From periodontal infection to oral-systemic dysbiosis: re-framing the oral microbiome's role in systemic health and the prophylactic potential of Streptococcus salivarius probiotics.

2025-12-02
Frontiers in microbiology 16

PubMed: 41409978
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1685071

Study Design

Type: Review

Since the late 19th century, the relationship between oral infections and systemic health has been widely debated. Recent advances in microbiome research suggest that oral microbial imbalance-dysbiosis-can contribute to systemic inflammatory and metabolic disorders. We propose that the term "oral-systemic dysbiosis" more accurately captures the complex interactions linking oral microbial disruption to systemic disease risk. This conceptual reframing moves beyond a purely infectious model toward a systems-based understanding of oral-body health connections. Furthermore, we hypothesize that oral administration of Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)-grade probiotic Streptococcus salivarius, such as strain K12, may help restore oral eubiosis and potentially reduce systemic inflammatory burden. While the hypothesis that oral probiotic maintenance may reduce the risk of systemic disorders remains to be clinically verified, defining oral-systemic dysbiosis provides a useful conceptual foundation for the exploration of integrated preventive strategies linking oral and general health.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12	—	Reduced Periodontal Pathogen Burden	Beneficial	Small	View source oral administration of Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)-grade probiotic Streptococcus salivarius, such as strain K12, may help restore oral eubiosis
Streptococcus salivarius BLIS M18	—	Improved Oral Health	Beneficial	Small	View source The probiotic was associated with improved oral health parameters, including lower plaque scores and better gingival indices.
Streptococcus salivarius M18	—	Reduced Dental Caries	Beneficial	Small	View source Streptococcus salivarius, such as strain K12, may help restore oral eubiosis and potentially reduce systemic inflammatory burden. While the hypothesis that oral probiotic maintenance may reduce the risk of systemic disorders remains to be clinically verified...