The oral microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining oral and general health, forming a symbiotic relationship with the host. It is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that coevolved with humans, contributing to physiological and immunological functions. The mouth hosts the second most diverse microbial community in the body, with over 700 bacterial species. Recent advances in technology have enhanced our understanding of the oral microbiome's role in health and disease. Dysbiosis, or imbalance, can lead to conditions such as caries and periodontitis. Factors like diet, stress, and lifestyle choices can disrupt the oral microbiome, affecting health. Maintaining a balanced microbiome is essential for oral health, and strategies to preserve it are important for both practitioners and patients. The oral microbiome is influenced by environmental changes, including the transition from hunter-gatherer to Neolithic societies and the industrial revolution. The composition of the oral microbiome has shifted over time, with certain bacteria adapting to changes in diet and lifestyle. The oral microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem, with bacteria forming biofilms and communicating through quorum sensing. The microbiome contributes to critical functions such as digestion, immune regulation, and protection against disease. The oral microbiome is highly variable between individuals and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The mouth is a complex environment with distinct habitats that support different microbial communities. The oral microbiome is affected by factors such as delivery mode, feeding methods, and the eruption of teeth. Maintaining a healthy oral microbiome involves good oral hygiene, saliva, and the use of antimicrobial components. The oral microbiome can be characterized using various methods, including culture-independent techniques like 16S rRNA gene sequencing and next-generation sequencing. These methods have improved our understanding of the oral microbiome's diversity and function. Dysbiosis can lead to oral diseases such as caries and periodontitis, and factors like poor oral hygiene, salivary dysfunction, and lifestyle choices contribute to this imbalance. The oral microbiome is also linked to systemic health, with dysbiosis potentially contributing to diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues. The future of oral healthcare should focus on maintaining a balanced microbiome through ecological approaches, rather than solely targeting pathogens. This includes promoting good oral hygiene, lifestyle modifications, and the use of targeted interventions to restore a healthy microbiome. The oral microbiome is a vital component of overall health, and its balance is essential for preventing disease and maintaining well-being.The oral microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining oral and general health, forming a symbiotic relationship with the host. It is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that coevolved with humans, contributing to physiological and immunological functions. The mouth hosts the second most diverse microbial community in the body, with over 700 bacterial species. Recent advances in technology have enhanced our understanding of the oral microbiome's role in health and disease. Dysbiosis, or imbalance, can lead to conditions such as caries and periodontitis. Factors like diet, stress, and lifestyle choices can disrupt the oral microbiome, affecting health. Maintaining a balanced microbiome is essential for oral health, and strategies to preserve it are important for both practitioners and patients. The oral microbiome is influenced by environmental changes, including the transition from hunter-gatherer to Neolithic societies and the industrial revolution. The composition of the oral microbiome has shifted over time, with certain bacteria adapting to changes in diet and lifestyle. The oral microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem, with bacteria forming biofilms and communicating through quorum sensing. The microbiome contributes to critical functions such as digestion, immune regulation, and protection against disease. The oral microbiome is highly variable between individuals and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The mouth is a complex environment with distinct habitats that support different microbial communities. The oral microbiome is affected by factors such as delivery mode, feeding methods, and the eruption of teeth. Maintaining a healthy oral microbiome involves good oral hygiene, saliva, and the use of antimicrobial components. The oral microbiome can be characterized using various methods, including culture-independent techniques like 16S rRNA gene sequencing and next-generation sequencing. These methods have improved our understanding of the oral microbiome's diversity and function. Dysbiosis can lead to oral diseases such as caries and periodontitis, and factors like poor oral hygiene, salivary dysfunction, and lifestyle choices contribute to this imbalance. The oral microbiome is also linked to systemic health, with dysbiosis potentially contributing to diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues. The future of oral healthcare should focus on maintaining a balanced microbiome through ecological approaches, rather than solely targeting pathogens. This includes promoting good oral hygiene, lifestyle modifications, and the use of targeted interventions to restore a healthy microbiome. The oral microbiome is a vital component of overall health, and its balance is essential for preventing disease and maintaining well-being.