Jared, N Layton
| Jared, N Layton |
Jared N Layton, Yuan Liu, Michelle B Shuster, Patricia M Corby
Patricia M Corby
Center of Clinical and Translational Research, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
Introduction
Several studies have demonstrated a link between diet and conditions such as coronary artery disease4 and diabetes mellitus.6 Research has also suggested that the intestinal microbiome can modulate the risk of several chronic diseases.7 The oral cavity cannot be spared, as the preservation of its function influences diet. Despite the importance of oral health on diet, there is little research describing the impact of diet on the oral microbiota, where dysbiosis can lead to the development of disease.3 This article seeks to evaluate what literature is currently available regarding impact of diet on the oral microbiome.
Methods
An electronic search was performed in PubMed and EBSCO (Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source) were utilized. For PubMed the terms “oral microbiome” AND “diet” AND “saliva” were used and for Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source “oral microbiome” AND “diet” were used. Combined, 84 articles were identified and 4 were selected based on the inclusion criteria: age 18 years and older, saliva samples, no marked systemic disease, salivary microbial analysis, specific diet(s).
Results
Research has shown that diet influences the gut microbiome and ultimately, human health.7 Recent studies also suggest that diet can influence the oral microbiome. These changes involve members of the enterosalivary nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide axis within the oral cavity,5 showing that specific diets may induce positive changes in the relative abundance of beneficial nitrate/nitrite reducers, such as Prevotella,5 Haemophilus,5 Neisseria,2,5 and Rothia2 in patients affected by periodontal disease. This was accompanied by decreased gingival inflammation in periodontal recall. Additionally, when a “healthy diet” is compared to a “western diet,” the former being low in processed carbohydrates and higher in omega-3 fatty acids, it led to changes in the oral microbiota that decreased gingival inflammation2,8 and dental caries risk.8
Conclusion
Reviewed studies demonstrated that an “oral health” optimized diet significantly reduces gingival and periodontal inflammation and may reduce caries risks.8 Although current evidence links diet, gut microbiome, and several chronic diseases, the link between the oral and gut microbiome has not been evaluated thoroughly. Future evaluation of dietary patterns, including their components, are needed, where the effect of diet on the oral and gut microbiome can be explored2 . MATCH is an ongoing controlled microbiome-focused study that will compare the effects of a “Whole Foods” and “Western” diet on the interactive metabolomics profile in order to further explore and characterize key microorganisms and host-microbiome interactions.