The Interplay Between Lifestyle and Oral/Faecal Microbial Profiles Among Periodontal Disease Patients: A...

To characterise periodontal and faecal microbiomes of individuals with periodontal health (PH) and diseases, and evaluate associations with periodontal, sociodemographic, anthropometric, nutritional and lifestyle factors.

Dental biofilm and faecal samples from individuals (n = 24/group) with PH, gingivitis (GG) and periodontitis (PE) were sequenced (16S rRNA). Anthropometric data and questionnaires on demographics, lifestyle, diet and intestinal habits were collected. Data were statistically analysed (p < 0.05).

GG and PE groups showed higher age, BMI, waist/abdominal circumferences and trans-fat intake and lower selenium and vitamin E intake compared to PH. Individuals with PE had higher hip circumference and lower income, education and intake of iron as well as vitamins A and B9. PE microbiomes (oral and faecal) showed distinct compositions, with the highest number of unique oral species. Faecal richness was lower in PE and GG compared to PH. Specific microbial taxa correlated with periodontal status and host factors.

Periodontal and faecal microbiomes vary across periodontal conditions. Discriminant analysis classified 77% of individuals by periodontal status, with key markers for PE including older age, poor dietary quality and distinct microbial oral and faecal signatures. These findings highlight the role of clinical, dietary and microbial factors in periodontal disease profiling.