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May 30, 2026
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May 31, 2026
Published
June 25, 2026
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Abstract

The oral cavity harbors one of the most complex microbial ecosystems in the human body, comprising more than 700 bacterial species alongside fungi, viruses, and archaea. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the composition, ecological dynamics, and clinical significance of the oral microbiome, with particular emphasis on implications for dental practice. We describe site-specific microbial communities and biofilm succession, analyze the role of keystone pathogens in driving dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and oral candidiasis, and examine the Socransky periodontal complex classification system. The bidirectional oral-systemic disease axis is explored, linking periodontal dysbiosis to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. A four-step evidence-based clinical management framework integrating diagnostic risk assessment, mechanical debridement, targeted antimicrobial and biological adjuncts, and long-term preventive maintenance is presented. Microbiome-based diagnostics and emerging precision dentistry approaches are also discussed. Understanding oral microbial ecology is indispensable for contemporary, evidence-based dental practice. 

Keywords

Dental Caries Dental Plaque Microbial Ecology Dysbiosis Oral Microbiome Oral-Systemic Axis Peri-Implantitis Periodontal Disease Precision Dentistry Probiotics

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Copyright (c) 2026 Zaman Kareem Hanan, Adnan Abed Azeez , Aliaa Kareem Hanan, Ögret. Üyesi Aysel Sari (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite
Zaman Kareem Hanan (2026) “The Oral Microbiome in Health and Disease: Microbial Ecology, Dysbiosis, and Clinical Implications for Dental Practice”, Future Dental Research, 4(1), pp. 27–35. doi:10.57238/fdr.2026.152576.1004.
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How to Cite

Zaman Kareem Hanan (2026) “The Oral Microbiome in Health and Disease: Microbial Ecology, Dysbiosis, and Clinical Implications for Dental Practice”, Future Dental Research, 4(1), pp. 27–35. doi:10.57238/fdr.2026.152576.1004.

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