Stress & the Oral Microbiome

How cortisol disrupts our balance – and how a green routine with Natch can help!

Stress is no longer an exception – many of us live on a permanently heightened level of tension. What is often overlooked: stress doesn’t just affect our nervous system and mood, but also the delicate interplay of microorganisms in our mouth – the oral microbiome.

Why the oral microbiome reacts so sensitively

Our mouth hosts billions of microbes – bacteria, fungi, viruses. This finely tuned system not only protects teeth and gums, but also has systemic effects on overall health. When it shifts into dysbiosis (imbalance), it can trigger gum disease, cavities, bad breath, and even systemic conditions. According to neurological and socio-cultural studies, the oral microbiome may even influence the central nervous system and mental health – within the emerging research field of the Oral-Microbiome-Brain Axis (OMBA) (Frontiers).

Cortisol – the stress hormone with unwanted oral side effects

Cortisol helps us in the short term – it activates and suppresses inflammation. But under chronic stress, the opposite effects occur:

• Increased inflammation & periodontal disease: A recent case-control study confirmed that patients with periodontitis had significantly higher subjective stress levels and salivary cortisol – with an odds ratio of 3.7. Patients with periodontitis had over 3.5 times higher cortisol levels than controls (BioMed Central).
  

• Cortisol as a biomarker: Systematic reviews show that elevated salivary cortisol correlates with more severe periodontitis. Cortisol is also a reliable biomarker for conditions such as Cushing’s disease, type 2 diabetes, stress, depression, and periodontitis (The Open Dentistry Journal).
  

• Dry mouth: Earlier evidence shows a clear link between salivary cortisol and complaints such as dry mouth and reduced salivary flow (PubMed, Lippincott Journals). This increases risk for cavities and mucosal discomfort. Modern reviews confirm: chronic stress leads to dysbiosis, showing characteristic plaque-driven inflammation (Rupa Health).
  

Supporting oral balance – the natural dental care routine with Natch

This is where our philosophy comes in: microbiome-friendly oral care with Natch helps restore balance – and turns daily care into a mindful, soothing ritual.

Morning Ritual

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  Copper tongue scraper removes overnight bacterial coating, leaving your tongue clean and fresh.
  

• Wake-up Call Tabs with organic Matcha, Ylang-Ylang and Mint stimulate saliva and circulation – for an energized start.
  

• Mindful breathing while brushing: Two minutes of conscious breathing lowers acute stress – a simple but effective way to begin your day.
  

Freshness on the go

• Boombastic Mouthwash Tabs with postbiotics, hydroxyapatite, mint & bergamot create a naturally alkaline oral environment – helping counteract acid-related dysbiosis.
  

Evening Routine

• Gentle brushing with Tabs removes plaque, supports immunity and neutralizes acids from the day. Ideally with Prof. Dr. Shaman (LINK).
  

• No distractions: no multitasking, just self-care – a mental boost.
  

• Gentle yoga or stretching before bed relaxes body and mind – perfect for lowering stress before sleep.
  

Raising the flag – facts on oral health in the context of stress

MATCHA STUDY – clinical evidence

In a recent clinical study with 45 participants suffering from chronic periodontitis, researchers found:

• Matcha mouthwash significantly reduced levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis – a key pathogen in periodontitis – in saliva samples (Medical Dialogues, World Health, Medical Update Online, Super Innovators, The Microbiologist, MedIndia).
  

• In vitro: Matcha extract killed nearly all P. gingivalis cells within 2–4 hours, while sparing beneficial bacteria (Super Innovators, World Health, Healthcare Hygiene Magazine).
  

• Published in Microbiology Spectrum, the authors wrote: “Matcha may have clinical applicability for prevention and treatment of periodontitis.” (Super Innovators, Medical Update Online).
  

• Mechanistic analysis: Matcha extract disrupted the cell envelope of P. gingivalis, reduced membrane fluidity, and inhibited adhesion and growth (MedIndia, Medical Update Online, Healthcare Hygiene Magazine).
  

Conclusion – Cortisol: ally in acute stress, disruptor under chronic load

Cortisol plays its role in the short term. But chronically elevated? It becomes a true disruptor – including for oral health. A consistent, microbiome-friendly routine with Natch Tabs restores balance – protecting against inflammation, acid damage, and dry mouth. And perhaps even more: a daily opportunity to reduce stress. Oral care becomes a mindful ritual – for your smile and your mental health.

Your Natch Team

Norbert & Heber from Natch