With consumer awareness of the gut microbiome having reached the mainstream, another crucial microbial community is gaining more attention: the oral microbiome.
The human body’s second-most diverse microbiome is increasingly recognised for its role in not just oral health but also overall wellbeing. Scientific findings and growing consumer curiosity present opportunities for the food and beverage industry to develop products that support the mouth’s microbial communities.
The oral microbiome: A complex ecosystem
The oral microbiome is a complex and dynamic community of more than 700 species of bacteria, along with various fungi, viruses, and protozoa.
These microorganisms play a critical role in maintaining oral health by protecting against pathogenic species and influencing conditions such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and even systemic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The balance of these microbial communities is vital; when disrupted, it can lead to oral dysbiosis, which has been linked to a variety of health issues.
Research has also begun to explore the connection between the oral microbiome and cognitive health. A study published earlier this month in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012 to determine that greater oral microbiome diversity is associated with better cognitive function – particularly in executive function – among older adults.
This finding provides evidence that maintaining a balanced oral microbiome is not just beneficial for oral health but also for overall wellbeing.
Mintel reports that 56% of US consumers are either using or interested in trying oral care products with probiotics.
This increasing consumer focus on holistic health and wellness can drive demand for products that support the oral microbiome. This trend is reminiscent of the shift towards gut health, where consumers have moved away from products that indiscriminately kill bacteria in favour of those that support beneficial microorganisms.
Now, this focus is expanding to include foods and beverages that promote a healthy oral environment. For instance, foods rich in nitrates, such as leafy greens, have been shown to support a healthy oral environment by reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth and lowering oral acidity.
Studies on athletes with inflamed gums showed that beetroot and lettuce juice (both high in nitrates) resulted in improved dental protection and reduced gum inflammation.
Crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and apples, which naturally help clean teeth and stimulate saliva production, could also be emphasised in marketing as natural tools for maintaining oral health.
These foods can be marketed as part of a diet that not only promotes gut health but also enhances oral microbiome balance, thereby supporting overall systemic health.
According to Michelle Teodoro, global food science analyst at Mintel, the potential for crossover products that target both gut and oral health is significant.
For example, a snack bar that combines probiotics for gut health with ingredients that support the oral microbiome could appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for holistic wellness solutions.
Similarly, beverages that combine digestive enzymes with oral health-promoting compounds could tap into the growing demand for functional beverages.
Meanwhile, a number of dental probiotics are already on the market.
Several products with claims like “promotes healthy oral microbiota” can be found on Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). Thai consumers can purchase Dairy Home For Fun Sweet Flavour Milk Tablets with Probiotics, which contain maltitol, a natural sweetener that halts the growth of microorganisms causing tooth decay.
Zollipops Assorted Fruit Flavor Lollipops, available in the US, claim to be “supercharged with erythritol, xylitol, and other smile-friendly natural ingredients”, and Lotte’s Xylitol Strawberry Tablets, claiming to keep teeth strong and healthy, contain xylitol, which is meant to induce remineralisation of the teeth.
The incorporation of functional ingredients into everyday products offers another avenue for innovation. For example, green tea, which contains catechins that reduce harmful bacteria, could be highlighted in beverages designed to support oral health.
Similarly, nuts and seeds, rich in vitamins and minerals that support healthy gums, could be incorporated into snacks that promote oral microbiome balance.
