Oral microbiome and health

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oral Health
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• The oral cavity harbors a complex microbiome shaped by external factors like diet, pH, and temperature.
• This microbial community includes bacteria, fungi, and viruses, forming biofilms on various oral surfaces.
• The oral microbiome's composition is dynamic and influenced by host factors and environmental exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the composition and influencing factors of the oral microbiome.
• To highlight methods used for oral microbiome analysis.
• To discuss the link between oral microbiome dysbiosis and systemic health.

Main Methods:

• Utilized both culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches for analysis.
• Employed gene-based techniques such as PCR amplification, random amplicon cloning, and DNA microarray analysis.
• Reviewed existing literature on oral microbiome composition and its association with health and disease.

Main Results:

• Identified predominant microbial phyla including Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Fusobacteria, and TM7.
• Revealed specific genera like Megasphaera, Parvimonas, and Desulfobulbus in periodontal disease using molecular techniques.
• Established a correlation between microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) and diseases such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions:

• The oral microbiome plays a significant role in overall systemic health, acting as a gateway to total body wellness.
• Maintaining a balanced oral microflora is essential for preventing oral and systemic diseases.
• Further research into microbiome metabolism and host interactions is crucial for understanding health and disease states.