Discussion
The oral immune system is part of an immense and specific compartmentalized mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) (Kuper, et al. 81-121). Not all oral bacteria are harmful to oral health since some healthy bacteria are responsible for keeping the bad germs at bay. Some of the bacteria found in the mouth include Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis along with Treponema denticola, Streptococcus salivarius k12, and Probiotics. The discussion is about how these bacteria impact the oral immune system.
Bacteria called Streptococcus mutans or S.mutans is the most recognized bacteria with tooth decay, and it is available in all mouthparts (Vasudevan, Sreekumari and Vaidyanathan). It is optionally anaerobic, Gram-positive coccus-shaped bacterium typically found in the human oral cavity and is a notable collaborator to tooth decay. The oral immune system is affected by Streptococcus mutans in the mouth which makes contact with sucrose or sugar-consisting substances that cause the Streptococcus mutans to count to escalate in number and secrete acids along with dangerous substances that attack the teeth’s enamel leading to decay (Vasudevan, Sreekumari and Vaidyanathan).
There are two types of bacteria which are partners in periodontal disease which entail Porphyromonas gingivalis along with Treponema denticola (Kinane and Mombelli). These bacteria are anaerobic meaning that they can survive in the absence of oxygen and proliferate to generate swelling of the gums. Here, the toxins generated by these bacteria consist of the red complex and derange cultures of oral bacteria which generally live in harmony with each other (Kinane and Mombelli). Enough of the bacteria can sneak beneath the gum line and break down the bone along with the connective tissue in and around the teeth. This will eventually lead to the weakening of the immune system hence loosening of the teeth and at some point required to be eliminated.
When resistance to infections in the oral cavity is weakened by bacteria that cause gum disease may result to chronic kidney disease which is a severe health issue which impacts the heart, kidneys, blood pressure along with bones (Arici). Periodontal disease leads to kidney disease, and individuals with gum disease normally have weaker immune systems and are most probable to obtain diseases (Arici). Moreover, people with gum disease are at a higher risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The oral bacteria from gingivitis increases swelling all over the body which results to a higher peril of developing rheumatoid arthritis, an agonizing and incapacitate infection (Leech and Bartold, 189-201).
Any disease in the mother’s body elevates her peril of encountering pregnancy problems. Periodontitis together with gingivitis have been identified to result to premature birth along with low birth weight in infants (Skouteris). Gum disease places the baby along with the mother at peril for encountering severe health problems. Moreover, infertility in women is linked to gum disease which can result to many health problems that make it more hard for a woman to conceive along with sustaining a healthy pregnancy (Skouteris).
When the gums are swollen because of the bacteria which results in periodontal disease, the same bacteria gets into the bloodstream causing the arteries to accumulate plaque and harden resulting in cardiovascular disease. The hardening of the arteries is known as atherosclerosis, and it is very severe which results to difficulties in flowing of blood along with heart blockages (Mustard and Marmot, 189-214). Also, it escalates the probability of getting a heart attack. The detrimental effect on the blood vessels along with the arteries leads to high blood pressure and elevate the peril for strokes. Furthermore, the development of endocarditis may occur which is a frequently deadly state which happens when the heart lining becomes infected. Furthermore, substances liberated from gums swollen by disease can eliminate the brain cells resulting in loss of memory. Dementia and probably Alzheimer’s disease can occur from gingivitis when the bacteria in the mouth spread to the nerve channels or enter the bloodstream (Genco and Williams).
Negative Impacts of Harmful Bacteria
Because of the affected gums that lead to periodontal disease due to the inability of the oral cavity to resist the toxins, diabetes become more hard to control since symptoms may become more worse as blood sugar level go high due to the gum disease (Bissett, Pumerantz and Preshaw, 134-40). Therefore, an individual having a poor oral health is at a high peril of developing diabetes. Furthermore, bacteria in the mouth from swollen gums and affected teeth can be breathed into the lungs or transmitted via the bloodstream leading to acute bronchitis, respiratory infections, pneumonia and possibly COPD.
CPD (chronic periodontal disease) is a disease which is as a result of gums pulling away from the teeth that create pockets that transport bacteria and permit the bug to spread to the bone surrounding teeth. Chronic inflammation as a result of gum disease damages the endothelial cells that form the lining on all the blood vessels and those in the penis. Bacteria from the infected gums get into the bloodstream and lead to swelling of blood vessels. The swelling blocks the flow of blood to the genitals making erections more strenuous or absurd to attain hence erectile dysfunction (Dauphinee and Karsan).
However, some better bacteria such as probiotics in the mouth are responsible for triggering the enzymatic reaction that starts the digestion of food beginning with the saliva. They can be referred as living organisms or as food ingredients consisting living bacteria which constructively impact the human well-being. The most regularly utilized probiotic bacterial strains belong to the genera Lactobacillus along with Bifidobacterium which is considered as part of the normal human microbiota. This healthy bacterium assists stave off oral infections like periodontal disease along with oral candida and even dental caries. This is because the healthy bacteria can stimulate or improve the production of saliva which is responsible for washing away sugar, food particles along with bad germs which can result in oral health issues (Silva and Freitas). Also, probiotics reduce symptoms of gingivitis or the gum disease and manage inflammation from gum disease through a bacterium called Lactobacillus brevis. Probiotic bacteria with the help of A12 bacteria prevent plaque. It helps fight a cavity-causing bacterium called Streptococcus mutans which turns sugar into lactic acid.
Also, good bacteria like Streptococcus salivarius k12 effectively cancel out the stinky bacteria and assist the breath in staying in neutral territory. It is a probiotic containing a specific strain of bacteria (Venema and Carmo) liberating two lantibiotics which include salivaricin A2 together with salivaricin B which provoke the development of Streptococcus pyogenes the major vital bacterial cause of pharyngeal diseases in humans also influenced by occurrences of acute otitis media. Streptococcus salivarius K12 strengthens the oral immune system by fortunately settling the oral cavity and is provided with an excellent safety profile.
Probiotics are live microorganisms found in the oral cavity and are similar to the beneficial microbes found in the human body. This bacterium inhibits the biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans, and it also inhibits many potentially harmful upper respiratory tract bacteria like Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus pyogenes and decreases oral malodor (Adams). Oral candidiasis is frequently associated with severe swelling leading to a reduction in the quality of life of immunosuppressed along with elderly individuals. The oral therapeutic option for candidiasis is Streptococcus salivarius k12 which regulate Candida albicans growth in vitro (Adams).
Conclusion:
Bacteria in the oral cavity contribute much to human wellbeing of which some are beneficial and others are harmful to human health. The effects of these bacteria may lead to weakening of the oral immune system or even make it stronger.
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