11 Oral Microbiome Secrets: How Your Mouth Health Predicts Your Whole Body Wellness

When you think about health, how often do you start with your mouth? It turns out, those countless tiny inhabitants on and between your teeth—collectively known as your oral microbiome—play a much bigger part in your body's wellness story than most people realize. Scientists have discovered that your mouth is home to over 700 different species of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, all working together in an intricate ecosystem. Rather than being merely a source of cavities or bad breath, the health and balance of this mouth community can set the stage for how the rest of your body performs and feels—from your heart and brain, to your immune system, digestion, and even how you age.