Oral microbiome, beyond microbes

a review

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Oral microbiome, beyond microbes
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Subtitle: a review

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Krishna Kripal, Lekshmi R., Shanmugapriya P. A., R. S. Senthil Rajan and Blaina Carol D’souza


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Oral microbiome, beyond microbes

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20224-23528


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

1. Introduction

The oral microbiome is a complex ecosystem comprising a diverse range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, that inhabit the human mouth. This microbial community plays a crucial role in maintaining oral and systemic health through various interactions with the host. While the oral microbiome typically supports health, imbalances—known as dysbiosis—can lead to oral diseases such as caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis. This review delves into the dynamics of the oral microbiome, how it shifts from a balanced (eubiotic) state to a dysbiotic state, and explores therapeutic approaches for restoring microbial equilibrium to enhance oral health.

2. Dysbiosis: An Imbalanced Microbiome

Dysbiosis refers to an unbalanced state of the microbiome that can promote diseases in the host. There are three notable scenarios that characterize dysbiosis: (i) loss of microbial diversity, (ii) loss of beneficial microbes, and (iii) expansion of pathogenic microbes. A decline in biodiversity can disturb the delicate balance of the oral ecosystem, allowing harmful species to thrive, which contributes to oral health issues. For instance, in conditions like caries and periodontal disease, the beneficial microbial population diminishes, facilitating the growth of disease-causing bacteria, which further exacerbates the progression of these conditions.

3. Importance of Oral Microbiome in Systemic Diseases

The oral cavity serves as a primary interface between external pathogens and the human body, making the oral microbiome instrumental in several systemic diseases. Pathogens from the mouth can enter the bloodstream through untreated dental issues, contributing to conditions such as infective endocarditis and systemic inflammatory responses. The interaction between oral bacteria and host immune responses can result in chronic inflammation, increasing the risk for systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This link underscores the need for maintaining a healthy oral microbiome to bolster overall health.

4. Modulation of the Dysbiotic Oral Microbiome

Several strategies are proposed for modulating a dysbiotic oral microbiome and restoring its health-promoting characteristics. These include traditional oral hygiene practices, innovative therapies such as probiotics and prebiotics, and advanced techniques like nano-sized drug delivery systems. Furthermore, the application of antimicrobial peptides has shown promise in controlling pathogenic bacteria without harming beneficial microbes. By utilizing these approaches, it is possible to re-establish a balanced microbial community, thus preventing the onset or progression of oral diseases.

5. Conclusion

Maintaining a balanced oral microbiome is essential for overall health, as it protects against infectious diseases and supports an effective immune response. Recognizing the negative impacts of dysbiosis on both oral and systemic health is crucial. As our understanding of the oral microbiome deepens, clinical practice should shift towards proactive management of oral health through ecological perspectives rather than merely focusing on the elimination of harmful microbes. Personalized assessments of the microbiome may provide future opportunities for targeted interventions, enhancing treatment outcomes and preventing oral diseases for patients.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the oral microbiome and its importance?

The oral microbiome consists of diverse microorganisms in the mouth that maintain health. When balanced, they prevent disease; when disrupted, they may lead to conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis.

How does dysbiosis affect oral health?

Dysbiosis is an imbalance where harmful bacteria outgrow beneficial ones, leading to oral diseases. It disrupts the equilibrium of the oral ecosystem, promoting conditions such as caries and periodontal disease.

What are the main causes of dysbiosis in the oral cavity?

Dysbiosis can arise from loss of microbial diversity, loss of beneficial microbes, and expansion of pathogenic microbes. Changes in diet, hygiene, and health can contribute to this imbalance.

What role do prebiotics and probiotics play in oral health?

Prebiotics help modulate the oral microbiome for better health, while probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria. Both can prevent harmful bacterial growth and support oral immunity.

How can advanced techniques help modulate dysbiotic oral microbiomes?

Technologies like nanoparticle drug delivery, antimicrobial peptides, and computational models can help address dysbiosis. These strategies aim to restore balanced microbial communities and improve oral health outcomes.

What advances are being made in understanding the oral microbiome?

Recent genomic technologies and research initiatives like the Human Microbiome Project unravel the complex interactions within the oral microbiome, providing insights into disease prevention and personalized medicine.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Oral microbiome, beyond microbes”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Disease:
Diseases are pathological conditions that disrupt normal bodily functions, often leading to discomfort or harm. In relation to oral health, the mouth can be a site for various diseases, including caries and periodontal diseases. These conditions can arise from dysbiosis within the oral microbiome, affecting general health.

2) Drug:
Drugs refer to substances used for medical purposes to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases. In the context of oral health, various therapeutic agents, including antibiotics and antimicrobial products, are used to combat infections and restore the balance of the oral microbiome.

