Oral-Gut Microbiome Interactions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Summary
The oral cavity and gut harbour distinct microbial communities whose interactions play a pivotal role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In IBD, impairment of the mucosal barrier and immune dysregulation permits translocation of oral bacteria into the intestinal lumen, altering gut microbial composition and exacerbating mucosal inflammation. Conversely, gut-derived metabolites and inflammatory mediators can influence oral microbial ecology and promote periodontal inflammation. Key mechanisms include microbial translocation, disruption of epithelial tight junctions, and modulation of the T helper 17/regulatory T cell (Th17/Treg) balance. Unravelling this bidirectional axis offers global opportunities for non-invasive diagnostics, saliva- and faeces-based biomarkers, and microbiome-targeted therapies—ranging from prebiotics and probiotics to precision antibiotic strategies—to restore homeostasis in both oral and gut environments.
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Oral-Gut Microbiome Interactions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in oral-gut microbiome interactions in inflammatory bowel disease across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Microbiome: The collective genome and community of microorganisms inhabiting a defined environment, such as the oral cavity or gastrointestinal tract.
Dysbiosis: A disruption of the normal microbial composition or function that compromises host–microbe equilibrium and may drive disease processes.
Translocation: The migration of microbes or microbial products across epithelial barriers into normally sterile sites.
Th17/Treg balance: The homeostatic interplay between pro-inflammatory T helper 17 cells and anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells, essential for mucosal immune regulation.
Mucosal barrier: The integrated physical and chemical defence system of epithelial cells, tight junctions and mucus that protects underlying tissues from microbial invasion.
References
- Dysbiosis and Ecotypes of the Salivary Microbiome Associated With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and the Assistance in Diagnosis of Diseases Using Oral Bacterial Profiles. Frontiers in Microbiology (2018).
- Periodontitis may induce gut microbiota dysbiosis via salivary microbiota. International Journal of Oral Science (2022).
- The “Gum–Gut” Axis in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Hypothesis-Driven Review of Associations and Advances. Frontiers in Immunology (2021).
- A potential pathogenic association between periodontal disease and Crohn’s disease. JCI Insight (2021).
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