Danny Grannick: Oral Microbiome: Alzheimer’s, Heart Attack, and Cancer

The oral microbiome functions as a complex, symbiotic ecosystem that significantly influences systemic health, with specific pathogenic bacteria linked to chronic conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and various cancers. Genomic sequencing, particularly shotgun metagenomics, enables the identification of these microbes at a strain level, providing a more precise diagnostic tool than traditional observational dental methods. Pathogens such as *P. gingivalis* can migrate from the oral cavity into the bloodstream and brain, where they produce inflammatory proteins that accelerate neurodegeneration and vascular damage. Proactive oral hygiene, including daily flossing, serves as a primary intervention to reduce the relative abundance of these harmful organisms. By shifting oral care from reactive, symptom-based treatment to a data-driven, preventative model, individuals can better manage their long-term health and mitigate risks associated with systemic inflammation.