Oral microbiome a key player in health

Imagine a bustling city with millions of residents, each playing a unique role in the maintenance of collective harmony.

- Fabio Leite

Now think of your mouth as such a city, with the oral microbiome making up the citizenry.

Composed of hundreds of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other species, the oral microbiome is not just a passive community, but also an active participant in your health: It influences everything from your dental health to your immune system—it even plays a role in your blood pressure.

THE UNSUNG HERO OF ORAL DEFENCE

The oral microbiome is one of the body's first lines of defence.

A balanced microbiome prevents harmful pathogens from gaining a foothold by producing antimicrobial compounds and outcompeting invaders for resources.

This protective barrier shields the teeth and gums, reducing the risk of diseases such as cavities and periodontitis.

But its impact does not stop there.

Beneficial oral bacteria play an essential role in training our immune system to distinguish friend from foe. This helps prevent overreactions such as allergies, and underreactions such as chronic infections.

ORAL HEALTH AS A WINDOW TO SYSTEMIC HEALTH AND WELL-BEING