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Niamh Coffey, Senior Lecturer, Dentistry, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

How does toothpaste affect the good bacteria in your mouth?

Ground Picture/Shutterstock

The goal of brushing one’s teeth is to have fresh breath and prevent cavities. But the effect of toothpaste on the complex ecosystem of bacteria in our mouths — the oral microbiome — is often overlooked.

Recent research has highlighted just how crucial the oral microbiome is for our overall health. A well-balanced microbiome helps regulate harmful bacteria, aids digestion and protects the gums. But does toothpaste support this balance, or could it be disrupting it? And could the toothpaste of the future be designed to work with the oral microbiome rather than against it?

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