The Microorganisms Present in the Mouth Can Reveal Lifestyle Decisions

A recent study led by Penn State biologists has found that lifestyle factors can shape the composition of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms within the mouth, known as the “oral microbiome.” Published in the journal Microbiome, the study revealed differences in the oral microbiome across populations with varying lifestyle practices, from nomadic hunter gatherers to industrialized groups. Lifestyle choices such as smoking were found to impact the oral microbiome, which plays a key role in aiding digestion, supporting the immune system, and protecting against pathogens.
The research team, led by Emily Davenport, examined the oral microbiomes of 63 Nepali individuals with diverse dietary practices to understand how different lifestyle factors influence the microbiome. They found that specific species of bacteria within the oral microbiome varied based on subsistence strategy and lifestyle behaviors like smoking, diet, and consumption of certain plants like nettle.
The study highlights the importance of considering lifestyle factors in future microbiome research and emphasizes the need for studies in populations around the world. The researchers believe that understanding how oral microbiomes vary globally can improve knowledge of how lifestyle choices impact human health. By studying how lifestyle influences the microbiome, researchers can gain insight into how shifts in diet, location, and culture can affect the oral microbiome and overall health.
The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from New York University Abu Dhabi, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Institute of Medicine in Nepal, Tribhuvan University in Nepal, and Stanford University, with funding from the National Institutes of Health, Stanford University, and New York University Abu Dhabi.

Source
Photo credit www.psu.edu