HOW RELATIONSHIPS AFFECT OUR MICROBIOMES!

By Dr. Anita Mathew of TLC Dental Spa

According to an article published in Medical News Today, we may have more in common with our significant others than a shared love of stamp collections or movies. Apparently, we may actually share a fraction of our microbiomes!

A QUICK TUTORIAL ON MICROBIOME:

As most patients of our practice are likely aware, our microbiome consists of the trillions of bacteria who call our bodies home. Most of these species also happen to perform valuable– even critical– functions that contribute to our body’s overall health.

For healthy teeth and gums, we rely in part on commensal bacteria living in our mouth to act as “guards” against pathogenic bacteria. Our “native” bacterial populations (estimated to average 700 different species) control the growth and spread of bacterial invaders by competing for food, space, or other living essentials.

WHAT AFFECTS OUR MICROBIOME?

Our microbiota is influenced by age, diet and individuals with whom we share our lives. Shared meals and dietary habits can impact the types of nutrients available for the microbiome, while close physical contact may influence the transfer of microbes.

According to a study performed at the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research, we may exchange microbiota more frequently than we think with those around us– specifically, our romantic partners.

This brings us to KISSING. This group of researchers wanted to study how much of our microbiota we share when engaged in “intimate kissing,” which they define as being at least 10 seconds and— OK, all the 10-year-olds, feel free to be seriously grossed out– requiring the exchange of saliva (Eeeeeew!).

SHARED MOMENTS LEAD TO… SHARED MICROBIOTA!

According to the researchers, as many as 80 million bacteria are exchanged between two partners in the space of a 10-second kiss! Scientists note that couples who kiss frequently actually share a significant portion of oral microbiota, since they are constantly introducing it into each others’ mouths.

However, frequent kissing is necessary to maintain this oral microbiome similarity. Native species of bacteria will restore the previous bacterial balance. So, if you go on a long trip away from your sweetie, the two of you will be less similar (microbiotically speaking) when you return than when you left.

The one exception to this is for bacteria that colonize our tongues. While the salivary bacteria exchanged during a kiss enjoyed only transient inclusion into each partner’s microbiome, lingual bacteria– bacteria that live on our tongues– actually settle down and stay there. 

SO NOW WHAT? KISS ROMANCE GOODBYE??

While some people may find the entire subject slightly off-putting, we at TLC Dental Spa believe that our microbiomes simply bring us closer to those we love, in sometimes unexpected ways. Now you decide if that sounds like romance for you!

Common dental issues like caries and periodontal disease are transmissible. Would you like to learn how your microbiome contributes to your oral health? Let’s talk bacteria at your next appointment at TLC Dental Spa. The importance of oral health extends far beyond a beautiful smile; it can have implications for your entire body's well-being. 

I am always committed to keeping up on the latest scientific advancements. I have continued my education every year through seminars and professional development. And I have always sought to share this knowledge with my patients. To learn more about us, visit us at www.TLCdentalSpa.com, on Facebook, Instagram or call us at 706-546-6451