[The relationship between oral microbiota and taste]

Disruption of the perception of taste can have severe consequences on general health. Although evidence suggests that the oral microbiota plays a role in taste perception, little is known about this possible influence. In this scoping review, the influence of oral microbiota on taste perception was studied. Current scientific literature is heterogeneous in study methods and study populations, which impedes comparison of results. Although the findings of this review provide insufficient evidence to confirm the influence of oral microbiota on taste perception, some results show a relationship between taste perception and specific microorganisms. Several factors play a role in taste perception, including tongue coating, use of medication, advanced age, and decreased salivary flow rate, and when these factors are present, it is important to be alert to possible changes in taste. Large-scale studies, in which the multifactorial etiology of taste perception is addressed, are needed to clarify the role of the oral microbiota on taste perception.