Effect of periodontal therapy on the human oral microbiome and lung function

The oral cavity hosts over 700 bacterial species, maintaining a microbial balance crucial for health. Disruptions can lead to periodontitis, which has been linked to systemic conditions, including respiratory diseases. This study examines the effects of periodontal therapy on the subgingival microbiome and airway resistance. Fifty-seven patients with stage I or II periodontitis (never smokers, no comorbidities), high levels of dental plaque and gingival inflammation, as indicated by a plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BoP) >50%, underwent full-mouth periodontal disinfection therapy. Subgingival plaque, pooled from the deepest pockets in each quadrant, and airway resistance (Rrs) were assessed at baseline (T0) and six weeks post-treatment (T1) using the Forced Oscillation Technique. Subgingival plaque samples were analysed with high throughput sequencing.