Oral microbiota in human health and disease: A perspective

Abstract

The evolution of medical knowledge about oral microbiota has increased awareness of its important role for the entire human body health. A wide range of microbial species colonizing the oral cavity interact both with each other and with their host through complex pathways. Usually, these interactions lead to a harmonious coexistence (i.e. eubiosis). However, several factors – including diet, poor oral hygiene, tobacco smoking, and certain medications, among others – can disrupt this weak homeostatic balance (i.e. dysbiosis) with potential implications on both oral (i.e. development of caries and periodontal disease) and systemic health. This article is thus aimed at providing an overview on the importance of oral microbiota in mediating several physiological and pathological conditions affecting human health. In this context, strategies based on oral hygiene and diet as well as the role of probiotics supplementation are discussed.

Shotgun metagenomic analysis of the oral microbiome in gingivitis: a nested case-control study

“…We previously reported a significant association between high T. forsythia saliva concentration and the number of periodontal pockets and BOP [ 55 ]. Actinomyces species have been established as early colonizers of dental plaque maturation, significantly contributing to gingivitis [ 56 ]. Additionally, A. oris was more frequently identified in the subgingival plaque of individuals with periodontitis than in healthy controls [ 57 ], supporting our findings.…”

The In Vitro Assessment of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Efficacy in Rosa damascena and Hypericum perforatum Extracts against Pathogenic Strains in the Interplay of Dental Caries, Oral Health, and Food Microbiota

“…In exploring the bidirectional axis of homeostasis–dysbiosis in the oral cavity, crucial elements involve manipulating microbial communities and interactions within the host, emphasizing targeted preventive measures for overall oral health. In considering inflammation’s role in dysbiosis, periodontitis-associated inflammophilic bacteria, like P. gingivalis , manipulate the host immune response, creating a dual approach for managing oral infections: addressing inflammation while enhancing antimicrobial capacity [ 96 , 99 , 100 ]. Previous discussions on the anti-inflammatory properties of plants set the stage for the second part of this approach.…”

The interaction between gut microbiome and bone health

“…Environmental exposures, including early life microbiome development, can have long-lasting effects on bone health. Dietary additives and preservatives in processed foods may have unintentional consequences on the GM, potentially impacting nutrient absorption and potentially influencing bone metabolism [128][129][130][131][132][133][134][135][136][137][138].…”