Tag

Oral Microbiome

All articles tagged with #oral microbiome

Living Together, Sharing Microbes: How Partners’ Bacteria May Shape Health
health18 days ago

Living Together, Sharing Microbes: How Partners’ Bacteria May Shape Health

Cohabiting couples share a sizable portion of their microbiomes, with about 30% of gut bacteria and notable overlaps in oral and skin microbes, driven by shared environments and daily habits. Greater microbial diversity from living together can be linked to lower risks of IBS, cardiovascular disease and high blood sugar, but the health impact depends on which bacteria are shared; some bacteria can be beneficial, others harmful. Saliva exchange during kissing further spreads oral bacteria, and while overall effects are still being studied, the shared microbiome is a real and ongoing area of research.

Oral Bacteria May Accelerate Breast Cancer by Reaching Breast Tissue
health2 months ago

Oral Bacteria May Accelerate Breast Cancer by Reaching Breast Tissue

A Johns Hopkins study shows Fusobacterium nucleatum, a mouth bacterium linked to gum disease, can travel to breast tissue via the bloodstream, causing inflammation, DNA damage, and cell changes that accelerate tumor growth and spread in mouse models, with BRCA1-mutant breast cells especially vulnerable; findings suggest oral microbes may influence breast cancer risk and progression.

Toothbrush-Triggered Ceramic Powder Brightens Teeth and Rebuilds Enamel
technology2 months ago

Toothbrush-Triggered Ceramic Powder Brightens Teeth and Rebuilds Enamel

Researchers report a vibration-activated ceramic powder (BSCT) that uses electric-toothbrush motion to trigger whitening reactions at the tooth surface, delivering noticeable whitening after hours, while also rebuilding damaged enamel and shifting the oral microbiome toward a healthier balance in rat studies—potentially enabling at-home whitening with enamel protection.

Arginine in Saliva May Turn Mouth Biofilms from Detrimental to Protective
science2 months ago

Arginine in Saliva May Turn Mouth Biofilms from Detrimental to Protective

A Danish study from Aarhus University suggests that increasing arginine levels in saliva can shift mouth biofilms from acid-producing to protective, reducing tooth decay risk. In a real-world denture-biofilm setup, arginine treatment raised pH after sugar exposure, altered the bacterial and sugar composition, and reduced acid-producing Streptococcus populations, though responses varied among individuals. Arginine appears safe and could be explored as an additive in toothpaste or mouthwash, warranting further clinical research.

Scientists Discover Juice That Reduces Blood Pressure in 2 Weeks
health3 months ago

Scientists Discover Juice That Reduces Blood Pressure in 2 Weeks

A study suggests that drinking beet juice twice daily may help lower blood pressure in older adults by altering oral bacteria that convert nitrates into nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels. Experts recommend considering beet juice as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and identify who may benefit most.

Distinct Oral Microbiome Linked to Multiple Sclerosis
health5 months ago

Distinct Oral Microbiome Linked to Multiple Sclerosis

Scientists discovered that people with multiple sclerosis have an imbalanced oral microbiome characterized by a loss of beneficial bacteria and lower levels of the protective metabolite hypotaurine, suggesting that oral bacteria may influence immune dysregulation in MS. These findings could lead to saliva-based diagnostic tools and new treatments aimed at restoring healthy oral bacteria to support neurological health.

Hidden 'Inocles' DNA in Your Mouth Revealed
science6 months ago

Hidden 'Inocles' DNA in Your Mouth Revealed

Scientists have discovered large, mysterious DNA segments called 'inocles' in the human mouth's microbiome, which may influence the immune system and could serve as biomarkers for diseases like cancer. These giant extrachromosomal elements were identified using advanced long-read DNA sequencing, revealing new insights into the complex relationship between oral bacteria and human health.

Oral Microbes and Daily Habits: Hidden Factors in Pancreatic Cancer Risk
health6 months ago

Oral Microbes and Daily Habits: Hidden Factors in Pancreatic Cancer Risk

Research suggests that specific microbes in the mouth are linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, highlighting the importance of good oral hygiene not just for teeth but potentially for cancer prevention. Certain bacteria and fungi in the mouth may access the pancreas via saliva, and their presence could serve as early indicators for cancer risk, aiding in earlier detection and intervention.