The oral microbiome: a new pathway towards personalised health (HOME-PAIGE)

The HOME-PAIGE project is a collaboration between research institutes and companies working together to develop a home test for the oral microbiome. By combining scientific knowledge and technological expertise, the partners aim with this project to create an accessible and reliable method that helps people better understand their oral health and microbiome and the factors that influence it.

The oral microbiome is the collective term for all microorganisms living in the mouth. These microbes play an important role in maintaining both oral and overall health. Usually, this system is in balance and helps to keep the mouth healthy, but disturbances can lead to cavities, gum disease, or bad breath. Changes in the oral microbiome have also been linked to diseases elsewhere in the body, such as cardiovascular disease, gut disorders, and problems with blood sugar regulation.

HOME-PAIGE ultimately will develop a home test in which an individual takes a tongue swab and completes a questionnaire on factors that influence the oral microbiome, such as antibiotic use, diet, smoking, oral hygiene, and dental visits. Using artificial intelligence, these data are analyzed to assess whether the test can reliably classify samples (for example, healthy, disturbed, or at risk) and provide personalized advice on oral hygiene and lifestyle.

The project results will form the basis for a standardized method to collect, analyze, and interpret oral microbiome samples taken at home. This represents an important first step toward validation and future clinical application.