“If you go to your doctor and get a blood test, why don’t you go to your dentist and get a saliva test?”
— Dr. Victoria Stafford

Small Bugs, Big Impact…

Your mouth isn’t just where digestion starts—it’s home to the second largest microbiome in your body, after the gut. And like your gut, when the oral microbiome becomes imbalanced, the impact goes far beyond your teeth and gums.

Here’s how what’s happening in your mouth may be affecting your brain, heart, hormones, fertility—and more.

Oral Bacteria, Inflammation & Systemic Disease

When harmful bacteria from gum disease (periodontitis) enter the bloodstream, they trigger low-grade inflammation throughout the body. This ongoing inflammation can worsen or even help trigger chronic conditions like:

• Rheumatoid arthritis – inflamed gums can fuel joint inflammation. (de Molon et. al. Int J Mol Sci. 2019)
• Heart disease – enzymes from mouth bacteria impair blood vessel function, affecting circulation (Kebschull et al., J Clin Periodontol, 2010)
• Hypertension, heart attack, stroke – gum disease increases risk by 2x–10x (Munoz Aguilera et al., Cardiovasc Res, 2020)

Heart Health, Stroke & …..Erectile Dysfunction?

The stats speak for themselves….

∙      Gum disease doubles your risk of a heart attack

• Increases stroke risk by 3x
• Men with gum disease are 2.8 times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction due to impaired blood flow (Kellesarian et al., American Journal of Men’s Health in 2018)

Fertility, Pregnancy & Oral Health:

• 90% of sub-fertile men had untreated gum disease. After improving oral hygiene, sperm motility increased and partners conceived within a few months. (Nwhator S. O. et al. Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, 15, 352-358)
• A study by Bustos-Obregon et al. (1983) found that men with fertility challenges had higher rates of dental decay compared to those with normal sperm counts—and their sperm motility improved after receiving restorative dental care.
• Gum disease delayed conception by two months on average for females.
• Pregnant women with gum disease have a higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. In Malawi, a study of 10,000 women using xylitol gum reduced preterm births by 20% (Kolenbrander et al., PLoS Pathog, 2021).

Gum Disease and Brain Health

A 20-year study of over 20,000 people found that having gum disease for more than 10 years increases your risk of Alzheimer’s by 70% (Chen et al., Alzheimers Res Ther, 2017).

What’s more, a direct causative link has been found:

• Porphyromonas gingivalis (a bacteria in gum disease) and its enzyme Gingipains were detected in the brains and spinal fluid of 97% of Alzheimer’s patients. Gingipains actively break down brain tissue (Dominy et al., Sci Adv, 2019).
• FIND (Full-mouth Inflammatory and Neurodegenerative Disease Initiative) Study confirmed: those with gum disease experienced faster cognitive decline—even after Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Depression, Mental Health & Oral Health

It’s a two-way street: poor mental health can worsen oral hygiene, and gum disease, tooth loss and poor dental health can increase depressive symptoms (Karimi et al. Special Care in Dentistry, 2024).

Breathing, Bedwetting & ADHD in Kids

Mouth breathing habits not only alter oral health and facial development, but can have a big impact on behaviour. In a 6-year study of over 11,000 children, kids with mouth breathing habits were 50–90% more likely to develop ADHD-like symptoms (Bonuck et al., Pediatrics, 2012).

Cancer & the Oral Microbiome:

The bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum, normally found in the mouth:

• Was found in higher amounts in the breast tissue of women with breast cancer. (BMC Cancer report, Guiqui et. al. 2023)
• Was linked to more aggressive colorectal cancer, both in humans and in mouse models (Dagdar-Zankbar, cell Commun Signal 2024)
• May make some cancers harder to treat (Tachung, Cell, 2017))

Autoimmune Disease Link: Gum Disease & Rheumatoid Arthritis

A strong, bidirectional relationship exists. Treating gum disease can reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms—and vice versa. Both share common inflammatory pathways (Bingham, Curr Opinion Rheumatol. 2015)

A Global Health Issue

• Tooth decay is the most common health condition worldwide, affecting 2.5 billion people
• Severe gum disease impacts over 1 billion and is a leading cause of adult tooth loss(World Health Organization, 2022)

So, What Can You Do?

1. Know Your Microbiome
   A simple saliva test completed by our experienced Dentists and Oral health therapists, can reveal imbalances in your oral bacteria—before they become systemic issues.
2. Brush, Floss & Beyond
   Daily care, xylitol gum, green tea, and good nutrition all support a healthier microbiome.
3. Breathe Well
   Prioritize nasal breathing—especially in children—to support airway development and behavior.
4. Get Regular Holistic Dental Checkups
   Dentistry is not just about fixing teeth. It’s about understanding how the mouth connects to your whole body.

Ready to Rethink Your Dental Health?

Your oral health is a mirror of your internal health. It’s time to treat it that way.

FAQ SECTION For this Page

What is the oral microbiome?
It’s the community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in your mouth and influence your oral and overall health.

Why is it important to understand my oral microbiome?
Because imbalances can contribute to decay, gum disease, bad breath, and may even affect digestion or inflammation elsewhere in the body.

What is oral microbiome testing?
It’s a lab test using your saliva or plaque to map the bacteria in your mouth and identify any overgrowths or imbalances.

Is this test painful?
No. It’s non-invasive and involves a simple saliva collection or plaque swab.

Who should consider this type of testing?
People with recurring gum issues, bad breath, frequent cavities, or chronic health concerns may benefit most.

How long does it take to get results?
Typically 10–14 business days after the sample is collected and sent to the lab.

What happens after I get the results?
We go through them with you and suggest a care plan. This might include changes to hygiene routines, oral products, dietary habits, or professional treatments.

Do you offer treatment based on the results?
Yes, we provide evidence-informed therapies that aim to restore balance using oral probiotics, pH-balancing care, and lifestyle adjustments.

Can this testing explain why I always get bad breath or bleeding gums?
Often, yes. It can identify bacterial overgrowths or pathogens that are resistant to standard brushing and flossing.

Is this part of regular dental care?
Not yet mainstream in all practices, but it’s gaining traction in integrative and preventative dental care models.

Can I do this test if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes. The test is non-invasive and safe.

Does private health insurance cover the cost?
Not always. It depends on your policy. We’ll provide you with item codes and discuss costs transparently.

How often should I test my oral microbiome?
Generally once a year or after significant changes in your oral health or overall wellbeing.

Can the results help if I have gut issues or food sensitivities?
Possibly. The oral microbiome is closely linked to gut health, and findings may offer valuable insights.

Do you work with other health practitioners using this data?
Yes, we’re happy to collaborate with integrative GPs, naturopaths, and other health professionals.

How do I book in for this testing?
Just let our reception team know you’re interested in oral microbiome testing, and we’ll guide you through the next steps.