Nitric oxide chewing Gum to boost oral and heart health
Topical prebiotic nitrate: can extending the ‘hang-time’ in the mouth improve oral-vascular health outcomes?
Recent publication in NATURE Biofilms and Microbiomes explores how extending the "hang-time"— the duration nitrate remains in the oral cavity—can beneficially modulate the oral microbiome and enhance nitric oxide production, impacting both oral and systemic health.
Key Findings1. Extended Nitrate Exposure Enhances Oral MicrobiomeUtilizing slow-release prebiotic nitrate formulations, such as chewing gums or lozenges, prolongs nitrate-vitamin C presence in the mouth. This extended exposure supports the growth of beneficial nitrate-reducing bacteria like Neisseria and Rothia, while reducing harmful species associated with periodontal disease, including Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella melaninogenica.
2. Improved Nitric Oxide BioavailabilityThe enhanced activity of nitrate-reducing oral bacteria leads to increased conversion of nitrate to nitrite and subsequently to nitric oxide. Elevated nitric oxide levels contribute to vasodilation, improved blood flow, and reduced blood pressure, offering cardiovascular benefits.
3. Potential Applications for Systemic HealthIndividuals with conditions like xerostomia (dry mouth) or those with compromised NO pathways may particularly benefit from prolonged nitrate exposure in the oral cavity. This approach could aid in restoring a healthy oral microbiome and improving systemic nitric oxide levels. Green, J., Green, S.J. Topical prebiotic nitrate: can extending the ‘hang-time’ in the mouth improve oral-vascular health outcomes? NATURE Biofilms Microbiomes 10, 57 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-024-00527-3
Key Findings1. Extended Nitrate Exposure Enhances Oral MicrobiomeUtilizing slow-release prebiotic nitrate formulations, such as chewing gums or lozenges, prolongs nitrate-vitamin C presence in the mouth. This extended exposure supports the growth of beneficial nitrate-reducing bacteria like Neisseria and Rothia, while reducing harmful species associated with periodontal disease, including Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella melaninogenica.
2. Improved Nitric Oxide BioavailabilityThe enhanced activity of nitrate-reducing oral bacteria leads to increased conversion of nitrate to nitrite and subsequently to nitric oxide. Elevated nitric oxide levels contribute to vasodilation, improved blood flow, and reduced blood pressure, offering cardiovascular benefits.
3. Potential Applications for Systemic HealthIndividuals with conditions like xerostomia (dry mouth) or those with compromised NO pathways may particularly benefit from prolonged nitrate exposure in the oral cavity. This approach could aid in restoring a healthy oral microbiome and improving systemic nitric oxide levels. Green, J., Green, S.J. Topical prebiotic nitrate: can extending the ‘hang-time’ in the mouth improve oral-vascular health outcomes? NATURE Biofilms Microbiomes 10, 57 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-024-00527-3
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