Study Reveals Connection Between Periodontal Inflammation and Microbial Changes in the Gut

08/02/24

A new study by NYU Dentistry researchers published in the journal Microorganisms finds that periodontal inflammation and oral bacteria contribute to gut bacterial changes.

Research increasingly shows that the oral microbiome and periodontal inflammation play a significant role in systemic diseases, including gut disorders. While the mechanism by which oral bacteria and inflammation contribute to gut disorders is not well understood, there is growing evidence showing that periodontal disease can change the bacterial composition in the gut.

“In our study, we hypothesized that periodontal inflammation and its associated subgingival dysbiosis contribute to gut dysbiosis, even in subjects free of known gut disorders,” said Angela Kamer, DMD, MS, PhD, professor in the Ashman Department of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry and the study’s lead author.

The researchers evaluated periodontal health and the gut microbiome of 36 elderly subjects without gut conditions. Periodontal inflammation was assessed using clinical periodontal measures (Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area, or PISA) while subgingival bacteria and the gut microbiome were assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing.

Their analysis revealed different species of bacteria in subjects with high vs. low periodontal inflammation, and that periodontal inflammation was associated with indicators of dysbiosis in the gut.

“These changes were specifically related to reduced activity in healthy gut bacteria, and suggest that periodontal inflammation and subgingival microbiota contribute to gut bacterial changes with possible consequences to other systemic diseases,” added Kamer.

Additional NYU Dentistry authors include Smruti Pushalkar, Babak Hamidi, Malvin Janal, Vera Tang, Leena Palomo, and Deepak Saxena.