Role of oral microbiome in forensic odontology

Abstract

Oral bacteria form a dynamic biofilm community that is constantly challenged by the host and the environment. Human
physiological ac????vi????es such as immunity, metabolism, and nutri????on are closely correlated with the resident microbial
consor????a found in the mouth, gut, skin, nasal cavity and urogenital tract. The oral cavity serves as the main entry point for the
human diges????ve tract and the oral biofilm contains one of the body’s most diverse loca????ons for microorganisms.1, Hard,
non-shedding tooth surfaces in the mouth promote microbial coloniza????on and the development of the dental plaque
biofilm. The mouth has a number of habitats other than the teeth like the tongue, gingival sulcus, cheek, hard and so????
palates which add to its enormous biological complexity. These loca????ons develop niches that are impacted by changes in the
amount of oxygen and nutrients available. Mechanical stress and salivary flow, work in concert to support the coloniza????on
and maintenance of various popula????ons.3. In forensic and criminal inves????ga????ons, saliva is the preferred bodily fluid due to
its accessibility, non-invasiveness and cost-effec????ve collec????on techniques.4 Advances in DNA technology have increased the
accuracy and enhanced the separa????on of human DNA in dried saliva stains derived from bite marks and lip prints. The study
of the human microbiome, specifically the microbial DNA of bacteria, fungi, microeukarya and viruses in salivary secre????on
can be related to this rela????vely new field of salivary research. When combined with well-established salivary biomarkers, this
data can help forensic inves????gators be????er understand the suspect’s lifestyle, cohabita????on and health.5