Oral microbiome modulation

The oral microbiome is a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa inhabiting the mouth—all of which interact with each other and with the human host. Modulation strategies, including the use of probiotics, prebiotics, bacterial replacement, antimicrobial agents, and photobiomodulation, aim to restore or maintain a healthy microbial balance. This balance is crucial for oral health (preventing diseases like caries and periodontitis) and also has implications for systemic health, influencing conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and cancer. Therapeutic modulation focuses on reducing pathogenic microbes while enhancing beneficial commensals through targeted interventions, but it is accompanied by various safety and efficacy considerations.

Other names

Oral microbiota modulationOral microbiome manipulationOral ecosystem modulation

Promotion of beneficial commensal bacteria; Suppression of pathogenic bacteria (via bacteriocins, competitive exclusion); Biofilm modulation (inhibiting pathogenic biofilm formation)