Journal of Oral Medicine and Surgery

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Mini Review - Journal of Oral Medicine and Surgery (2023) Volume 6, Issue 2

A study of the oral microbiome and its influence on taste perception

Meizhen Yang*

Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan

*Corresponding Author:
Meizhen Yang
Department of Dermatology
Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan
E-mail: meizhen.yang@cgu.edu.tw

Received: 28-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. AAOMT-23-90997; Editor assigned: 02-Mar-2023, PreQC No. AAOMT-23-90997(PQ); Reviewed: 18-March-2023, QC No. AAOMT-23-90997; Revised: 21-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AAOMT-23-90997(R); Published: 30-Mar-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aaomt-6.2.140

Citation: Yang M. A study of the oral microbiome and its influence on taste perception. J Oral Med Surg. 2023;6(2):140

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Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the oral microbiome and taste perception. The human oral microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining oral health and has been shown to have a significant impact on various aspects of health, including digestion, immunity, and metabolism. However, little is known about the relationship between the oral microbiome and taste perception. A comprehensive analysis of the oral microbiome in a group of volunteers and correlated it with their taste perception. Results indicated that individuals with a diverse oral microbiome had a greater ability to detect and differentiate tastes, while those with less diverse oral microbiomes showed a decreased ability to perceive flavors.

Keywords

Oral Microbiome, Perceive Flavors, Metabolism, Immunity.

Introduction

The human oral cavity is home to a diverse community of microorganisms known as the oral microbiome. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and have been implicated in a wide range of systemic diseases. Recent studies have also shown that the oral microbiome can influence taste perception.

The oral microbiome and taste perception

Taste perception is a complex process that involves the interaction between taste receptors located on the tongue and other sensory receptors located in the mouth and nose. The role of the oral microbiome in taste perception is not yet fully understood, but studies suggest that it can modulate the taste experience in several ways. One way in which the oral microbiome may influence taste perception is by producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that can be detected by the olfactory system, which plays an important role in taste perception. Some VOCs produced by oral microorganisms, such as sulfur compounds, can give rise to unpleasant tastes and odors. Other VOCs, such as those produced by Lactobacillus and Streptococcus bacteria, have been shown to enhance sweetness and umami tastes [1].

The oral microbiome may also influence taste perception by modulating the composition of saliva. Saliva contains enzymes that break down food molecules, and changes in the composition of saliva can affect the perception of taste. Studies have shown that certain oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, can alter the composition of saliva and reduce the perception of sweetness [2].

In addition to producing VOCs and modulating saliva composition, the oral microbiome may also influence taste perception through its interactions with taste receptors. Taste receptors are located on the tongue and are responsible for detecting sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami tastes. Recent studies have shown that certain oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus salivarius and Lactobacillus plantarum, can interact with taste receptors and modulate taste perception [3].

Oral microbiome and individual taste preferences

The influence of the oral microbiome on taste perception may also vary depending on an individual's taste preferences. A recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports investigated the relationship between the oral microbiome and taste perception in a group of 40 healthy adults. The study participants were asked to rate the intensity of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter tastes, and their oral microbiomes were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. The results of the study showed that individuals with higher levels of Lactobacillus bacteria in their oral microbiome tended to rate sweet tastes as more intense. On the other hand, individuals with higher levels of Prevotella bacteria tended to rate bitter tastes as more intense. These findings suggest that the composition of the oral microbiome may play a role in individual taste preferences [4,5].

Conclusion

The study of the oral microbiome and its influence on taste perception is an exciting area of research that has the potential to shed light on the complex interplay between oral microorganisms and human health. While the exact mechanisms by which the oral microbiome modulates taste perception are not yet fully understood, studies suggest that it may involve the production of VOCs, modulation of saliva composition, and interactions with taste receptors. The influence of the oral microbiome on taste perception may also vary depending on an individual's taste preferences, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches to oral health and nutrition. Further research in this area is needed to fully understand the role of the oral microbiome in taste perception and to develop new strategies for promoting oral and systemic health.

References

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