Crossroads of well-being: oral health, neurology, neuronutrition and healthy aging.

Abstract

Oral health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of systemic and neurological resilience during aging. In particular, the oral microbiome may represent a modifiable interface linking periodontal inflammation, neuroimmune activation, and the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.Emerging evidence increasingly supports a link between oral microbiome dysbiosis and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Chronic inflammatory conditions, such as periodontitis, are associated with systemic inflammation, which may contribute to neuroinflammation. Key oral pathogens can translocate into the systemic circulation, compromise the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, and activate microglia. Mechanisms linking oral microbiome dysbiosis to neurodegeneration include systemic inflammation mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, direct bacterial invasion of the central nervous system, and modulation of the oral-gut-brain axis through alterations in the gut microbiota and neuroimmune interactions. Personalized neuronutritional strategies, including dietary intake and supplementation with polyphenols, may improve oral health and reduce systemic inflammation. The interdisciplinary integration of neurology, dentistry, and neuronutrition offers new opportunities for the prevention and management of neurodegenerative disorders. Promising approaches include the development of early diagnostic biomarkers of oral dysbiosis and targeted interventions aimed at restoring microbial homeostasis. Further research is needed to clarify causal relationships and optimize strategies for modulating the oral microbiome to preserve cognitive function.