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New Research Connects Oral Bacteria to Mental Health

A recent study published in Translational Psychiatry has identified a connection between the bacteria in our mouths and mental health, as reported by PsyPost in an article written by Eric W. Dolan. Researchers analyzed the salivary microbiome of individuals with mental health symptoms and compared it to that of mentally healthy individuals. The findings revealed notable differences in oral bacterial composition, suggesting that the oral microbiome may play an important role in mental well-being. These results add to the growing body of evidence supporting the concept of the “oral-brain axis.”

Expanding the Microbiome Perspective

Mental health disorders remain a major global health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. Despite advancements in treatment, obstacles such as resistance to therapy and high relapse rates necessitate innovative approaches. Recent research has focused on the human microbiome—the vast ecosystem of microorganisms residing in and on our bodies—as a potential factor influencing mental health. While much attention has been given to the gut microbiome and its role in the “gut-brain axis,” the oral microbiome has received comparatively less scrutiny.

Study author Stefanie Malan-Müller, a postdoctoral fellow at the Complutense University of Madrid, explained: “My research originally focused on how the gut microbiome influences mental health. Over the years, many studies have shown how the gut and brain communicate through the ‘gut-brain axis,’ affecting mental well-being. But our bodies host microbes in many places, not just the gut. One of these key areas is the mouth, which is directly connected to the gut.”

Study Methodology and Key Findings

The study analyzed saliva samples from 470 participants recruited from two Spanish population-based microbiome studies. All participants were adults, Spanish residents, and had not recently used antibiotics, which could alter their microbiome. The participants provided self-reports on their mental and periodontal health, and saliva samples were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing to identify bacterial compositions.

The findings indicated significant differences in the salivary microbiome between individuals with mental health symptoms and healthy controls. Notably, individuals with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression had higher levels of Prevotella histicola, a bacterium associated with oral inflammation and lower interpersonal quality of life scores. Conversely, individuals with anxiety disorders exhibited lower levels of Neisseria elongata, a bacterium linked to oral and cardiovascular health.

Malan-Müller stated: “What happens in the mouth doesn’t stay in the mouth. Our results suggest a role for the oral-brain axis—a concept proposing that the bacteria in our mouths could also play a critical role in mental well-being.”

The Role of Oral Health and Early Life Trauma

The study further found associations between oral bacteria and early life trauma. For example, higher levels of Streptococcus mutans, commonly associated with dental decay, were observed in individuals reporting childhood emotional neglect. Additionally, participants with gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis had distinct bacterial patterns, such as higher levels of Eggerthia and Shuttleworthia, and lower levels of Capnocytophaga.

“We also confirmed that gum health impacts the oral microbiome,” Malan-Müller explained. “People with conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis had distinct patterns of bacteria.”

The Biological Connection Between Oral and Mental Health

A key aspect of the study was the discovery of a shared biological pathway linking periodontal and mental health through tryptophan metabolism. Reduced tryptophan breakdown, which is critical for serotonin production, was observed in participants with depression, anxiety, or PTSD, as well as those with severe gum disease.

“One surprising finding was that we didn’t identify a single bacteria directly linked to both mental health and gum health,” Malan-Müller said. “However, we discovered a potential common biological process performed by microbes that connects the two: the breakdown of tryptophan, an important amino acid.”

Limitations and Future Research Directions

While the findings highlight intriguing connections between oral bacteria and mental health, the study’s cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causation. Malan-Müller cautioned: “One important caveat is that our study only shows a link between the types of bacteria in the mouth and mental health symptoms at a single point in time.” Future research is needed to track changes over time and investigate potential causal relationships.

Exploring the mechanisms by which oral bacteria may influence mental health, such as their role in systemic inflammation or neurotransmitter regulation, is another important avenue. Additionally, assessing whether improving oral health could enhance mental well-being presents a promising area for further study.

Malan-Müller concluded: “Based on our findings, one exciting area for future research is exploring the potential of dental care and oral hygiene as therapeutic tools for improving mental health.”

Conclusion

The study, titled “Probing the oral-brain connection: oral microbiome patterns in a large community cohort with anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms, and periodontal outcomes,” was authored by Stefanie Malan-Müller, Rebeca Vidal, Esther O’Shea, Eduardo Montero, Elena Figuero, Iñaki Zorrilla, Javier de Diego-Adeliño, Marta Cano, Maria Paz García-Portilla, Ana González-Pinto, and Juan C. Leza. The findings underscore the potential importance of oral health not just for physical well-being, but also for mental health.

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