Many families ask whether problems in the mouth can influence gut health, or even affect their children. With new research emerging, it’s completely reasonable to wonder how closely the oral microbiome and gut microbiome relate to each other.
A recent study explored families where parents had periodontitis (gum disease) and compared them with families who had healthy gums. The question researchers wanted to answer was simple:
Do gum problems in parents show up as changes in gut bacteria and gut health markers in both the parent and the child?
Below is a breakdown of what the study found and what it actually means for everyday families, explained without exaggeration or fear.
What did the researchers examine?
The team studied 80 people and placed them into four groups:
- Parents with gum disease
- Parents with healthy gums
- Children of parents with gum disease
- Children of parents with healthy gums
They assessed:
- Gum health
- Oral bacteria from saliva
- Gut bacteria from stool samples
- Markers linked to inflammation and gut barrier function
One of these markers was a protein called claudin-2. Think of it as an indicator scientists use when studying how “tight” or “open” the gut lining is.
What did they discover about the gut microbiome?
Here is the simplest interpretation of the findings:
Parents with gum disease had noticeably different gut bacteria compared with parents who had healthier gums. Their children showed similar gut microbiome patterns to them. This meant parent–child pairs with gum disease looked different from parent–child pairs without gum disease.
This doesn’t mean bacteria travel straight from the mouth to the gut. What it does suggest is:
- Families share bacteria through daily contact
- Families often eat similarly
- Families share genetics and immune traits
Together, these factors can influence both the oral and gut microbiome. This connection is sometimes called the oral–gut axis.
Where does “leaky gut” fit into this?
“Leaky gut” is not a clinical diagnosis. In scientific research the correct term is increased intestinal permeability, which looks at how tightly the gut lining is sealed.
Higher levels of claudin-2 can be seen in inflammatory gut conditions. In this study, higher claudin-2 levels were found in:
- Parents with gum disease
- Their children
These levels were linked with:
- An imbalanced oral microbiome
- Shifts in gut bacteria ratios
The pattern looked like this:
Gum disease in the parent → changes in their oral microbiome → shared microbiome patterns within the family → higher gut permeability markers.
It is important to highlight that this is correlation only. The study does not prove that gum disease causes gut problems.
What these findings do not mean
For clarity and fairness:
- The research was a snapshot in time and cannot prove cause and effect.
- There were only 80 participants.
- Many things influence gut health, including diet, medications, stress, genetics and other illnesses.
So we cannot say:
- Gum disease will definitely cause gut problems in children
- Fixing gum disease will cure gut conditions
What we can say is that good oral health is associated with better overall health markers, including gut-related ones.
What this might mean for your family
Treat gum disease early
Parents’ oral health habits influence:
- The bacteria children are exposed to
- Brushing and eating habits kids copy
- Their long-term oral development
Supporting healthy gums is good for you and might provide benefits for your child too.
Think of oral care as a family routine
Useful habits include:
- Brushing twice daily with a soft toothbrush
- Cleaning between the teeth daily
- Watching for signs such as bleeding gums or persistent bad breath
Adults who notice these issues should have a proper periodontal assessment.
Support gut health with simple, balanced choices
Dentists don’t diagnose gut conditions, but we often see links between diet, oral inflammation and microbiome imbalance.
Healthy choices that help both mouth and gut include:
- Fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, fruit, legumes and whole grains
- Reduced added sugar
- Avoiding smoking
- Moderate alcohol intake
- Speaking with your GP if gut symptoms persist
Think of your mouth and gut as systems that work together, not separately.
How we approach this at Mentone Family Dentist
In our clinic we often see:
- Parents concerned about their own gum disease
- Families wanting long-term guidance
- People curious about the mouth–gut link but overwhelmed by online information
Our role is to:
- Carry out a proper periodontal assessment
- Explain findings clearly and calmly
- Build a step-by-step plan for improving gum and oral health
- Communicate with your GP or other practitioners when appropriate
We focus on evidence, prevention and helping you understand how your mouth fits into your overall health.
Quick summary
- Gum disease is linked with shifts in oral and gut bacteria.
- A recent study suggests parents with gum disease may share similar microbiome patterns with their children.
- This doesn’t prove cause and effect, but supports the idea that oral and gut health are interconnected.
- The practical takeaway is simple: look after your gums, support a healthy lifestyle, and get regular checks for you and your children.
If you’re concerned about gum health or have questions about the oral–gut connection, our dentists and hygienists are here to help. Schedule a complimentary, obligation free consultation with our team.
References (Peer-Reviewed)
Staufenbiel I, et al. Familial patterns of oral–gut dysbiosis and systemic markers in periodontitis patients and their offspring. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2025.
Lozupone CA, et al. Oral Dysbiosis in Severe Forms of Periodontitis Is Associated With Gut Dysbiosis and Altered Inflammatory Profiles. Frontiers in Oral Health. 2021;2:722495.
Mao S, et al. Oral-gut axis as a novel biological mechanism linking periodontal and intestinal diseases. Journal of Oral Biosciences. 2023.
Corrêa JD, et al. Parents with periodontitis impact the subgingival colonization of their children. Scientific Reports. 2020;10:20096.
Ciapponi A, et al. The Oral–Gut–Systemic Axis: Emerging Insights into Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases. Diagnostics. 2024;15(21):2784.
Tanwar H, et al. Unravelling the oral–gut axis: interconnection between periodontitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis. 2024;18(8):1319–1334.
Capaldo CT, Nusrat A. Claudin-2: pore-forming tight junction protein in intestinal inflammation and disease. Mucosal Immunology / JCI / related tight-junction reviews. 2019–2023.