biostudies-literatureBaker JLNIDCR NIH HHS89-104https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11084736biostudies-literatureUnknown22(2)The human oral microbiota is highly diverse and has a complex ecology, comprising bacteria, microeukaryotes, archaea and viruses. These communities have elaborate and highly structured biogeography that shapes metabolic exchange on a local scale and results from the diverse microenvironments present in the oral cavity. The oral microbiota also interfaces with the immune system of the human host and has an important role in not only the health of the oral cavity but also systemic health. In this Review, we highlight recent advances including novel insights into the biogeography of several oral niches at the species level, as well as the ecological role of candidate phyla radiation bacteria and non-bacterial members of the oral microbiome. In addition, we summarize the relationship between tNature reviews. MicrobiologyThe oral microbiome: diversity, biogeography and human health.PMC11084736R01 DE023810R01 DE016937R01 DE022586R03 DE030987K99 DE029228R01 DE030943R01 DE029479R01 DE031470R00 DE029228He XMark Welch JLMcLean JSBaker JLKauffman KMfalseThe oral microbiome: diversity, biogeography and human health.The human oral microbiota is highly diverse and has a complex ecology, comprising bacteria, microeukaryotes, archaea and viruses. These communities have elaborate and highly structured biogeography that shapes metabolic exchange on a local scale and results from the diverse microenvironments present in the oral cavity. The oral microbiota also interfaces with the immune system of the human host and has an important role in not only the health of the oral cavity but also systemic health. In this Review, we highlight recent advances including novel insights into the biogeography of several oral niches at the species level, as well as the ecological role of candidate phyla radiation bacteria and non-bacterial members of the oral microbiome. In addition, we summarize the relationship between t2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Feb2026-05-03T03:26:46.954Z2026-04-07T18:47:28.699ZS-EPMC110847363770002410.1038/s41579-023-00963-6