Dysbiosis of the Oral Microbiome

The oral cavity is influenced by the dietary characteristics of each individual. It is in the oral cavity that food will cause the first impact within the human body and its microbiome, due to its composition and consistency. On the other hand, the oral microbiome will affect food processing and impact the human gut microbiome, since bacterial biofilm that is processed within saliva forms the food bolus, which will then be swallowed. The mouth is one of the most heavily colonized parts of our bodies and its microbiome consists of microorganisms that live in symbiosis with healthy individuals who have adequate dietary and oral hygiene habits. Nevertheless, perturbations in the microbiome due to certain stress factors, such as high carbohydrate intake and biofilm accumulation, can lead to dysbiosis and the development of oral diseases. The most prevalent diseases in the oral cavity are dental caries and periodontal diseases including gingivitis and periodontitis, but endodontic (pulp) and soft tissue infections are also prevalent. Thus, this chapter will describe the influence of dietary habits on the oral microbiome, the development of prevalent oral diseases, and their relation to the gut microbiome.