Fig. 3

Multiple factors potentially involved in the gut translocation of oral pathobionts in IBD. The gut translocation of oral pathobionts is a central event modulating IBD pathology, dictated by the recently recognized oral-gut axis (Fig. 2). This can be partitioned into three critical interfaces: (1) The oral cavity—the source of oral pathobionts. (2) The gastrointestinal (GI) conduits—potentially facilitating the relocation of oral pathobionts from the mouth to the gut, and (3) The intestinal tract—where oral-derived pathobionts establish themselves. Each juncture presents promising avenues for therapeutic interventions in IBD by mitigating the gut translocation of oral pathobionts