The oral microbiome is made up of a diverse array of microorganisms that reside in the mouth. A sample of this diverse array can be collected by a simple oral rinse and gargle and specific microorganisms are identified by q-PCR analysis. Knowing this information can help clinicians better understand and potentially manage triggers for numerous autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Recent research has shown that the oral microbiome can have a significant impact on the development of autoimmune diseases.
This article will explore the relationship between the oral microbiome and autoimmune diseases and how this knowledge can help us develop new strategies for preventing and treating these conditions.
The Oral Microbiome and Autoimmune Disease
The oral microbiome is a complex ecosystem that includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. While many of these microorganisms are harmless, others can cause disease. For example, some species of bacteria in the oral microbiome are known to cause gum disease, a condition that has been linked to the development of autoimmune diseases.
Studies have shown that people with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have different oral microbiomes compared to healthy individuals. For example, individuals with rheumatoid arthritis have been found to have higher levels of the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis in their mouths. This bacterium has been shown to activate immune cells in a way that leads to inflammation and tissue damage.
Similarly, individuals with lupus have been found to have higher levels of the bacteria Lactobacillus in their oral microbiomes. This bacterium has been shown to produce a molecule called peptidoglycan that can trigger an immune response and lead to inflammation.
Another way in which the oral microbiome may influence autoimmune disease is through the production of antigens. Antigens are molecules that can trigger an immune response. Some of the microorganisms in the oral microbiome can produce antigens that are similar to those found in human tissues. When the immune system encounters these antigens, it may mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues, leading to autoimmune disease.
The oral microbiome may contribute to autoimmune disease through the gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis is a network of connections between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. It is believed to play a role in many aspects of health, including mood, behavior, and immune function.
Research has shown that the oral microbiome can influence the gut microbiome, which in turn can affect the gut-brain axis. Imbalances in the gut microbiome have been linked to a variety of health problems, including autoimmune disease. Therefore, it is possible that imbalances in the oral microbiome could indirectly contribute to autoimmune disease through the gut-brain axis.
Implications for Treatment and Prevention
The discovery of the link between the oral microbiome and autoimmune diseases has important implications for the development of new treatments and prevention strategies. For example, targeting specific bacteria in the oral microbiome could be a new approach for preventing and treating autoimmune diseases.
One promising approach is the use of probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can be beneficial to human health. Probiotics have been shown to improve oral health and may help to balance the oral microbiome in individuals with autoimmune diseases. Other strategies include the use of herbal rinses or antiseptics to target specific bacteria in the oral microbiome.
In addition to these approaches, maintaining good oral hygiene is also important for preventing autoimmune diseases. This includes regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental check-ups. In my upcoming book, The Tiger Protocol, I discuss many more strategies to support the oral microbiome.
The oral microbiome is a complex ecosystem that plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health of the body. Recent research has shown that the oral microbiome can have a significant impact on the development of autoimmune diseases. Understanding the link between the oral microbiome and autoimmune diseases helps us develop new strategies for preventing and treating these conditions. This includes the use of probiotics, antibiotics, antiseptics, as well as maintaining good oral hygiene.
References:
- Kilian et al., “The Oral Microbiome – An Update for Oral Healthcare Professionals,” British Dental Journal 221 (November 18, 2016): 657-666, https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2016.865.
- Priya Nimish Deo and Revati Deshmukh, “Oral Microbiome: Unveiling the Fundamentals,” Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology 23, no. 1 (January-April 2019): 122-128, https://doi.org/10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_304_18.
- Elijah O. Oyetola et al., “Salivary Bacterial Count and its Implications on the Prevalence of Oral Conditions,” The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice 20, no. 2 (February 1, 2019): 184-189, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31058633/.
- Carol Perricone et al., “Porphyromonas gingivalisand Rheumatoid Arthritis,” Current Opinion in Rheumatology 31, no. 5 (September 2019): 517-524, https://doi.org/10.1097/BOR.0000000000000638.
- Eduardo Gómez-Bañuelos et al., “Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Mechanisms of Porphyromonas gingivalisand Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans,” Journal of Clinical Medicine 8, no. 9 (September 2019): 1309, https://doi.org/3390/jcm8091309.
- Zebunnissa Memon et al., “An Orthodontic Retainer Preventing Remission in Celiac Disease,” Clinical Pediatrics (Philadelphia) 52, no. 11 (November 2013): 1034-1037, https://doi.org/10.1177/0009922813506254.
- Kazumichi Abe et al., “Gut and Oral Microbiota in Autoimmune Liver Disease,” Fukushima Journal of Medical Science 65, no. 3 (January 9, 2020): 71-75, https://doi.org/10.5387/fms.2019-21.
- Nikolaos G. Nikitakis, “The Autoimmunity-oral Microbiome Connection,” Oral Diseases23, no. 7 (October 2017): 828-839, https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.12589.
- Ashutosh K. Mangalam, Meeta Yadav, and Rjwardhan Yadav, “The Emerging World of Microbiome in Autoimmune Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges,” Indian Journal of Rheumatology 16, no. 1 (March 23, 2021): 57-72, https://doi.org/4103/injr.injr_210_20.
- Kilian, “The Oral Microbiome,” 657-666.
Dr. Akil is the Department Chair for Integrative Medicine at the Sutter Health Institute for Health and Healing (IHH). He also serves as IHH Physician Director for Community Education and leads their educational initiatives and programs. Dr. Akil has been a consultant with the Medical Board of California for many years.
A widely known speaker and educator, he is the author of “The Tiger Protocol” (his latest book) and “The Paleovedic Diet: A Complete Program to Burn Fat, Increase Energy, and Reverse Disease”. As he has done for two-plus decades, Dr. Akil sees patients and conducts clinical research studies in the San Francisco Bay Area. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, traveling, and spending time with his wife and daughter.
- The Oral Microbiome and Autoimmunity - May 5, 2023