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🦠microbiology review

Oral Microbiome

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The oral microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, that naturally reside in the human oral cavity. This complex ecosystem plays a crucial role in maintaining oral and overall health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The oral microbiome is one of the most diverse microbial communities in the human body, with over 700 different species of bacteria identified.
  2. A healthy oral microbiome helps to prevent the overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms and maintain a balanced ecosystem in the mouth.
  3. Factors such as diet, oral hygiene, medication use, and underlying medical conditions can influence the composition and diversity of the oral microbiome.
  4. Disruptions to the oral microbiome, known as microbial dysbiosis, have been linked to the development of various oral diseases, including dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer.
  5. The oral microbiome interacts with the host's immune system and can modulate the body's inflammatory response, which can impact both oral and systemic health.

Review Questions

  • Explain the role of the oral microbiome in maintaining oral health.
    • The oral microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by preventing the overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms, promoting a balanced ecosystem, and supporting the host's immune response. A diverse and healthy oral microbiome can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, produce antimicrobial compounds, and compete for nutrients and attachment sites on oral surfaces. This helps to maintain the delicate balance of the oral environment and reduce the risk of developing oral diseases.
  • Describe how factors such as diet, oral hygiene, and underlying medical conditions can influence the composition and diversity of the oral microbiome.
    • The oral microbiome is highly sensitive to various environmental and host-related factors. Diet, particularly the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates, can promote the growth of acidogenic and aciduric bacteria, leading to an imbalance in the oral microbial community. Poor oral hygiene, such as inadequate brushing and flossing, can allow the accumulation of dental plaque and the formation of oral biofilms, which can harbor pathogenic microorganisms. Underlying medical conditions, like diabetes or immunodeficiencies, can also disrupt the delicate balance of the oral microbiome and increase the risk of microbial dysbiosis and the development of oral diseases.
  • Analyze the potential impact of an imbalanced oral microbiome (microbial dysbiosis) on oral and systemic health.
    • Microbial dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the oral microbiome, can have far-reaching consequences for both oral and systemic health. The overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity can lead to the development of various oral diseases, such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. These conditions can cause inflammation, tissue damage, and even tooth loss, significantly impacting an individual's quality of life. Moreover, the oral microbiome is closely connected to the gut microbiome, and imbalances in the oral microbiome have been linked to the development of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. This highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy oral microbiome through good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and proper management of underlying medical conditions.