We brush our teeth daily to have fresh breath and avoid cavities. But how does this toothpaste affect the bacteria — the oral microbiome — in our mouths?read moreThe goal of brushing one’s teeth is to have fresh breath and prevent cavities. But the effect of toothpaste on the complex ecosystem of bacteria in our mouths — the
oral microbiome — is often overlooked.Recent research has highlighted just how crucial the oral microbiome is for our overall health. A
well-balanced microbiome helps regulate harmful bacteria, aids digestion and protects the gums. But does toothpaste support this balance, or could it be disrupting it? And could the toothpaste of the future be designed to work with the oral microbiome rather than against it?AdvertisementThe mouth is one of the most densely populated microbial habitats in the body, home to more than
700 species of bacteria. These bacteria inhabit not only the surfaces of the teeth and gums in biofilm – a sticky, structured community that can be both beneficial and harmful – but also thrive in our saliva, contributing to the dynamic oral microbiome.A healthy microbiome includes bacteria that help regulate pH levels (a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is), break down food and even produce natural antimicrobial compounds. But when the balance is disrupted — often due to diet, poor oral hygiene or certain medical conditions — harmful bacteria can take over. This imbalance, known as
dysbiosis, is linked to tooth decay and gum disease.How toothpaste worksThe main function of toothpaste isn’t to kill bacteria outright but to disrupt the biofilm that allows harmful bacteria to thrive. Brushing mechanically removes this biofilm from teeth and gums, while abrasives in toothpaste help break it up further.Many toothpastes also contain fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Interestingly,
fluoride itself doesn’t kill bacteria, but it makes it harder for acid-producing bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, a key player in tooth decay, to cause damage.Editor’s Picks1Soon, a drug might allow you to grow new teeth. Here’s what you need to know2In Graphics | The four-step guide to acing white teeth and the perfect smileSome toothpastes include antibacterial agents, such as
triclosan (now banned in some countries due to safety concerns) or newer alternatives like
stannous fluoride and zinc compounds. These ingredients target harmful bacteria, but there’s still
debate about whether they also disrupt beneficial microbes in the process.Despite toothpaste being a daily staple, research into its effects on the oral microbiome is still evolving. Some studies suggest that certain antibacterial agents reduce both harmful and beneficial bacteria,
potentially changing the microbiome in ways we don’t yet fully understand. Others indicate that the microbiome
recovers quite quickly after brushing, making any disruption temporary.AdvertisementMany toothpastes also contain fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Representational Image/PixabayScientists are now exploring whether future toothpaste formulations could take a more targeted approach, reducing harmful bacteria while
preserving beneficial species. Some
emerging research looks at probiotics and prebiotics — ingredients that could actively support a healthier oral microbiome rather than simply disrupting it.Keeping the oral microbiome in balance isn’t just about avoiding cavities. There’s growing evidence linking gum disease to
heart disease,
diabetes and harms during
pregnancy. Inflammation triggered by harmful oral bacteria can spread beyond the mouth, potentially contributing to
long-term health problems.Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and cleaning between the teeth helps reduce the bacterial load in the mouth, lowering the risk of both oral and systemic diseases.AdvertisementIs microbiome-friendly toothpaste the future?As our understanding of the oral microbiome grows, toothpaste may evolve to become more selective in its action. Instead of broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, future formulations might include ingredients that support beneficial bacteria while keeping harmful species in check.Some promising candidates include
arginine, a naturally occurring amino acid that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, and
plant-derived antimicrobials that disrupt harmful biofilms without killing good bacteria. However, research in this area is still in its early stages, and more evidence is needed to determine the long-term effects of these ingredients.Toothpaste plays a key role in oral health by breaking up bacterial biofilm, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. While some ingredients may affect the oral microbiome,
research suggests that brushing and flossing remain the most effective ways to maintain a healthy mouth.Future toothpaste innovations may shift towards microbiome-friendly formulations but, for now, the best advice remains the same: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, spit out the excess and clean between your teeth daily.AdvertisementThis article is republished from
The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the
original article.More from Health
Does toothpaste kill good bacteria in your mouth?
One more US company recalls raw pet food as bird flu continues to infect cats
What’s the mysterious ‘crying disease’ that has claimed 60 lives in Congo?
How are idlis linked to cancer? Karnataka govt’s crackdown explainedEnd of Article
More:
