The Oral Microbiome
Not sterile, not hostile — the community of organisms that keeps a healthy mouth healthy.
The mouth hosts one of the most complex microbial communities in the human body. Hundreds of bacterial species, alongside fungi and viruses, coexist in a balance that is protective when intact and harmful when disturbed.
What "healthy" looks like
A healthy microbiome is diverse and stable. Disease is rarely caused by a single "bad" organism; it is caused by an ecological shift.
What disrupts it
- Frequent sugar and acid exposure
- Overuse of antimicrobial rinses
- Dry mouth, whether from medication or dehydration
- Smoking and vaping
General education
Presented with the historical professional background of Dr. Marianna Zadov, DDS. General information only, not individualized dental advice; no clinical care is offered.
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