Oral microbiome: a doubtful predictor but potential target of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Our oral cavity houses various types of microbes including bacteria, protozoa, fungi and viruses, harboring over 700 bacterial species. Oral dysbiosis refers to the imbalance between symbionts and pathobionts in the oral cavity, posing potential threats to host cardiovascular health. Importantly, oral dysbiosis promotes cardiovascular pathophysiology through different mechanisms. Although overgrowth of certain pathogenic bacteria have been indicated in some cardiometabolic diseases, it is still premature to consider oral microbiome as a suitable predictor for non-invasive diagnostic purpose. However, targeting oral microbiome might still provide preventive and therapeutic insights on cardiovascular diseases. Further extensive efforts are needed to deepen our understanding on oral-cardiovascular connection in the context of diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives.

Keywords

• cardiovascular diseases
• dysbiosis
• immune response
• inflammation
• oral microbiome
• periodontitis