THE INFLEUNCE OF GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA ON ORAL HEALTH: A MINIREVIEW

The human body hosts a diverse microbial community, with Gram-negative bacteria playing a key role in oral health due to their virulence factors that contribute to tissue destruction and inflammation. The Human Microbiome Project (HMP) emphasizes the importance of understanding the oral microbiota to improve health outcomes, the oral cavity is particularly vulnerable to imbalances caused by these bacteria, leading to periodontal diseases and other oral infections. Among them, Porphyromonas gingivalis is the most harmful, producing gingipains that degrade host tissues and evade immune responses, promoting chronic inflammation. As a keystone pathogen, it drives periodontitis, causes systemic inflammation, and has been linked to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Its resilience in anaerobic conditions and ability to form biofilms make it difficult to treat, further complicating oral health management. Understanding the role of Gram-negative bacteria, particularly P. gingivalis, is essential for advancing prevention and treatment strategies in oral health.