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Looking after our oral health is crucial for our overall well-being, as the bacteria in our mouths can have serious consequences for our long-term health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to bad bacteria traveling throughout the body, causing or exacerbating conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and arthritis. However, there are ways to maintain a healthy oral microbiome, including brushing and flossing regularly, using new vaccines against gum disease, and potentially using an oral microbiome replacement composed of microbes from our ancestors. Researchers are also investigating the link between oral bacteria and conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and atherosclerotic heart disease. [Extracted from the article]