The international team revealed that various factors such as lifestyle (hunting and gathering, agriculture, or industrial life) and other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, greatly affect the oral microbiome.
A healthy oral microbiome, a community of microorganisms that live in the mouth, plays an important role in helping digest food, supporting the immune system, and protecting against invading pathogens, while an unhealthy oral microbiome has been linked to a variety of diseases in humans.
Emily Davenport, an assistant professor of biology at Penn State’s Eberly College of Science and leader of the research team, said the oral microbiome has not been adequately studied, especially in non-Western societies. She stated that despite the progress achieved by Western studies, there is still a large difference in the microbes found in the mouths of individuals around the world. By studying differences in the oral microbiome between people of diverse cultures and lifestyles, we can more deeply understand the effects of this microbiome on health.
The scientists studied the oral microbiome of 63 Nepalese people from groups with different lifestyles, including hunter-gatherers, traditional farmers, farmers who recently converted to agriculture, as well as groups of Nepali immigrants to the United States. Saliva samples were collected and the DNA of these microbes was analyzed to determine the bacterial species present.
The team found that the composition of the microbiome varies according to lifestyle. For example, some bacterial species were more common among hunter-gatherers, while others were prominent among industrial migrants. This suggests that lifestyle has a direct impact on the composition of the oral microbiome.
In addition, the study showed that smoking has a significant impact on the bacterial composition in the mouth. This finding supports previous research that revealed that smoking leads to changes in the oral microbiome in industrialized societies.
Scientists have also found that the type of grains that individuals eat also affects the types of bacteria found in their mouths. For example, people who ate barley and corn had different microbiomes than those who ate rice and wheat.
The most exciting thing about the study was the discovery of a link between the consumption of a native plant in Nepal, called Sisnu, commonly known as nettle, and the presence of certain types of microbes in the mouth.
The study highlighted the importance of taking lifestyle factors into account when conducting future studies on the microbiome, as changes in diet, geographic location, or culture can quickly and clearly affect the composition of the microbiome.
The team also stressed the need to study the oral microbiome across a diverse range of populations around the world to better understand the relationship between the oral microbiome and human health.
Source: Medical Express
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Davenport on the Impact of Lifestyle on Oral Microbiomes**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Davenport! Thank you for joining us today. Your recent study on the oral microbiomes of Nepalese people has sparked a lot of interest. Could you start by explaining what an oral microbiome is and why it matters?
**Dr. Davenport:** Thank you for having me! The oral microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms that reside in our mouths. It plays a crucial role in several bodily functions, such as aiding digestion, supporting the immune system, and providing protection against harmful pathogens. A balanced oral microbiome is vital for oral health, while an imbalance can lead to diseases like gum disease, tooth decay, and potentially systemic diseases.
**Editor:** Your research focused on how different lifestyles impact the oral microbiome. What were some key findings from your study involving the Nepalese groups?
**Dr. Davenport:** We found significant differences in the composition of oral microbiomes among the groups we studied, which included hunter-gatherers, traditional farmers, and those who have recently adopted industrialized farming practices. Factors such as diet, smoking, and level of exposure to industrial pollutants played a considerable role in shaping these microbiomes. For instance, hunter-gatherers exhibited a greater diversity in their microbial communities, which is often associated with better health outcomes.
**Editor:** Your research indicates that the oral microbiome hasn’t been adequately studied in non-Western societies. Why is this gap important to address?
**Dr. Davenport:** It’s crucial because much of what we understand about the oral microbiome has been based on studies conducted in Western populations. By exploring diverse cultural contexts, we can uncover how lifestyle variations influence microbial health. This broader perspective may lead to new insights and strategies for maintaining oral health worldwide, particularly as global lifestyles continue to evolve.
**Editor:** Are there any implications for public health that arise from your findings?
**Dr. Davenport:** Absolutely. Understanding the connection between lifestyle factors and oral health can inform public health policies. Encouraging traditional diets and lifestyles, along with providing education about the importance of oral hygiene, could help promote healthier oral microbiomes in various populations. Additionally, it may influence dietary recommendations and healthcare strategies in different cultural contexts.
**Editor:** What are the next steps for your research team?
**Dr. Davenport:** We plan to expand our research to include a larger and more diverse sample size across different regions in Nepal and potentially other countries. This would allow us to conduct more comparative analyses and further explore how cultural practices influence oral health. Our goal is to contribute to a more holistic understanding of health and microbiomes globally.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Davenport, for sharing your insights! Your research could pave the way for significant advancements in global health practices.
**Dr. Davenport:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this important topic.