral microbiome.

Moreover, the research has then considered how the oral microbiome affects our overall health. This includes both oral health and our wider physical health.

The study focused on the impact that sugary foods have. It is already known that such foods are linked to tooth decay. However, the researchers sought to investigate in further detail.

Background

Bacteria inevitably gets into our mouths. Every time we eat, chew, drink or even bite a nail, bacteria enters. In fact, over 700 types of bacteria have been identified in the oral cavity, with humans typically having over 50 types in their mouths at any one time [1].

But not all bacteria is necessarily bad. However, many types of bacteria can be damaging, and are often linked to tooth decay and gum disease.

It is already known that bacteria can also have some physical health consequences. For example, a recent study found that some types of oral bacteria can be linked to hypertension problems in later life [2].

The research focuses on sugary foods and high glycemic foods. The Glycemic index is a system that shows the rates that different foods are broken down in the body [3].

Foods that are high in the glycemic index cause a rapid increase in blood sugar. Therefore, these foods can be considered unhealthy. For example, high glycemic foods include sweets, doughnuts, soft drinks, baked goods and white bread among others [3].

The research

The research was conducted by scientists from the University at Buffalo. Subsequently, their findings were published in the Scientific Reports journal [4].

The researchers sought to investigate whether carbohydrates and sugar were associated with certain oral bacteria. They used a sample of 1,204 women. The data used came courtesy of the Women’s Health Initiative [4].

Samples from the women were taken. These samples were taken from subgingival plaque – which is bacteria that occurs under the gums. This is important, as this is the bacteria that isn’t visible, and is often neglected [4].

Most studies use saliva as a sample. But by using subgingival plaque, the researchers would get a clearer picture of what was causing gum issues [4].

The researchers also analyzed eating habits, and then cross-referenced these habits with the types of bacteria found in the samples. Therefore, this allowed the researchers to get an overall picture of the impact that certain foods had.

The results showed that a higher intake of sugary and high glycemic foods appears to influence oral health. Furthermore, the authors also suggested that these foods appear to have a long-term impact on health outcomes in older women [4].

Overall, the researchers concluded that a bacteria named Strteptoccus mutans – which is known to contribute to tooth decay and cardiovascular disease – was present strongly in those with poor diets [4].

Moreover, the researchers also found a type of bacteria called leptotrichia, which has been associated with gingivitis – a form of gum disease – in the past [4].

Other types of bacteria that hadn’t previously been thought to contribute to oral health problems were also found. However, the researchers suggested these types of bacteria may now need further research [4].

What this means

The researchers were able to show how eating certain types of food impacted the oral microbiome. There are clearly consequences for oral health and overall physical health.

Therefore, these results emphasize the importance of having excellent oral hygiene and trying to eat healthily wherever possible. After all, we all want to avoid harmful bacteria in our mouth.

Amy Millen, Associate Professor at the University at Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions, commented on the findings of the team [5]. Millen said that the researchers placed specific emphasis on glycemic foods, as this was “not well studied in relation to the oral microbiome” [5].

Millen also said that “as more studies are conducted looking at the oral microbiome”, that the researchers could infer more “about how diet relates to the oral microbiome and periodontal disease” [5]. Such findings can be very helpful in trying to help improve oral health.

Thinking points…

1) The research above shows the potential damage of sugary foods and high glycemic foods. Now take a look at your diet – do you consume foods like this? If so, try and cut down wherever possible! Because of the damage it can do, it places emphasis on the need to attend regular check-ups at your dentist. Therefore, we recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Remember that oral health problems are avoidable. It is important to have excellent oral hygiene. Part of this is to ensure that you attend your dental clinic for a check-up at least twice a year. Then if you do have any problems, they can be easily addressed and acted upon. Consider attending your dentist soon, as this is the best way of caring for your oral health.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that offers many services, including regular check-ups, cavity fillings and root canals.

We are also pleased to offer some cosmetic services. Here at our Calgary dental clinic, we offer treatments like tooth whitening, Invisalign™ and implants.

It is important for dental problems to be addressed early. Any oral-based problems will be identified at check-ups. This helps to prevent the problem getting worse. If and when further treatment is needed after a check-up, our patients receive a clear treatment plan.

The best way of avoiding extra treatment is to have strong oral hygiene. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and getting a dental check-up at least twice a year. Avoiding sugary foods and drink and not smoking also helps.

Our Calgary-based dental clinic Savanna Dentala also follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This means our prices are competitive, transparent and affordable.

We would love you to visit us here at Savanna Dental soon! You can see more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Paster, B. J., Olsen, I., Aas, J. A. & Dewhirst, F. E. (2000). The breadth of bacterial diversity in the human periodontal pocket and other oral sites. Periodontology. 2006 (42): p80–87. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0757.2006.00174.x.

[2] LaMonte, M. J., Gordon, J. H., Diaz-Moreno, P., Andrews, C. A., Shimbo, D., Hovey, K. M., Buck, M. J., & Wactawski-Wende, J. (2022). Oral Microbiome Is Associated With Incident Hypertension Among Postmenopausal Women. Journal of the American Heart Association. 11 (6): e021930. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.121.021930.

[3] NHS. (2018). What is the glycaemic index (GI)?. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/food-and-diet/what-is-the-glycaemic-index-gi/. Last accessed: 10th April 2022.

[4] Millen, A. E., Dahhan, R., Freudenheim, J. L., Hovey, K. M., Li, L., McSkimming, D. I., Andrews, C. A., Buck, M. J., LaMonte, M. J., Kirkwood, K. L., Sun, Y., Murugaiyan, V., Tsompana, M., & Wactawski-Wende, J. (2022). Dietary carbohydrate intake is associated with the subgingival plaque oral microbiome abundance and diversity in a cohort of postmenopausal women. Scientific Reports. 12 (2643). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-06421-2.

[5] Hill, D. J. (2022). Carbs, sugary foods may influence poor oral health, study finds. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-04-carbs-sugary-foods-poor-oral.html. Last accessed: 10th April 2022.