The oral microbiome in older adults –a state-of-the-art review

Abstract

The microorganisms residing the oral cavity, referred to as the oral microbiome, have been reported to have an association with health and disease in older adults. In the present review the state-of-the-art methodology was applied to investigate the association of the oral microbiome to systemic diseases, frailty and ageing. The methodology includes a six-step strategy, whereas inclusion criteria were articles in English, publication period between 2015 and December 2023, clinical studies, case series, in-vitro studies, and animal studies. Results indicated that the oral microbiome's composition is crucial for older adults with systemic diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, or cardiovascular disorders. Moreover, there appears to be an association between the oral microbiome and frailty in older patients. The relationship between oral microbiome and ageing is bidirectional, since older adults experience a shift in the composition of the microbiome, whereas those bacteria promote inflammation remotely and rapid ageing of the individual. Further studies investigating the exact kind of phyla and genera of oral microorganisms are essential to better understand the interaction of the oral microflora with the human body in older individuals.