The Periodontal Microenvironment: a Potential Reservoir for Intestinal Pathobionts in Crohn’s Disease

Purpose of Review: Periodontal disease is a common bacteria-initiated inflammatory disease generating alveolar bone destruction around the dentition. Chronic periodontitis leads to the formation of a nutrient-rich periodontal microenvironment where opportunistic pathogens can thrive and flourish. The dissemination of these microbes from the oral cavity to other body sites can initiate or exacerbate disease, especially in susceptible individuals. This brief review will highlight the oral-gut axis and common bacterial etiologies associated with periodontal disease and Crohn’s disease as well as providing a perspective for future studies in this active area of investigation. Recent Findings: Recent studies have indicated that there is an extensive transmission of oral bacteria along the gastrointestinal tract, suggesting the role of oral microbiota in intestinal pathologies. The presence of oral bacteria in the intestine strongly correlates with the severity of Crohn’s disease, one of the major types of inflammatory bowel disease. Periodontal disease is highly prevalent in Crohn’s disease, and the oral-gut microbiota transmission may be the mechanistic factor linking the two diseases. Summary: A better understanding of the relationship between periodontal disease and Crohn’s disease may help define new therapeutic targets for the management of Crohn’s disease.