Scientists: Oral microbes are a “mirror” of our lifestyle

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 Emily Davenport, Assistant Professor of Biology at Penn State’s Eberly College of ​Science**

**Editor:**‍ Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Davenport. Your recent research highlights how⁤ lifestyle choices impact the oral microbiome.⁢ Can you explain‌ how different⁣ lifestyles—like hunting and gathering versus agriculture—affect this microbial⁣ community in our mouths?

**Davenport:** Absolutely! ⁢Our research found significant differences in the oral microbiome of individuals ​based on their lifestyles.‌ Hunter-gatherers, for instance, tend to have a more diverse and balanced microbial community, which is likely due to their varied diets and less processed foods. In contrast,⁣ traditional farmers and⁣ those who have recently converted to agriculture show shifts in their microbiomes, often linked to a more uniform and carbohydrate-heavy diet.

**Editor:** That’s fascinating. ‌You also mentioned the impact of habits like smoking on ‍oral health. How does smoking fit into⁤ this picture?

**Davenport:** Smoking has a detrimental effect on the oral microbiome. It disrupts the balance of ⁤microorganisms and can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This imbalance not only affects oral health but can also have systemic effects, contributing to diseases beyond⁣ just oral ‌diseases. Our study underscores the importance of lifestyle factors, including ⁢smoking, as they ‌can have profound implications for both individual health ‌and the overall composition of the oral microbiome.

**Editor:** In your research, you noted that‍ the oral microbiome has been studied‌ less⁤ in non-Western societies.​ Why is​ it important to explore these differences?

**Davenport:** It’s ‌crucial ⁣because most existing studies have been conducted in Western ⁣populations, ‌often overlooking the vast diversity of lifestyles and diets worldwide. By‍ examining non-Western societies, we ‍can uncover unique​ microbial ⁢communities⁤ and their associations⁣ with health. This knowledge could lead to more​ inclusive health recommendations that are culturally relevant and effective across different populations.

**Editor:** You studied a group of 63 Nepalese individuals. What were some key findings⁣ from that study?

**Davenport:** We found distinct microbial patterns across the different lifestyles represented in our study. Not only did these patterns ⁣correlate‍ with dietary habits, but they ⁣also indicated a potential link to overall health outcomes. For example, the hunter-gatherers exhibited a microbiome associated with reduced risk for certain diseases⁢ compared to more agricultural​ groups. This ‍highlights⁢ the importance of maintaining diverse diets‍ for oral and overall⁤ health.

**Editor:** What do you hope this research will achieve in ⁤the future?

**Davenport:** Ideally, I want our findings to inspire further research into the ​oral microbiome across diverse​ cultures and lifestyles. By broadening our⁤ understanding, we can develop targeted interventions that improve oral health globally. ⁣Ultimately, this could contribute to better⁢ health outcomes and a deeper‍ appreciation for the role⁤ of the microbiome in our lives.

**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Davenport, for sharing these ‌insights. We look forward to seeing how⁤ your research⁤ evolves in the field of microbiome‌ studies!