The impact of the oral microbiome on oral and systemic health and disease: a systematic review.

The microbiome is a varied and substantial community of microorganisms in the human body. A deeper understanding of oral diseases requires understanding the microbial ecological mechanisms that drive disease progression. This review structures different techniques that have significantly advanced our understanding of oral biofilm maturation and species interactions. Oral microbes interact with the body’s immune system and are essential for sustaining oral and systemic health. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed and the Cochrane Library in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A total of 67 studies were initially identified, of which 32 were excluded based on predefined criteria. Finally, 35 cross-sectional studies published between January 1, 2020, and July 28, 2024, were included in the analysis. Results: Most studies on the oral microbiome used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and primarily examined bacterial populations. Oral microbial dysbiosis was found to be significant in the development of oral diseases like caries and periodontal disease. Moreover, it is associated with systemic conditions like asthma and allergies, autoimmune disorders, colon cancer, hypertension, depression, inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and peripheral vascular diseases. Conclusions: The oral microbiome offers significant potential for diagnostic applications. Therapeutic strategies directed at promoting beneficial bacteria while inhibiting pathogenic oral bacteria could innovate ways of preventing various health conditions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62838/ASMJ.2026.1.03