Bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream via damaged gingiva, and in the case of a weakened blood-brain barrier, they can also enter the brain and lead to diseases. However, they can also indirectly affect the central nervous system. An analysis of genetic and patient data has shown a causal relationship between oral bacteria and depression or anxiety.
Summary :
The connection between the oral microbiome and the psyche
Genome-wide association study and patient data on depression and anxiety
Certain salivary and dorsal bacteria affect the psyche
Mechanisms, and strategies for prevention and treatment are the goal of further studies
The microbiome, particularly that of the gut, is increasingly recognized as important for health and immune system activity. Effects on the psyche are already known. The oral microbiome, on the other hand, is mainly known for the health of the teeth and gums. However, periodontal disease not only affects the gums and the periodontium, but can also allow bacteria to penetrate through the gums into the bloodstream and, in the case of a weakened blood-brain barrier, into the brain. Periodontosis can also indirectly affect the central nervous system by means of pro-inflammatory messengers. How the oral microbiome affects mental health has, however, hardly been studied to date.
The authors of the present studies analyzed the results of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on the oral microbiome with a view to polygenic risk scores of 285 salivary microbiomes and 309 microbiomes from the dorsum of the tongue.
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