Abstract
The oral microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and others that live in different parts of the mouth like the teeth, tongue, gums, saliva, and cheeks (Deo & Deshmukh, 2019). In fact, the mouth is one of the most diverse microbial environments in the body, with more than 700 types of bacteria identified (Kilian et al., 2016). These microbes don’t live independently they form organized communities called biofilms (like plaque), where they interact, share nutrients, and communicate with each other. These interactions play a big role in whether the mouth stays healthy or moves toward disease (Di Stefano et al., 2022). Because of this, oral health isn’t about getting rid of all bacteria. Instead, it’s about keeping a healthy balance. A stable oral microbiome means the body and its microbes are working together in harmony, even with constant changes from food, saliva, oxygen levels, and everyday activities like eating and brushing. Maintaining this balance is essential not just for oral health, but for overall health as well.
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