Gut Health Los Angeles, CA

Bacteria and the Digestive System

The mouth is a natural breeding ground for bacteria, especially since it acts as an entryway to the digestive and respiratory tracts. Fortunately, most of such bacteria are harmless and can be kept at bay with the body's natural defenses and good oral hygiene. However, improper maintenance may allow bacteria to flourish, leading to oral infections. This oral bacteria can make its way to the gut, changing the microbiome and potentially influencing its immune defense.

This may lead to colon conditions such as Crohn's disease, gluten sensitivity, and colitis. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, fatigue, malnutrition, severe diarrhea, and weight loss. People with gluten sensitivity, as the name suggests, have issues with digesting gluten. They may experience fatigue, leg numbness, muscle cramps, and stomachaches. Finally, colitis is a condition that causes the inflammation of the colon's inner lining. Primary symptoms depend on the exact cause of the condition but generally include abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea.

The Microbiome and the Immune System

The microbiota plays an integral role in the inducting, training, and functioning of the patient's immune system. Accordingly, the immune system has evolved to maintain the patient's symbiotic relationship with the evolving microbes. Ideally, the immune system-microbiota alliance induces protective responses and supports regulatory pathways. Disrupting the microbiota will wear away at the resilience and diversity required for proper immune responses.

The gut microbiome is an endocrine organ in and of itself. The endocrine system synthesizes and secretes hormones to regulate physiological processes. As such, bacterial metabolites and components may affect organ function and physiological outcomes. These may also send signals to the immune and nervous systems. It is necessary to feed the gut army to encourage the diversity that can combat inflammation. Fiber is a good source of this, especially cruciferous vegetables.

Gut Health and the Brain

Together, the gut and the brain comprise the enteric nervous system (ENS). This system is two thin layers of over 100 million nerve cells that line the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum. It is responsible for controlling digestion and is in constant communication with the brain. The ENS may trigger mood swings in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional bowel problems. It may even affect cognition and raise or reduce a patient's risk for certain health conditions.

The gut and brain are connected through various nerves and neurotransmitters. Gut microbes may also produce chemicals that affect the brain and affect inflammation. Those with functional gastrointestinal disorders are more perceptive to pain since their brains are more responsive to pain signals from the gastrointestinal tract, and stress can worsen these symptoms.

Maintaining Gut Health

There are many things individuals can do to maintain their gut health at home. Lowering their stress levels is critical, as is getting enough sleep. They should eat slowly, stay hydrated, and take a pre- or probiotic. Some may also benefit from checking for food intolerances and changing their diet accordingly. However, nothing can replace the expertise of a complete health dentist.

Though most dentists are aware of the link between gut health and oral health, traditional dentists still tend to focus on treating isolated symptoms rather than the root cause of a patient's condition. This can be a costly mistake, as poor gut health may lead to periodontal disease and dental decay. A complete health dentist can identify signs of poor gut health and stop its adverse effects. Furthermore, complete health dentists are not limited to diagnosing and treating oral health conditions. They can often recognize the signs of other systemic diseases associated with poor oral health.

Poor gut health often starts when bacteria enter the mouth, cause oral infections, and spread to other parts of the body. Eagle Rock Family Dentistry is proud to help patients maintain their total health through personalized treatment tailor-made to fit each individual's unique needs. This involves regular cleanings, dental exams, wellness visits, and various other dental treatments a patient may need. Our offices can also, with patient permission, communicate with other healthcare providers to provide the most comprehensive care plan possible. Poor gut health may lead to several other health conditions. We can help patients maintain their oral hygiene to prevent any unnecessary complications.