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Aim and background: The oral cavity harbors a diverse microbiota that significantly influences oral health and disease. Conventional microbiological techniques have limitations in detecting the full range of microbial species, particularly those that are uncultivable. Metagenomics, through culture-independent, high-throughput sequencing methods, offers a comprehensive approach to studying oral microbial diversity. This narrative review aims to evaluate the role of metagenomics in exploring the oral microbiome and its association with dental diseases. Methods: hybridization (FISH), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and discussed the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in metagenomic data interpretation. Results: are implicated in persistent infections. In periodontitis, a dysbiotic microbial shift has been associated with the presence of complex microbial consortia, including red and orange complex bacteria. Conclusion: Metagenomics is a powerful diagnostic tool that provides an in-depth characterization of the complex microbial ecosystem of the oral cavity. It offers diagnostic potential through early and accurate detection of pathogenic shifts, promotes personalized treatment planning, and opens avenues for the development of potential biomarkers of disease progression. Clinical significance: The integration of metagenomics into dental practice can revolutionize caries risk assessment, treatment precision, and disease prevention strategies. Although challenges such as high cost, data complexity, and lack of standardization remain, ongoing advancements in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics are expected to enhance its accessibility and clinical relevance. How to cite this article: Metagenomics as an Effective Diagnostic Approach for Exploring Oral Microbial Diversity and Dental Diseases: A Narrative Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(2):278-284.
Walia et al. (Thu,) studied this question.