THE EFFECTS OF ORAL MICROBIOME ON SYSTEMIC HEALTH

The oral microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms, plays a critical role in maintaining oral and systemic health. Disruptions in this microbiome, known as dysbiosis, are associated with oral diseases like dental caries and periodontitis, as well as systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer. The oral microbiota varies across individuals and within different regions of the oral cavity, influenced by factors like oxygen levels, nutrient content, and immune response. Emerging research highlights the microbiome's potential role in conditions like stunting in children and neurodegenerative diseases. The oral microbiome is also linked to systemic diseases. For example, oral bacteria have been detected in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients and are associated with respiratory infections like pneumonia. In gastrointestinal diseases, oral microbiome imbalances are linked to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Additionally, endocrine disorders like diabetes and obesity show strong correlations with oral microbiome changes. Maintaining a balanced oral microbiome is crucial for preventing and managing these diseases. Treatment strategies must focus on preserving the microbiome's integrity while targeting pathogenic bacteria. As research continues to uncover the complex relationships between oral health and systemic diseases, interdisciplinary collaboration between dentistry and medicine will be key to advancing preventive and therapeutic approaches.