Hormonal Environment Shapes the Oral Microbiome

Area of Science:

• Oral biology
• Microbiology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Hormones in oral fluids dynamically change throughout life.
• Hormonal fluctuations affect the oral microbiome composition and host interactions.
• Both gingival biofilm and salivary planktonic microbiota are modulated by hormonal oscillations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the complex relationship between steroid hormones and the oral microbiome.
• To understand how hormonal imbalances influence oral health and systemic diseases.
• To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting the hormone-microbiome axis.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of hormonal presence and changes in oral fluids.
• Investigating the impact of hormonal fluctuations on oral microbial communities.
• Examining the metabolic interactions between oral microorganisms and steroid hormones.

Main Results:

• Oral microorganisms can metabolize steroid hormones, affecting host regulation.
• Hormonal imbalances are linked to systemic conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and oral cancer.
• The oral microbiome's sensitivity to hormonal changes creates specific growth conditions for bacteria.

Conclusions:

• The bidirectional interaction between hormones and the oral microbiome is crucial for health and disease.
• Elucidating this relationship provides insights into disease mechanisms.
• Targeting the hormone-microbiome axis may offer novel therapeutic avenues for oral and systemic health.