The human oral microbiome – is it altered in covid times?

After the gut microbiota the second largest microbial community harbouring the human system is the oral cavity. The Human Oral Microbiome (HOM) comprise of over 700 species of bacteria, viral, fungi, protozoa, archaea which can affect the initiation and development of numerous localized and systemic diseases. Respiratory problems, mechanical ventilation and poor oral hygiene are the considered risk factors that offer a pathway for entry of microorganisms from oral cavity to the lower respiratory tract which leads to respiratory problems. A worldwide public health emergency presently of high concern, SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19 is intently related to co-infections in the lungs. Effective oral health care measures are essential to prevent infections, specifically in severe COVID-19 patients.