Bacteria that help convert nitrate to nitrite are linked to healthier gums with less bleeding.

Treating gum disease helps increase beneficial bacteria in the gums but doesn't significantly change the bacteria on the tongue.

People with gum disease have fewer mouth bacteria that help convert nitrate to nitrite compared to people with healthy gums.

Using mouthwash that kills mouth bacteria leads to higher levels of nitrate in both saliva and blood.

After gum disease treatment, harmful bacteria decrease in both the gums and the tongue.

Taking inorganic nitrate supplements might help lower the bad bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay and gum disease in people with type 2 diabetes.