The oral microbiome is fundamental to maintaining equilibrium within the mouth, protecting tissues, and preventing disease onset. Disruptions in microbial balance—known as oral dysbiosis—can provoke inflammation and immune dysfunction, adversely influencing systemic health. This imbalance is recognized as a principal causative factor in periodontitis. Both the emergence and persistence of dysbiosis have been shown to initiate inflammatory responses locally and in distant organs. The intensified inflammatory state characteristic of oral dysbiosis is largely driven by interleukin-17A (IL-17A), secreted by diverse immune cell populations. IL-17A plays a key defensive role by inducing antimicrobial peptides, attracting neutrophils, and amplifying localized inflammation through cytokine and chemokine activation. This review consolidates current evidence on oral dysbiosis and preventive approaches, emphasizing IL-17A’s contribution to dysbiosis-related periodontitis and its broader systemic inflammatory implications.
