We’ve become increasingly familiar with the idea of investigating the digestive system for signs of ill health, but the gut isn’t the only bacterial ecosystem we should be paying attention to. Many people don’t realise that digestion actually begins in the mouth. Hundreds of species of bacteria live in our mouths, and fostering a diverse microbial community is just as important there as it is in the gut.
Healthy teeth and gums result in much more than a Hollywood-style smile. Research has linked poor oral health with a range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease and dementia, while scientists are increasingly investigating a possible connection with Alzheimer’s. The problem is that oral health issues can often go unnoticed.
