Oral microbiota (or more specifically, oral bacterial microbiota) (None)

The oral bacterial flora is a complex, dynamic community of microbial species colonizing distinct niches within the human oral cavity. It comprises approximately 700–1,000 species primarily belonging to the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria[1][3][5]. These bacteria play essential roles in oral health and disease by interacting with each other and with the host, forming biofilms, influencing immune responses, and contributing to metabolic processes[3][5][6]. Dysbiosis—an imbalance in this microbial community—can lead to oral diseases (e.g., periodontitis, caries) and has been linked to various systemic conditions, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers[2][4][6][7]. Rather than representing a single molecular target, oral bacterial flora is a widespread term describing an ecological system. Therapeutic interventions generally target pathogenic subsets of this community or aim to restore healthy homeostasis[6][2][4]. The complexity and diversity of the oral microbiota pose unique challenges for diagnosis, treatment, and safety monitoring[2][6].

Other names

Oral bacterial floraoral microbial communityoral microbiome

Suppression or modulation of pathogenic bacteria; Restoration of microbiome balance (homeostasis); Inhibition of biofilm formation; Reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.