NEUROSCIENTISTS found an overload of Streptococcus mutans — an oral bacterium that causes dental caries — in the gut of Parkinson’s patients. Illustration Credit: Neuroscience News

Summary: Scientists have uncovered a direct link between oral bacteria and Parkinson’s disease. They found that Streptococcus mutans, best known for causing cavities, can settle in the gut and release metabolites that reach the brain.

These metabolites trigger neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, and motor impairments resembling Parkinson’s. The findings suggest that targeting the oral–gut microbiome could lead to novel strategies for preventing or treating the disease.

Key Facts

• Oral–Gut–Brain Link: Streptococcus mutans can migrate from mouth to gut and affect the brain.

• Toxic Metabolite: Its metabolite ImP damages dopaminergic neurons and promotes Parkinson’s pathology.

• Therapeutic Potential: Blocking mTORC1 signaling reduced neuroinflammation and motor symptoms in mice.

Read the FULL REPORT, SHARE IT WITH FRIENDS. Click ORAL BACTERIA - NEW SCIENCE & PARKINSON’S PERIL

Already diagnosed with Parkinon’s - you CAN fight back. Multiple studies show oral bacteria can accelerate the progression of Parkinson’s by disrupting the gut-brain axis and promoting the neurodegeneration associated with with the disease. Scroll down this page to familiarize yourself with the simple steps you can take to keep harmful oral bacteria under control.

Keep reading to learn more about oral bacteria and the serious illnesses that microbial imbalances and overgrowth are associated with.

BIG PICTURE

IN THE NEWS

HERE’S SOME SCIENCE

Biofilm dysbiosis Associated with the Development of Severe Oral Diseases - Frontiers in Science Journals: Oral Health

Oral Microorganisms and Biofilms: New Insights to Defeat the Main Etiologic Factor of Oral Diseases - MDPI Report (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

Manipulating the diseased oral microbiome: the power of probiotics and prebiotics - National Institutes of Health Report

Natural products from traditional medicine as promising agents targeting at different stages of oral biofilm development - Frontiers in Science Journals: Oral Health

PROTECT YOURSELF

EASY COMMON-SENSE TIPS FOR KEEP YOUR MOUTH HEALTHY

• Brush and Floss Regularly

  Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque, which can fuel harmful bacteria.

• Clean Your Tongue

  Don't forget to clean your tongue, as many bacteria accumulate there and can contribute to oral dysbiosis.

• Stay Hydrated

  Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth, which creates a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria.

• Limit Sugar and Alcohol

  Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks, which promote the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Moderate your alcohol consumption and avoid smoking entirely.

• Eat a Balanced Diet
  Focus on meals rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir can also help maintain a balanced oral microbiome.

• Manage Stress:

  Learn relaxation techniques and ensure you get adequate rest, as stress can negatively impact your overall health, including your oral microbiome.

Professional Dental Care If It’s Available to You

1. Regular Dental Visits

   Schedule regular check-ups and professional cleanings with your dentist to monitor your oral health.

2. Early Intervention

   A dentist can detect early signs of oral dysbiosis and provide treatments to restore balance, such as managing periodontal disease.

CAN HERBS HELP?

Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Effects: Many herbs possess compounds that can reduce the bacterial load in the mouth, which is beneficial for preventing tooth decay and plaque (biofilm) formation.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Many herbscan help reduce inflammation of the gums and oral mucosa.

Antioxidant Activity: Many herbs can provide antioxidant protection against harmful reactive oxygen species in the oral cavity.

Derek says, “As a 30-year diabetic, it’s crucial for me to take care of my mouth and I do - and it’s not that hard to do. I brush my teeth and tongue after every meal. I don’t floss because I find that “proxa-brushes” that slip between the spaces of your teeth - think, “toothpick on steroids - are vastly superior for me. I’ve used G-U-M brand Proxabrush Go-Betweens since 1999. I carry one on my pocket and use it after I eat anything.

”In keeping with my keen interest in medicinal herbs, I also formulated a broad-spectrum biofilm disrupting antimicrobial for myself that I use three ways: 1. As an oral rinse and gargle right before bedtime. 2. Systemically,taking it as you would any herbal liquid. 3. I brush my teeth and gums and tongue with it every morning in lieu of toothpaste (burshing with flouride-free toothpaste after meals)".

“The ingredients are: Cat's Claw 4%, Otoba Bark, Oregano 10:1, Japanese Knotweed 25%, Andrographis, Black Walnut Hull, Turmeric 95% Curcuminoids, Turmeric 4:1 Extract, and Turmeric Full-Spectrum,
Houttuynia 5:1, Artemisia Annua 30:1 & 5:1, Cordyceps 5:1, Ceylon
Cinnamon, Ginger Root Root 4:1, Panax Ginseng 4:1, Panax Notoginseng 5%, Baikal (Chinese) Skullcap 5:1, Yellow Gentian, Licorice Root, Guaco, Green Stevia Leaf, Goldenseal Root, Elecampane, Echinacea, Chinese Salvia, Agnus Chaste Berry, Yarrow, Lapacho, Bitter Melon.

ALLERGY ALERT: Contains Black Walnut Hull. NOT for people who are allergic to nuts of any kind.

IAdvisory: Herbs are foods, not drugs, and they have not been evaluated for use as drugs by the FDA. They are not intended to help you diagnose, prevent, treat, prevent, mitigate or cure any illness. If you are seriously sick or think you might be, consult a doctor before you attempt to diagnose or treat yourself.

Testimonials reflect the experiences of individuals and might not apply for you.

Scientific studies are preliminary and shouldn't be construed as suggesting FDA approval or that any therapy has been approved for use by the FDA. They are, however. are well-constructed and meaningful research as evidenced by publication in NIH and other prominent scientific journals and databases. You can dig deeper by researching further via the Intenet. You can share them with your doctor to determine if they might be safe and helpful for you.