CiteSpace-based analysis of research trends and hotspots in the field of microbiomes and microbes of dental caries

Abstract

Objective To analyze the trends and hotspots in research related to microbiomes and microbes of dental caries; in addition, the study seeks to provide a reference for caries research. Methods We searched the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) to extract relevant literature in the field of microbiomes and microbes of dental caries published from 2014 to 2023. We used bibliometric visualization evaluation methods such as CiteSpace to conduct visualized analysis of factors that include the number of publications, journals, countries, authors, institutions, co-cited references, and keywords. Results A total of 3 192 references were extracted, including 2 664 articles and 528 reviews. The number of annual publications is increasing. The United States and China lead the number of publications, with the United States demonstrating a greater capacity for international collaboration. The top 10 journals in percentage of literature are mainly in the field of dentistry followed by the field of microbiology. The author cooperation networks with the highest number of publications include the network led by Zhou Xuedong of Sichuan University, and the network led by Xu Hockin H.K and Weir Michael D of the University of Maryland, Baltimore. The research on microbiomes and microbes of dental caries focuses on the cariogenic toxicity and interaction of microorganisms, oral microbiomes, and the relationship between dental caries and systemic diseases. The articles with high citation frequency mainly involve topics such as dental caries, oral biofilm, oral microbiota, and Streptococcus mutans. Keyword research showed that “dental caries,” “Streptococcus mutans,” “bacteria,” “dental plaque,” and “antibacterial activity” have been the primary focus of research in the last decade. The number of keywords, such as “health” and “oral health,” is on the rise. The latest emergence of “gut microbiome/microbiota” suggests that the oral gut microbiome axis is at the forefront of research in this field, and researchers’ focus is gradually shifting toward the connection between dental caries and systemic diseases. Conclusion Over the last decade, the number of publications in the field microbiomes and microbes of dental caries has increased annually. This research trend will be the multi-omics of the overall oral microbiome, and new research methods and techniques will contribute to the field of cariology.

Keywords

• dental caries|oral microbiome|oral microbe|biofilm|<i>streptococcus mutans</i>|oral-gut microbiome axis|oral health|bibliometrics|visualized analysis research|research trend|multi-omics of the oral microbiome