The Oral Microbiota

Today we look at a recently published paper about oral microbiota health and the use of anti-microbials, probiotics and prebiotics. 

The journal: 

Frontiers in Microbiology

The paper:

The Oral Microbiota: Community Composition, Influencing Factors, Pathogenesis, and Interventions (Apr 2022)

The authors:

Xinyi Li, Yanmei Liu, Xingyou Yang, Chengwen Li, Zhangyong Song 

Take-home points

• The authors also discuss metagenomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
• The authors highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy oral microbiota, as it can contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
• They discuss various interventions that can be used to promote a healthy oral microbiota, including probiotics, prebiotics, and antimicrobial agents.
• They also highlight the different factors that can influence the oral microbiota, such as diet, hygiene practices, and the use of antibiotics.

Oral microbiota composition

Some of the most abundant bacterial species in the oral microbiota include Streptococcus, Veillonella, Fusobacterium, Prevotella, and Actinomyces. The oral cavity is also home to several opportunistic pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. These have been linked to the development of periodontal disease.

Halitosis (bad breath) and the oral microbiota:

Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, and the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) by oral bacteria.

For example, certain bacterial species, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola, have been associated with the production of VSCs and the development of halitosis. In addition, conditions that lead to a decrease in saliva production or an increase in protein consumption facilitate the growth of VSC-producing bacteria.

Therefore, the authors suggest that interventions aimed at reducing the production of VSCs. This includes mouthwashes or probiotics that promote the growth of non-VSC-producing bacteria which may be effective in treating halitosis.

Antibiotics effects on the oral microbiome

• Antibiotics can disrupt the oral microbiota by selectively eliminating susceptible microorganisms, leading to a decrease in diversity of species.
• Antibiotics can also promote the growth of opportunistic pathogens, such as Candida albicans, by eliminating competing commensal bacteria.

• In addition, prolonged or frequent use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. 

Role of probiotics and prebiotics in oral health

• The authors discuss studies that have investigated the use of probiotics, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, to improve oral health outcomes. The results of these studies have been mixed, with some showing potential benefits in reducing plaque formation and gingivitis, while others have not shown significant effects.
• The authors note that research on prebiotics in the context of oral health is limited, but some studies have suggested that prebiotics may have potential in reducing the risk of dental caries.
• The authors discuss the use of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of oral infections, such as periodontitis and caries. However, they also note that the overuse of antimicrobial agents can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.