The oral microbiome is the 2nd largest microbial community in the human body after the human gut. There are 700 different species that inhabit various aspects of the oral cavity. The oral microbiome is influenced by several factors including host genetics, lifestyle, oral hygiene, Ph, temperature, nutrients, host defenses (innate and adaptive immune response), and microbial interaction.
A healthy microbiome is a balanced environment. Dysbiosis or imbalance occurs when conditions tip in favor of more pathogenic or disease causing microbes contributing to oral diseases such as dental decay, gingivitis, periodontitis and oral lesions.
It is important to understand that the microbiome significantly impacts the whole body and can lead to the initiation or exacerbation of systemic disease.