- Introduction
- The Invisible Guardians of Oral Health
- The Silent Invaders: When Microorganisms Attack
- Biotic Balance: The Battle for Dominance in the Buccal Biome
- The Influence of Diet on Oral Microbial Composition
- Dental Probiotics: Allies in Maintaining Oral Balance
- Conclusion
Scientific references
Introduction
The vast and intricate universe of the oral cavity is home to a microbial community as diverse as the stars in the night sky. This article delves into the fascinating world of oral biomes, exploring the microorganisms that both protect and threaten oral health.
The Invisible Guardians of Oral Health
The Invisible Guardians of Oral Health are a microscopic force essential to the balance and well-being of our oral cavity. This benevolent army is made up of probiotic bacteria, such as those belonging to the Streptococcus genus, which naturally inhabit our oral environment. These microorganisms play a crucial role, not only in the initial digestion of food, but also in protecting against pathogens that threaten our oral health.
Acting as a defence barrier, these beneficial bacteria produce substances such as hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins, which inhibit the growth of harmful microbes. In addition, they compete for nutrients and adhesion spaces on the surfaces of the mouth, thus limiting the opportunities for pathogens to establish themselves and proliferate. The importance of this microbial balance is such that imbalances in this community can lead to oral diseases such as caries and periodontal disease.
The Silent Invaders: When Microorganisms Attack
Pathogenic entities that, although invisible to the naked eye, pose a significant threat to oral health and, by extension, general health. Pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, associated with periodontitis, and Streptococcus mutans, notorious for its relationship with dental caries, are examples of microorganisms that can trigger inflammatory and destructive processes when they find a favourable environment for their growth and proliferation (Hajishengallis, 2012). Statistics show that periodontal diseases affect between 20% and 50% of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organisation, highlighting the prevalence and global impact of these invading microorganisms.
Biotic Balance: The Battle for Dominance in the Buccal Biome
The biotic balance in the oral biome is a complex network of interactions between beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms, the dominance of which determines oral health or disease. The stability of this ecosystem is crucial, with studies indicating that imbalances, known as dysbiosis, can lead to conditions such as dental caries, which affects around 2.3 billion people globally (World Health Organisation, 2020). The battle for dominance is not just a question of the presence or absence of certain species, but also the ability of microorganisms to form biofilms, resist environmental challenges and adapt to changes in diet or oral hygiene. Advanced research seeks to better understand these dynamics, exploring how specific interventions, such as the use of probiotics and prebiotics, can promote a favourable balance that supports oral health and, by extension, general health (Marsh PD, 2018).
The Influence of Diet on Oral Microbial Composition
In addition, diet plays a fundamental role in the composition of the oral biome. Foods rich in simple sugars can feed cariogenic bacteria, while a balanced diet rich in fibre supports the growth of a healthy oral microbiota (Sampaio, 2018).
Dental Probiotics: Allies in Maintaining Oral Balance
Recently, science has explored the use of dental probiotics as a means of restoring and maintaining a healthy microbial balance in the oral cavity. These probiotics, containing strains of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium), have shown promise in preventing plaque and gingivitis (Meurman, 2007).
Conclusion
The oral biome is a complex and delicate ecosystem, where the ongoing battle between beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms determines the state of our oral health. Through oral hygiene, a balanced diet and, potentially, the use of probiotics, we can influence this battle in our favour. Protecting this ecosystem is not just a matter of oral health, but an essential pillar for general health.
Scientific references:
- Marsh, P.D. (2006). Dental plaque as a microbial biofilm. Caries Research, 38(3), 204-211.
- Hajishengallis, G. (2012). The inflammophilic character of the periodontitis-associated microbiota. Molecular Oral Microbiology, 27(6), 350-355.
- Sampaio, E. (2018). The role of diet in the oral microbiome composition. Journal of Oral Microbiology, 10(1), 1587.
- Meurman, J.H. (2007). Probiotics: do they have a role in oral medicine dentistry?. International Journal of Oral Science, 9, e3.