3) Species:
Species refers to a specific group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. In microbiology, various species of bacteria, fungi, and viruses inhabit the oral cavity, contributing to a complex ecosystem. Understanding the interactions among these species is crucial for managing oral health and preventing disease.

4) Activity:
Activity, in the context of microbiology, refers to the metabolic and biological actions carried out by microorganisms, including processes like fermentation, respiration, and biofilm formation. The activity of oral microbes can influence dental plaque development, oral health, and the progression of diseases such as caries and periodontitis.

5) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene refers to practices aimed at maintaining health and preventing disease, particularly through cleanliness and sanitation. Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, is essential in managing the oral microbiome, preventing plaque accumulation, and reducing the risk of oral diseases and their systemic implications.

6) Sugar:
Sugar is a carbohydrate that can serve as an energy source for various microbial species. In oral microbiology, sugar intake is linked to increased acid production from cariogenic bacteria, potentially leading to dental caries. Understanding its role in biofilm dynamics is crucial for effective dietary recommendations in oral health.

7) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to substances that inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria. In oral health, antibacterial agents are commonly used in treatments, such as mouth rinses or toothpastes, to maintain a balanced oral microbiome and prevent conditions such as dental caries and periodontal disease.

8) Human body:
The human body is a complex system composed of various organs and microorganisms, including the oral microbiome. This microbiome plays a vital role in personal health, influencing processes such as digestion and immune response. An imbalanced microbiome within the mouth can lead to oral and systemic health issues.

9) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. In periodontitis, chronic inflammation results from dysbiotic changes in the oral microbiome and can lead to tissue damage and loss, underscoring the importance of maintaining a balanced microbial community for oral health.

10) Habitat:
Habitat refers to the natural environment in which an organism lives. The oral cavity provides a unique habitat for diverse microbial species, essential for maintaining a healthy microbiome. Changes in this habitat can lead to dysbiosis, promoting pathogenic bacteria and resulting in diseases such as gingivitis and caries.

11) Surface:
Surfaces, in a microbiological context, refer to the areas where organisms interact with their environment. In the oral cavity, tooth surfaces and mucosal tissues are critical for microbial colonization and biofilm formation. Alterations in these surfaces can lead to changes in microbial communities and disease states.

12) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and multiplication. Oral health is linked to systemic diseases, including some cancers; for example, certain bacteria in dysbiotic oral microbiomes have been associated with oral and systemic cancers. Healthy oral microbiomes may play a protective role.

13) Study (Studying):
Studying is the systematic examination of a subject for better understanding and knowledge acquisition. In the context of the oral microbiome, studying microbial interactions and their effects on health can pave the way for innovative treatments and preventive measures in dentistry.

14) Field:
Field refers to an area of study or research. In microbiology, the field encompasses various disciplines focused on understanding microorganisms, including those that inhabit the human oral cavity. Advances in this field contribute to improved diagnostics and interventions for oral diseases.

15) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body that transports nutrients, oxygen, and immune cells. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream during dental procedures or due to infections, potentially leading to serious conditions such as infective endocarditis, emphasizing the importance of maintaining oral health to prevent systemic complications.

16) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. Within dentistry, advances in medicine inform practices related to the oral microbiome, guiding the development of innovative treatments and preventive approaches aimed at restoring and maintaining oral and systemic health.

17) Krishna (Krsna):
Krishna is the first author of the research article on oral microbiome and its role in health and disease. His work contributes to understanding the connections between oral microbiota and systemic health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced microbiome for preventing oral diseases.

18) Aureus:
Aureus, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause various infections. In oral health, its significance lies in its potential presence in the biofilm, where it may contribute to dysbiosis and associate with conditions such as periodontitis and other systemic diseases.

19) Earth:
Earth, the planet, is significant as it is home to a diverse range of life forms, including bacteria. The evolutionary history of life on Earth includes the development of symbiotic relationships between humans and microorganisms, shaping human health and contributing to the complex dynamics of the microbiome.

20) Life:
Life encompasses all living organisms, including humans and microorganisms. The interactions between host and microbial life are crucial for maintaining health. An understanding of these relationships aids in exploring the role of the microbiome in health, disease progression, and potential therapeutic interventions.

21) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation refers to a significant change in form or structure. In microbiology, this term can describe the process of microbial adaptation to environmental stresses, leading to changes in community dynamics. Understanding transformation in the oral microbiome is essential for developing strategies to restore balance and health.

22) Transmission:
Transmission describes the process through which pathogens spread from one host to another or from the environment. In oral health, understanding transmission dynamics of oral bacteria is vital for developing effective preventive measures, especially in the context of infectious diseases and their potential systemic effects.

23) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation pertains to the gradual gathering or increase of substances over time. In dental health, the accumulation of dental plaque, consisting of biofilm and microbes, can lead to oral diseases like gingivitis and caries. Managing plaque accumulation is essential for maintaining oral hygiene and health.

24) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of growth or evolution over time. In the context of the oral microbiome, developing biofilms consist of various microorganisms that adapt to environmental changes. Understanding their development can provide insights into preventing and managing dysbiosis and oral diseases.

25) Irritation:
Irritation is an inflammatory response to stimuli, often causing discomfort or pain. In oral health, irritation can arise from microbial infections, mechanical damage, or chemical exposure. Managing irritation is vital for ensuring comfort and stability in the oral cavity, highlighting the need for effective oral care.

26) Science (Scientific):
Scientific pertains to systematic knowledge acquired through observation and experimentation. In microbiology, scientific methods are critical for studying the complex interactions within the oral microbiome, leading to advancements in understanding health and disease concepts that inform prevention and treatment strategies.

27) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to understanding and awareness gained through education and experience. In dental health, knowledge about the oral microbiome and its connections to health is crucial for developing effective interventions, preventing diseases, and promoting overall oral and systemic well-being.

28) Inference:
Inference is the process of drawing conclusions based on evidence and logical reasoning. In microbiology, inferences made from studying the oral microbiome's composition and function can inform clinical practices and help identify potential biomarkers for diagnosing and treating diseases.

29) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm organisms. In dental treatments, understanding the toxicity of drugs and antimicrobial agents is essential for ensuring patient safety and effectiveness in managing diseases without adversely affecting beneficial oral microbes.

30) Animal:
Animal refers to any member of the kingdom Animalia. In research contexts, animal studies are crucial for modeling human diseases and testing treatments, including the impact of oral microbiomes on overall health. These models provide invaluable insights into microbiome behavior and disease relationships.

31) Nature:
Nature encompasses the physical world and its phenomena, including biological interactions. Understanding the natural balance within the oral microbiome is critical for recognizing how environmental factors and human behavior can influence microbial health and contribute to diseases.

32) Birth:
Birth denotes the beginning of life. In the context of health, a healthy birth can be influenced by maternal oral hygiene and microbiome balance. Dysbiosis in the oral cavity may have implications for maternal and child health, emphasizing comprehensive care during pregnancy.

33) Rajan:
Rajan, a co-author in this study, represents a contributor to the research focused on the oral microbiome and its complexities. His expertise may connect scientific findings to clinical applications, enhancing understanding and improving treatments related to oral and systemic health.

34) Fight:
Fight refers to the struggle against a condition or disease. In dentistry, fighting oral diseases necessitates understanding the oral microbiome's dynamics, implementing effective prevention strategies, and employing treatments that restore balance to maintain overall health.

35) Miti:
Miti is mentioned as a contributor or co-author in the study on the oral microbiome. His input possibly enhances the interdisciplinary nature of the research, bringing together varied expertise to develop a comprehensive understanding of oral health and disease.

36) Food:
Food comprises substances consumed to provide nutritional support for the body. In oral health, the type and quantity of food can influence the oral microbiome, particularly sugar intake, facilitating the growth of cariogenic bacteria that can lead to dental caries and other diseases.

37) Sign:
Sign represents an indicator or evidence of a condition or phenomenon. In microbiological studies, certain microbial populations can signal the health status of an individual’s oral cavity, enabling the identification of dysbiosis and guiding treatment strategies.

38) Wall:
Wall can refer to barriers or structures that provide protection or support. In the context of oral health, the walls of the oral cavity host diverse microbial communities. Maintaining these structures' integrity helps sustain a balanced microbiome and prevents dysbiosis.

39) Line:
Line suggests a boundary or a course of action. In the scientific context, establishing lines of evidence through research helps delineate the relationship between oral health, the microbiome, and systemic diseases. These lines inform practices and guide clinical approaches.

40) Post:
Post refers to a message or communication, often utilized in academic or clinical contexts. In research, posts can disseminate findings related to the oral microbiome, sharing insights that enhance the understanding of its role in health and disease.

41) Ruby:
Ruby is mentioned as a contributor to the discussions of microbiome dynamics. This individual's role may include providing insights or collaborating on research focused on the complex interactions within microbial communities that influence oral health outcomes.

42) Viru:
Viru is likely referenced in a scientific context, possibly linked to viral interactions within the oral microbiome. Understanding these interactions is essential, as viruses can affect microbial dynamics, potentially contributing to dysbiosis and associated diseases.

Other Science Concepts:

[back to top]

Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Oral microbiome, beyond microbes’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Oral hygiene, Symbiotic relationship, Gingivitis, Periodontitis, Bacteremia, Infective Endocarditis, Microbial diversity, Probiotic, Molecular method, Prebiotic, Oral microbiome.

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: