Oral Microbiome Analysis

Introduction

One of the most complex microbial communities of the human body resides in the oral cavity where hundreds of bacterial species as well as fungi, archaea, and viruses, collectively form the oral microbiome. Attached to the various surfaces of the mouth, the resident microbiota prevent colonization by pathogens and orchestrate the maintenance of oral and systemic health. The oral microbiome is highly variable between populations and individuals and is influenced by a diverse range of factors including topographical location, environmental factors and the behaviour and health of the host.

Oral Microbiome Research Applications

An understanding of the oral microbiome can assist with research into varied fields, including:

• Prevention, monitoring, risk classification or early diagnosis of a wide range of both oral diseases and wider infectious and systemic diseases.
• Probiotics for oral health
• Developing various treatment strategies for personalized dentistry.

Our Services for Oral Microbiome Research 

Study design and sampling protocols must be carefully considered and controlled for effective oral microbiome analysis. Different sites in the oral cavity have different colonies of microbiota and require different collection methods such as collection with swabs, brushes (especially for tissue sites), or the collection of whole saliva – which is considered a fingerprint of the oral microbiome.

At Clinical Microbiomics we have vast experience in oral-optimized protocols to overcome these challenges - from sampling and DNA extraction to sequencing and data analysis.

Sample Preparation - We have extensive experience analyzing oral microbiome samples from different oral cavity sites and assist our clients from the very early phase of their studies ensuring that the optimal study setup and sampling is in place. We offer DNA extraction for all types of oral microbiome projects, performed under highly controlled and traceable conditions in our advanced, Copenhagen-based, ISO17025 certified laboratory.

Sequencing - We offer Illumina-based 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics of oral samples.

16S rDNA amplicon sequencing provides insights into the taxonomical composition of the microbiome (genus/species resolution), whereas shotgun metagenomics powered by our MGS bioinformatics platform provides detailed characterization with the highest taxonomical (species/strain) and functional resolution (genes) possible.

Data Analysis – We generate high quality oral microbiome data and help you translate this into taxonomical and functional insight. Our data analysis service is powered by our MGS bioinformatics platform providing detailed characterization with the highest taxonomical (species/strain) and functional resolution (genes) possible.