Candida Got Your Tongue? A Fresh Look at Oral Health and the Microbiome
My Struggle With Poor Dental Health and Candida Overgrowth
For years, I struggled with poor dental health despite maintaining a low-sugar diet. My tongue was persistently coated white with yeast, resistant to antifungals and relentless tongue scraping. Even my dentist assumed I indulged in a high-sugar, high-alcohol diet, though I consumed neither.
After enduring 13 fillings and countless tongue scrapings, I found the solution: a probiotic toothpaste.
The Link Between Oral Health and Gut Health
The gastrointestinal tract begins in the mouth, but this crucial connection is often overlooked. Dysbiosis in the oral microbiome can lead to:
Oral thrush.
Dental issues like cavities and gum disease.
Malodorous breath.
Improving gut health often enhances oral health, highlighting the interplay between these two microbiomes. Even Weston A. Price, a pioneer in the field of dental health, would likely agree on the importance of maintaining oral microbial balance.
Oral Microbiota Changes in ME/CFS
Research on the gut microbiome in ME/CFS has revealed significant bacterial imbalances and reduced diversity. But what about the oral microbiome?
A Chinese study of 46 ME/CFS patients (using the Fukuda criteria) compared their oral microbiota to 45 healthy controls:
Findings: ME/CFS patients showed altered bacterial diversity in their saliva.
Functional Differences: Bacterial activity in ME/CFS patients differed in pathways related to energy metabolism, environmental adaptation, and amino acid metabolism.
These findings suggest a potential connection between oral microbial imbalances and systemic symptoms in ME/CFS.
The Oral Microbiome’s Role in Overall Health
While much research focuses on the gut microbiome, the oral microbiome’s role in systemic health is gaining attention. For instance:
Oral Bacteria and Alzheimer’s: The bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, responsible for gingivitis, has been found in 96–99% of Alzheimer’s brain samples in the hippocampus (the memory center). While causation remains a hypothesis, the connection is striking.
These insights underscore the importance of treating the oral microbiome with the same care as the gut.
Tips for Supporting a Healthy Oral Microbiome
1. Choose Oral Care Products Wisely
Avoid dental products containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which pose potential health risks.
Opt for a probiotic toothpaste to promote a balanced oral microbiome.
2. Incorporate Oral Probiotics
Just as probiotics benefit gut health, oral probiotics can support dental and gum health. A toothpaste containing Lactobacillus paracasei, such as PerioBiotic, is an excellent choice. Find it in the FullScript Store.
Benefits of PerioBiotic Toothpaste:
Competes with harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, a major contributor to cavities and gum disease.
Decreases total bacterial count and improves periodontal health.
Inhibits periodontal pathogens and reduces probing pocket depth.
3. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Brush twice daily and floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup.
Use dental products that align with your microbiome-supporting goals.
My Results With Probiotic Toothpaste
After just three days of using PerioBiotic toothpaste, my candida-coated tongue was clear—much to my dentist’s surprise. Since switching to a probiotic toothpaste:
I’ve had no more cavities.
My dental health has significantly improved.
This experience has convinced me to prioritize oral probiotics as part of my regular routine.
Final Thoughts: Oral Health Is More Than Just Clean Teeth
The oral microbiome plays a crucial role in not only dental health but also systemic well-being. By treating your oral microbiota with the same care as your gut, you can support better overall health. Whether you struggle with candida, poor dental health, or simply want to prevent future issues, a probiotic toothpaste might be your solution.
References
1 Wang T, Yu L, Xu C, Pan K, Mo M, Duan M, et al. (2018) Chronic fatigue syndrome patients have alterations in their oral microbiome composition and function. PLoS ONE 13(9): e0203503.
2 Abbayya, K. et al. (2015) Association between Periodontitis and Alzheimer's Disease. N Am J Med Sci. 7(6): 241–246.
3 The efficacy and safety of ADP-1 (Lactobacillus paracasei GMNL-33) for periodontal pathogens, a placebo-controlled trial; Ching Ria Chen; GenMont Biotech, Inc. 17 August 2007.
4 Lactic acid bacteria from healthy oral cavity of Thai volunteers: inhibition of oral pathogens; Sookkhee S, Chulasiri M, Prachyabrued W.; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University; J Appl Microbiol. 2001 Feb;90(2):172-9.
