The effect of bacteriophage in oral health: developing microbial ecology and emerging potential therapeutic target

The human oral cavity provides a convenient entry point for viruses and bacteria from the environment. The role of these viral communities remains unclear; however, many of them are bacteriophages that may actively influence the ecology of bacterial communities within the oral cavity. Bacteriophages are abundant and influential components of the oral microbiome and play a crucial role in shaping microbial ecology in oral health. They dynamically interact with oral bacteria, influencing biofilm formation, bacterial population structure, antibiotic resistance, and metabolic functions, thereby affecting disease progression and microbial community dynamics. Recent advances in studies have increased our understanding of oral phages and their impact on the amelioration of oral diseases such as periodontal disease. Nowadays, phage therapy has been identified as a potential therapeutic approach for major oral pathogens. The advantages of phage therapy include low toxicity, high specificity, the ability to penetrate biofilm structures, and the ability to replicate continuously in pathogenic bacteria. Hence, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive study about the role of bacteriophages as potential therapeutic target in oral health. Additionally, further studies are necessary to evaluate the role of phages in oral health and to develop safe and effective clinical applications in dentistry.