Key role in defence - the oral microbiome

The mouth, nose and throat are the first ports of entry for foreign germs. But we have integrated a first important defence system in our mouths: The oral microbiome, also called oral flora or oral microbiome. These are naturally occurring microorganisms in the oral cavity, predominantly beneficial bacteria that live on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Our oral flora performs key functions in the mouth and throat. A large variety of different bacteria displaces foreign germs and thus ensures that they do not settle in the oral cavity. In addition, some species of bacteria in our oral flora can produce special defence substances that specifically attack and eliminate various pathogens. A healthy oral microbiome consists of about 800 to 1,000 different species of bacteria. Our lifestyle in particular has an influence on the oral microbiome: unhealthy diets, medications or strong fluctuations in the pH value within the oral cavity, for example due to high-sugar foods, can influence the oral microbiome and reduce both the diversity and the number of beneficial bacteria. As a result, an imbalance develops, a so-called dysbiosis, which leads to our oral microbiome no longer being able to fully fulfil its tasks. Supporting the oral microbiome through a healthy diet, maintaining a neutral pH in the oral cavity and specifically supplementing the oral flora with beneficial bacteria naturally occurring in the mouth and throat is therefore sensible, especially in combination with vitamin D: because vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system and is important for the process of cell division. This is significant for the cells of the oral mucosa, because their frequent regeneration is important to maintain the function of the oral mucosa as a barrier against unwanted germs.