Oral microbiota balance

The term "oral microbiota balance" refers to the stable and diverse community of microorganisms residing in the oral cavity, primarily bacteria but also including fungi, viruses, protozoa, and archaea. This equilibrium, sometimes called eubiosis, supports oral health by preventing colonization and growth of pathogenic microorganisms, facilitating tissue remineralization, modulating immune responses, and eliminating toxins or free radicals. Disruption of this balance, known as dysbiosis, can lead to oral diseases like dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis, as well as systemic illnesses through inflammation and microbial migration. It is not a singular molecular entity or receptor, but rather a collective property of the oral microbial ecosystem. Therapeutic strategies (e.g., probiotics, microbiota transplantation, dietary modification) aim to restore or maintain this balance; however, it is not considered a druggable target in the conventional sense. Monitoring microbial composition and certain biomarkers can help assess risk and efficacy of interventions. In summary: "Oral microbiota balance" describes a physiological state, not a defined molecular target, and should be used to refer to ecological stability in the oral microbial community rather than as a therapeutic target.

Other names

Oral microbiome balanceOral eubiosisOral microbial homeostasis

Balance is affected by therapies that promote beneficial microbes or reduce pathogenic ones, such as probiotics, prebiotics, microbiota transplantation, oral hygiene practices, antibiotic usage.