The Oral Microbiome as a Bridge Between Oral and Systemic Health: Associations, Mechanisms, and Intervention Strategies

Abstract:

The oral cavity, as the entry point of the human body, harbors a complex and dynamic microbial community known as the oral microbiome. In recent years, accumulating evidence has revealed that the oral microbiome is not only closely associated with oral diseases but also serves as a critical bridge linking oral health to systemic health. This review summarizes the bidirectional associations between the oral microbiome and major systemic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and respiratory diseases. We elaborate on the underlying mechanisms by which oral microbial dysbiosis contributes to systemic pathogenesis, such as the translocation of pathogenic microorganisms and their metabolites, the induction of chronic inflammation, and the modulation of host immune responses. Additionally, we discuss potential intervention strategies targeting the oral microbiome to simultaneously improve oral and systemic health, including probiotic/prebiotic supplementation, targeted antimicrobial therapies, oral hygiene management, and dietary interventions. Finally, we highlight the challenges and future research directions in this field, such as the establishment of causal relationships between oral microbiome alterations and systemic diseases, the development of personalized microbiome-based intervention strategies, and the application of multi-omics technologies in mechanism exploration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of the oral microbiome in the crosstalk between oral and systemic health, offering new insights for the integrated prevention and treatment of oral and systemic diseases.