The health landscape in 2024 is prominently shaped by an increased focus on gut health. This past year, the gut microbiome has captured significant attention as more individuals strive to enhance their wellness through improved digestive health. The global digestive health product market was valued at approximately US$51.46 billion in 2024, with projections indicating exponential growth, potentially exceeding $100 billion in the coming decade.
While it’s clear why nurturing beneficial gut bacteria is essential, another vital microbiome often overlooked is the one in our mouth—our oral microbiome. Interest is growing around this aspect of health, which represents the second most diverse microbial community in our bodies.
“The oral microbiome plays a pivotal role in our overall health. With over 700 bacterial species residing in the mouth, maintaining a balanced microbiome is crucial—not only for fresh breath and healthy gums but also for our overall well-being,” explains Dan Clarke, Nutritional Development Lead at Holland & Barrett. This emerging focus on the oral microbiome was highlighted in their 2025 Wellness Trends report.
“Research increasingly underscores the connection between oral health and critical areas like gut health, brain function, metabolic health, and immunity. Just as we have embraced the significance of our gut microbiome, consumers are beginning to understand the need to care for their mouths similarly.”
But what exactly comprises your oral microbiome, and how vital is it to your overall health? Let’s explore one of the most significant health trends anticipated for 2025.
What is the oral microbiome?
The oral microbiome refers to the diverse assembly of microorganisms that inhabit your mouth, consisting of around 700 unique varieties, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. It’s essential to note that having this microbial community is completely normal and plays a crucial role in sustaining good oral health.
“The bacteria in our mouths act as one of the first lines of immune defense,” says registered nutritionist Michaella Mazzoni. “They also help protect your teeth against decay, cavities, and diseases. Interestingly, healthy gums are linked to heart health, so caring for your oral microbiome ultimately supports your heart as well!”
Your mouth provides various surfaces and environments where these microorganisms thrive, such as on teeth where plaque accumulates, on the rough texture of the tongue, along the gums, inside the cheeks, and even within saliva. Maintaining a balanced oral microbiome is key; imbalances can lead to a range of oral health issues.
To determine if your oral microbiome is out of balance, consider common problems like chronic bad breath, frequent cavities, sore gums, dry mouth, or increased tooth sensitivity.
How important is a healthy mouth for your overall health?
Similar to our gut, the oral microbiome is interconnected with various bodily systems, meaning an imbalance can manifest as health issues elsewhere in the body.
A healthy oral microbiome is essential for preventing oral diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and cavities, according to Mazzoni. “An unhealthy oral microbiome can lead to inflammation, overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, and increased acidity, contributing to tooth decay,” she notes.
Furthermore, a healthy oral microbiome influences how effectively your body processes food. Since digestion starts in the mouth, poor oral health can reduce the productivity of enzymes found in saliva, which are crucial for breaking down food. If your teeth are not in good shape, efficient chewing becomes challenging, complicating digestion in the stomach and intestines.
“Well-chewed food aids digestion long before it enters your stomach. Improper chewing can lead to less efficient digestion, which may result in nutrient deficiencies and bloating,” adds Mazzoni.
Don’t overlook the interplay between your gut health and oral microbiome. Research has delved into the intricate connections between the oral and gut microbiomes, revealing that they can directly influence each other. This relationship can occur when harmful bacteria from the mouth are mixed with saliva and swallowed into the gut. If your immune system identifies these bacteria, it can trigger inflammation, which may be linked to heart disease, diabetes, and digestive issues over time.
How to improve the health of your oral microbiome
The good news is that you have control over your oral microbiome’s health, and if you find it out of balance, there are actionable steps you can take to restore it.
“Maintaining healthy teeth and gums requires brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Focus on one tooth at a time—devote about three to five seconds for each one, adjusting for your mouth’s size,” recommends Dr. Sam Jethwa, President at The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. “Brush the outside surface, then the inside. Many overlook the importance of brushing the inner side of the teeth. Gently sweep your brush along the gum line, tongue, and the roof of your mouth, and spend around two minutes brushing your teeth.”
Your diet plays a significant role here as well. Consuming fiber-rich foods and probiotics, such as yogurt, kimchi, and kefir, nourishes beneficial bacteria. “Foods abundant in fiber also stimulate saliva production, which aids in carbohydrate breakdown,” adds Mazzoni. Many bacteria thrive on carbohydrates, particularly simple sugars, and their breakdown produces acid that can decrease the pH level in your mouth, compromising enamel. Limiting sugar intake, along with processed foods and alcohol, can further benefit your oral microbiome.
Moreover, studies indicate that saliva helps neutralize acids and rinse away bacteria, making hydration vital for optimal saliva production. Chewing sugar-free gum can provide an additional boost.
Don’t forget the impact of cortisol levels. Stress raises cortisol, weakening immune function and allowing harmful bacteria to multiply, while insufficient sleep can also impair oral immunity, increasing susceptibility to infections. Consequently, maintaining a healthy microbiome may also depend on proper sleep and stress management.
In short, six things to help with your oral microbiome:
- Brush and floss daily
- Consume fiber and probiotic-rich foods
- Avoid excess sugar, processed foods, and alcohol
- Stay hydrated
- Manage stress and prioritize sleep
- Schedule regular dental check-ups
Is your mouth the key to future good health?
Understanding the importance of oral hygiene goes beyond simply maintaining appearances and fresh breath. During dental appointments, professionals seek out signs of gum disease, mouth cancer, and other indicators of health issues. Our mouths serve as a gateway from the outside world into our bodies, meaning that oral health concerns can profoundly impact overall health.
A growing body of research has established connections between poor oral health and conditions like cardiovascular disease, while emerging studies are linking oral health to various other health issues. A recent study from 2025 suggests that variations in our oral microbiome may affect cognitive health among older adults, hinting at possible ties with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
A different study published in the International Journal of Oral Science found disruptions in the oral microbiome, specifically due to a common oral bacterium, were associated with mouth cancer development.
What do these findings suggest for the future of oral health? Personalized medicine is one promising avenue transforming the field of oral healthcare. Some dental companies are already conducting oral microbiome analyses to identify early disease risks, paving the way towards customized dental treatments, microbiome testing, and bacterial profiling.
Meanwhile, anticipate advancements in oral care products. “As awareness around this topic expands, so does innovation in oral care, spurring the creation of tailored products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and chewing gum,” says Dan Clarke from Holland & Barrett. “Brands are responding to the demand for solutions that enhance long-term health rather than merely addressing superficial hygiene.”
Further reading
What your tongue says about your health
What foods are genuinely beneficial for our gut?
Foods that can help whiten your teeth
What causes bad breath and how can it be prevented?
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