Oral Health: Microbial Dynamics and Antibiotic Stewardship

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 February 2026) | Viewed by 3767

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Salata 3b, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: dental pharmacology; antibiotic stewardship in dentistry; fluoride; enamel interaction
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The role of bacterial, viral, and fungal commensals and pathogens in oral health and diseases, together with their genetic, biochemical, and ecological characteristics, represents a deeply interesting scientific area. Investigations into the oral microbial dynamics related to physiology, pathophysiology, and pathology processes can contribute to a better understanding of emerging trends in oral health and in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) development. By exploring these dynamics, this Special Issue will offer evidence-based practices in antibiotic rational use and antibiotic stewardship regarding oral health. Through sharing insights and results, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of the microbial flora in the oral cavity, the mechanisms behind microbial interactions, and their relationships with oral diseases, such as dental caries, periodontal disease, oral infections, and other pathologies of the oral cavity. The oral microbiota has been linked to the development of systemic diseases, cancer, and dementia. We welcome the discussion of optimal oral health care practices that balance effective infection management with the minimization of antibiotic resistance, ensuring better patient outcomes in both dental and broader health care contexts. Addressing appropriate antibiotic use in dentistry and general medicine can aid in preventing the development and spread of resistant organisms. This Special Issue will provide an interdisciplinary platform for the exploration of oral health issues, with a focus on oral microbial dynamics and the rational use of antibiotics in dental care.

The scope of this Special Issue includes original research articles, case studies, systemic reviews, and clinical guidelines related to microbial ecology in the oral cavity, infection control practices, diagnostic technologies, and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives and strategies. Contributions may explore topics such as the molecular mechanisms behind microbial pathogenesis and the impact of antibiotics, other therapies and treatments, and different circumstances on the oral microbiota, as well as strategies for managing antimicrobial stewardship through targeted, evidence-based approaches.

Dr. Kristina Peroš
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • oral health
  • oral microbiota
  • microbial dynamics
  • antibiotic stewardship

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

31 pages, 1451 KB  
Review
The Oral Microbiome and Systemic Health: Current Insights into the Mouth–Body Connection
by Ana Glavina, Dora Martić, Marija Ana Perko, Dora Mešin Delić, Antonija Tadin, Stjepanka Lešić and Daniela Šupe-Domić
Life 2026, 16(2), 294; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020294 - 9 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3414
Abstract
The oral cavity contains a complex and dynamic microbial ecosystem that plays a central role in maintaining both local and systemic homeostasis. Emerging evidence indicates that disturbances in oral microbial communities-including genetic and functional diversity within species-are associated not only with oral diseases [...] Read more.
The oral cavity contains a complex and dynamic microbial ecosystem that plays a central role in maintaining both local and systemic homeostasis. Emerging evidence indicates that disturbances in oral microbial communities-including genetic and functional diversity within species-are associated not only with oral diseases but may also contribute to the development and progression of systemic diseases. This narrative review summarises the current state of knowledge on bidirectional interactions between oral microbial communities and major organ systems. A comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was conducted for studies published between 2019 and 2025, prioritising systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and high-quality mechanistic studies. Ultimately, 40 articles were included in the narrative synthesis. The results provide clear evidence of an association between oral dysbiosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), chronic respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Recent data also suggest links with neurodegenerative disorders, chronic kidney disease (CKD), autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Proposed mechanisms include transient or persistent bacteraemia, systemic inflammation caused by microbial metabolites and endotoxins, disruption of immune homeostasis, molecular mimicry, and modulation of host metabolic pathways. Despite growing evidence linking oral microbial communities to systemic health, most findings are based on observational studies, and causal relationships remain to be established through longitudinal and interventional research. Understanding the connection between the mouth and the body highlights the potential for targeting oral microbial activity, virulence factors, and host inflammatory responses in disease prevention and treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oral Health: Microbial Dynamics and Antibiotic Stewardship)
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