Immune and Metabolic Changes in the Mouth Linked to Long-Term Mild Inflammation and Their Effects on the Whole Body

Chronic low-grade inflammation may be driven by sustained immunometabolic activity at the oral barrier.

• The oral mucosa serves as an active immunometabolic interface connecting local immune responses to systemic inflammation.
• Epithelial, neutrophil, and antigen-presenting cell compartments in the oral barrier coordinate immune responses linked to metabolic changes.
• Local immune activation is associated with processes like glycolysis and the production of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria.
• Oral microbiota produces metabolites that trigger immune receptors, sustaining inflammatory signaling pathways.
• Disruption of the oral barrier and microbial imbalance can lead to persistent immune activation and inflammation.
• Saliva and gingival crevicular fluid may facilitate the spread of inflammatory signals throughout the body.

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