The Impact of Shifts in Subgingival Plaque Microbiota on the Severity of Periodontitis

This study investigates how changes in the subgingival plaque microbiota are associated with the clinical severity of periodontitis. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we analyzed plaque samples from healthy individuals and patients with varying stages of periodontitis, classified according to the AAP/EFP 2018 criteria. Significant shifts in bacterial composition and predicted metabolic functions were observed, particularly in stage III periodontitis and in individuals with higher bleeding on probing and probing pocket depth.