Alterations to oral microbiota can reduce the cardiovascular benefits of sport

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-12/uodc-ato120920.php

News Release 9-Dec-2020
Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)

 

Exercise plays a key role in maintaining good physical and mental health throughout life. There is an increasing amount of scientific evidence that some of the immune system and metabolism benefits provided by sport are related to the thousands of millions of bacteria that colonize the digestive tract, from the mouth to the intestines, known as microbiota. Although most studies in this field have traditionally focused on the microorganisms present in the intestine, in recent years it has been found that the bacteria in the mouth, the second most complex microbiome in the body, after the intestine, also play an important role.


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"The majority of bacteria in the mouth are essential for us to be healthy. Only a minority produce illnesses such as caries or periodontitis," the researchers point out in the study. "In fact, previous studies have shown that if you inhibit the activity of the bacteria in the mouth, the cardiovascular benefits of sport are reduced," said Raúl Bescós, professor of Physiology at the University of Plymouth and first author of the study.

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Paradoxically observational studies suggested that the prevalence of oral disorders, including dental erosion, caries and periodontitis, among elite athletes is similar to or greater than it is among the general population. And it was felt that the reason could be related to diet and hydration.

"Sportsmen consume a lot of drinks containing sugar and acid that can affect oral health and the abundance of bacteria. They also consume a lot of carbohydrates, including products with a lot of sugar like energy bars and gel, that can alter the microbiota in the mouth," said Casas-Agustench, co-author of the study. The most notable results of these studies were presented during the #SportsTomorrow conferences organized by Barça Innovation Hub.

As well as diet, other factors must be taken into account, such as dehydration or dryness of the mouth, occurring when athletes run or cycle, that can affect the diversity and abundance of oral microbiota and reduce protection for the teeth. "Some athletes often vomit as a result of the anxiety they feel before competing or during competitions because of the effort they are making, and that leads to alterations to the pH level in their mouths, erodes the enamel and alters the composition of the bacteria," she added.

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Another factor that has also been seen to have a negative effect on the composition and balance of oral microbiota is the use of antibacterial mouthwashes, like those containing chlorhexidine, when not prescribed by a doctor. "They inhibit the bacteria in the mouth and it has been observed that when chlorhexidine is used, the positive effects of exercise on blood pressure are drastically reduced," said Bescós, who reminded us that "oral microbiota is essential in the cardiovascular response to physical exercise. If the mouth is healthy, the bacteria help to break the nitrates down into nitrites. Otherwise, we lose much of the benefit of exercise".

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