Discover the connection between oral and gut health, according to MDs.

Plus, four ways to practice good oral hygiene for overall well-being.

Together, the two form thelargest microbial ecosystems in the human body1that work interdependently to form the oral-gut axis.

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The bacteria and other tiny organisms living in your mouthmaintain its health and protect you from disease2.

In fact, optimaloral health is even linked to boosting longevity.

So, how can you support your oral-gut axis on a regular basis?

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orthodontist and founder ofBOCA Orthodontic + Whitening Studio

Ahead, we caught up with two oral health experts and a gastroenterologist to get the lowdown.

50 percent of colon cancers have a bacteria calledFusobacterium6.

This bacterium is not native to the intestines; its found in the mouth, Dr. Bulsiewicz says.

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Although, more research is needed to further investigate the link between the two.

That said, the link between oral and gut health isnt all bad news.

The key is to support oral (and gut) health with a few key steps outlined below.

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Its Amazing How Its All Connected.

Developing a diverse and healthy oral microbiome starts with intentionally choosing what you put in your mouth.

Her list offoods good for your teethand oral health includes the following:

3.

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orthodontist and founder ofBOCA Orthodontic + Whitening Studio

Dont skip out on your dental check-ups

Finally, its important to visit your dentist regularly.

reviewed by Jennifer Gilbert, MD, MPH

Park, Se-Young et al.

Oral-Gut Microbiome Axis in Gastrointestinal Disease and Cancer.Cancersvol.

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2021, doi:10.3390/cancers13092124

Deo, Priya Nimish, and Revati Deshmukh.

Oral microbiome: Unveiling the fundamentals.Journal of oral and maxillofacial pathology : JOMFPvol.

23,1 (2019): 122-128. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_304_18

Yamazaki, Kazuhisa.

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59 (2023): 273-280. doi:10.1016/j.jdsr.2023.08.003

Santana, Patricia Teixeira et al.

Dysbiosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Pathogenic Role and Potential Therapeutic Targets.International journal of molecular sciencesvol.

Immunol., 18 February 2021.

Volume 12 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.620124

Ou, Suwen et al.

Fusobacterium nucleatum and colorectal cancer: From phenomenon to mechanism.Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiologyvol.

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