Oral Microbiome
The oral microbiome in children is not only a decisive factor in the development of dental caries but also a crucial potential defense against respiratory infections. As the shared gateway between the respiratory and digestive tracts, dysbiosis in the pediatric oral microbiome poses dual hazards: On one hand, the dominant growth of acid-producing bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans disrupts ecological balance, directly damaging tooth hard tissues and triggering caries; On the other hand, a disrupted oral environment often becomes a reservoir for respiratory pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. These pathogens can easily ascend through microaspiration or mucosal spread, increasing children's risk of pneumonia and recurrent upper respiratory infections.