Acquiring and maintaining a normal oral microbiome: current perspective

Abstract

The oral microbiota survives daily physical and chemical perturbations from the intake of food and personal hygiene measures, resulting in a long-term stable microbiome. Biological properties that confer stability in the microbiome are important for the prevention of dysbiosis—a microbial shift toward a disease, e.g., periodontitis or caries. Although processes that underlie oral diseases have been studied extensively, processes involved in maintaining of a normal, healthy microbiome are poorly understood. In this review we present our hypothesis on how a healthy oral microbiome is acquired and maintained. We introduce our view on the prenatal development of tolerance for the normal oral microbiome: we propose that development of fetal tolerance toward the microbiome of the mother during pregnancy is the major factor for a successful acquisition of a normal microbiome. We describe the processes that influence the establishment of such microbiome, followed by our perspective on the process of sustaining a healthy oral microbiome. We divide microbiome-maintenance factors into host-derived and microbe-derived, while focusing on the host. Finally, we highlight the need and directions for future research.

The role of the local microbial ecosystem in respiratory health and disease

“…Similar to the oropharynx, the oral microbiome is subject to major, potentially perturbing factors, including hygiene measures (i.e. tooth brushing and mouthwash rinsing), mechanical forces through mastication, enzymatic activity in saliva, and temperature, pH and dietary alterations [88]. Moreover, like the oropharynx, the mouth is in close contact with the surrounding environment and is thus exposed to large numbers of food-and airborne bacteria, as well as indigenous pathogens from other URT niches.…”

“…with age, gradually transitioning towards an adult-like microbiome configuration [91,92] distinguished by Streptococcus (presumably oralis/mitis/peroris), Veillonella, Selenomonas, Gemella, Fusobacterium, Prevotella, Lactobacillus and Neisseria spp. [15,88]. Interestingly, saliva is characterized by relatively high amounts of Prevotella, Neisseria and Haemophilus spp., whereas sub-and supragingival plaques and keratinized gingiva are enriched for corynebacteria; this implies that there is rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org Phil.…”

Respiratory microbiota and lower respiratory tract disease

“…24 Despite being highly exposed to foodborne and environmental bacteria, the oral microbiota is remarkably stable over time. 25 The oropharynx is an anatomical crossroad between the upper respiratory structures, and the lower airways and gastrointestinal tract resulting in a rich and highly variable bacterial ecosystem. Common genera described in healthy adults include Streptococcus (both commensal and potentially pathogenic such as S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes), Haemophilus, Neisseria, Prevotella, Veillonella and Leptotrichia.…”

Effect of Mode of Delivery on Early Oral Colonization and Childhood Dental Caries: A Systematic Review

“…Oral colonization starts at birth by vertical transmission from mother to child [12]. The birth canal presents a high density of microorganisms which might be acquired by vaginally delivered babies [13].…”