The microbiome is the total amount of foreign DNA/RNA in our body, defined as the ecological community of microorganisms that share an organism's internal and external space.
It consists of three types of microorganisms:
1. commensals (microorganisms that do not harm or affect the host).
2. symbiotic microorganisms (microorganisms that benefit the host).
3. pathogenic micro-organisms (micro-organisms that harm the host).
The oral microbiome is the part that is localized in the oral cavity.
We know that the microbiome is involved in the pathogenesis of virtually all chronic diseases, ranging from intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis to degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Similarly, we know that the oral microbiome is involved in the development of virtually all oral diseases.
There are up to about 1,500 different bacterial strains in the intestinal tract, distributed over 8-9 meters of the intestine, while in the oral cavity there are up to 700 different strains distributed over less than 20 cm of the tissue surface. The biodiversity per surface area is therefore about 25 times higher in the oral cavity than in the intestine, which is impressive. There is probably a reason why the diversity of bacteria in the oral cavity is so high per unit area compared to the intestine.
There are up to about 1,500 different strains of bacteria in the intestinal tract, spread over 8-9 meters of the intestine, whereas in the oral cavity there are up to 700 different strains spread over less than 20 cm of the tissue surface.
The biodiversity per surface area is therefore about 25 times higher in the oral cavity than in the intestine, which is impressive. There is probably a reason why the diversity of bacteria in the oral cavity is so high per unit area compared to the intestine.
It's probably worth noting that along with this difference, permanent teeth are also the only part of our body's surface that isn't constantly being replaced. This, of course, provides unique niche conditions for biofilm development. As in all contexts, it is the interfaces between the hard and soft surfaces that pose a particular problem. Importantly, the oral cavity is the gateway for all nutrients to the body and bacteria. This clearly shows that the oral cavity is extremely interesting for understanding the complex relationship between foreign DNA and our immune system. A balance that ultimately determines our state of health.