The relation of oral microbiome to oral cavity and systemic diseases – therapeutic options

Recent data suggest the relation of oral microbiome to oral and systemic diseases. The description by advanced techniques of this microbiome has provided useful data for research, and both its composition and the imbalances that occur between component species in various pathologic situations have been identified. It is not only caries, gingivitis or periodontitis that have been associated with dysbiosis, but links with metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus and neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s dementia have been identified. This article reviews the factors that dis­rupt the balance between the colonizing species of the oro­naso­pharyngeal area and some of the solutions to maintain the balance needed for oral health and the health of the whole organism.