THE ORAL MICROBIOME AND MODERN DIAGNOSTIC METHODS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/1998-6475.2026.60.20Keywords:
biofilm, microorganisms, oral microflora, traditional methods, PCR, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, NGS technologiesAbstract
Microorganisms play a huge role in human life, entering into various types of relationships and exerting both positive and negative effects on health and longevity. On the one hand, microflora provides protection and integrity to the body, and on the other hand, it can cause harm by provoking pathological conditions.
Today, a highly relevant area of research is the study of the human microbiome. Human microbiome is a collection of dynamic microbial associations that inhabit various anatomical areas of the body and colonize all possible surfaces. Despite significant scientific achievements and the latest innovative technologies, this issue remains open and requires further in-depth study and personalization.
The oral cavity is an open ecosystem characterized by a complex, multicomponent microbiome, in which bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea coexist within polymicrobial biofilms. It is well established that the oral microbiome plays an important role not only in maintaining oral health by ensuring resistance to various environmental factors, but also in influencing other organs and body systems. Therefore, studying the formation and gradual changes of microbial communities on the oral mucosa is both important and relevant, as it underlies a comprehensive understanding of the human microbiome as a whole. Overall, methods for studying the oral microbiome deserve special attention – from classic cultural and biochemical approaches to new molecular-genetic and post-genomic technologies. As is well known, traditional methods have a several limitations. The refore polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 16S rRNA gene sequencing, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and metagenomics provide a deeper understanding of the structure and functional activity of microbial communities. Unfortunately, modern methods are not perfect and also have shortcomings due to the uniqueness and peculiarities of living organisms. Separately, it is necessary to mention the use of germ-free animals as models, which help to study the microbiome.
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