Summary
Overview
A comprehensive discussion about oral health and the oral microbiome with dental expert Victoria, covering the connection between oral bacteria and cancer, the impact of diet and lifestyle on oral health, proper brushing techniques, teeth whitening, and how to optimize the oral microbiome through testing and personalized treatments.
Oral Bacteria and Cancer Connection
The conversation begins with a discussion of emerging research linking specific oral bacteria to tumor growth in mice and humans. Victoria explains that Fusobacterium nucleatum has been shown to accelerate tumor growth in colorectal and breast cancer. While she stops short of declaring a direct causal relationship, she identifies it as a significant risk factor, noting that researchers are developing targeted antibiotics to test whether eliminating this bacteria can slow cancer progression.
- Fusobacterium nucleatum has been shown to accelerate tumor growth in mice and is linked to colorectal and breast cancer
- The relationship is likely multifactorial rather than purely causal, with oral bacteria serving as a risk factor
- Researchers are developing antibiotics that specifically target Fusobacterium nucleatum to test cancer treatment efficacy
- Poor oral hygiene, genetics, diet, kissing, and what we breathe in can all contribute to levels of harmful oral bacteria
- Green tea is extremely effective at killing Fusobacterium nucleatum
" I wouldn't yet say causal. I think that for most cancers, it is multifactorial. "
" something so simple is extremely effective at killing Fusobacterium nucleatum "
Impact of Beverages on Oral Health
Victoria explains how common beverages affect the oral microbiome, with particular attention to coffee, tea, and sugary drinks. While coffee and tea don't directly harm the oral microbiome, they reduce saliva production, which is critical for maintaining healthy bacteria. The discussion emphasizes the importance of saliva as a delivery system for nutrients to oral bacteria and how reduced saliva flow allows harmful bacteria to proliferate.
- Coffee has no direct negative impact on the oral microbiome but dries out the mouth, reducing saliva
- Saliva acts as a delivery service providing food and proteins to bacteria in the mouth
- Sugar dissolved in hot tea is worse than eating a biscuit because it's more readily absorbed
- Sipping sugary drinks over time causes repeated acid attacks; it's better to consume sugar all at once
- Fizzy drinks like Coca-Cola are very acidic and can cause enamel erosion
" your delivery is traveling around, providing all of the food and bacteria, sorry, food to the bacteria. And that's what keeps the good bacteria alive and happy. "
" Down the tea or I don't know if you're a M&M guy, have all your M&Ms in one go. Don't snack on M&Ms every 10 minutes. "
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