The Microbiota

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The microbiota, the collective name for all the microbes living in or on a person, is an important contribution to the health of a patient. The mouth contains billions of microbes, including viruses, protozoa, archaea, and bacteria, which is expected of microbiomes all over the body. Specifically, there are about 1000 different species that are normally seen within the oral microbiota, and the most common species of bacteria phyla seen in the mouth are Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, Synergistetes, and Tenericutes. If these bacteria are found in the mouth of a patient, it serves as an indication of a healthy oral microbiota. It is crucial to maintain the health of the oral microbiota to minimize disease, such as periodontitis, which is a common inflammation of the gums due to a change in the oral microbiota. To retain health, most dentists recommend brushing the teeth with toothpaste and flossing at least twice a day. The bacteria found in the mouth is known to be the cause of many diseases, especially heart disease due to the easy access to the bloodstream through the gums of the mouth (Wade). A shift in the oral microbiota due to foreign applications may contribute to disease in other parts of the body.
Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract causing inflammation of the bowel, which will traditionally contribute to extreme discomfort. It is believed that genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors likely contribute to the disease, and recently, it has been strongly suggested that changes in the gut microbiota may be a contributor to Crohn’s disease. The main bacteria that are found within the intestines include the phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicut...

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