If you’ve ever wondered why the Paleo diet seems to be so popular, it’s not just another fad; there’s genuine science to back its benefits. Many people feel healthier when they only consume the types of foods that our ancestors ate before the invention of farming around 10,000 years ago. And it turns out, their oral health may have been better off as well. When humans made the transition from hunter-gatherers to farmers, the bacteria in our mouths also changed, making our oral health worse.
A History of Bacteria
In a study conducted at the University of Aberdeen and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge, U.K., scientists have discovered that our mouths are generally not as healthy now as they were in prehistoric times. The introduction of farming and the consumption of food made from grains have resulted in a decrease in the diversity of oral probiotic bacteria, which means we are less protected from infection and decay. Overall, the bacteria in our mouths have evolved to be less beneficial for our health.
Alan Cooper, the study’s leader, explained: “This is the first record of how our evolution over the last 7,500 years has impacted the bacteria we carry with us, and the important health consequences. Oral bacteria in modern humans are markedly less diverse than historic populations, and this is thought to contribute to chronic oral and other diseases in post-industrial lifestyles.”
How Agriculture Impacted Our Oral Bacteria
The inclusion of farming in our society led to a significant drop in the diversity of oral bacteria. Not only did our food change, but our overall way of life also shifted. Instead of roaming and hunting for food, people began to settle into permanent communities to farm and raise livestock. With this change came the consumption of grains, which cause detrimental effects on oral bacteria.
Cooper further notes: “The composition of oral bacteria changed markedly with the introduction of farming, and again around 150 years ago. With the introduction of processed sugar and flour in the Industrial Revolution, we can see a dramatically decreased diversity in our oral bacteria, allowing domination by caries-causing strains. The modern mouth basically exists in a permanent disease state.”
The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health
The health of your mouth can directly impact your overall health. For instance, oral bacteria can cause inflammation and infection that can lead to a weakened immune system. Bacteria from your mouth can also enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums, potentially causing heart disease. Thus, improving your oral health can help improve your general well-being.
How to Improve Your Oral Health and Diversity of Bacteria
To enhance your oral health and the diversity of bacteria in your mouth, you may want to consider taking the following steps:
1. Maintain good oral hygiene
Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly, and use mouthwash to help eliminate harmful bacteria. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three months.
2. Limit sugar and processed food consumption
Cut back on sugary drinks and snacks and eat more fermented foods that contain healthy bacteria. Eat whole foods with a focus on fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. This will not only improve your overall health but also boost your immune system.
3. Protect your tooth enamel
Avoid overly acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and sodas, limit snacking between meals, and drink water to help rinse away food particles and bacteria. Additionally, steering clear of tobacco products will help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
4. Visit your dentist regularly
Make sure you have regular dental check-ups and cleanings to catch any potential issues early and to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Conclusion
By understanding the role oral bacteria and food choices play in our overall health, we can take the necessary steps to improve our dental hygiene and overall well-being. Incorporating quality oral care practices, limiting processed foods, and maintaining a well-balanced, whole foods diet can significantly impact the health of our mouths and, subsequently, our bodies.
