Change of oral microbiome diversity by smoking across different age groups.

Authors: Seo K, Min JY, Min KB, Oh KH, Ryoo SW, Son SY, Lee JH.

DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1714229

Abstract Summary

Tobacco exposure significantly reduces oral microbial diversity, especially in older adults aged 60-69. Analysis of 4,387 U.S. adults revealed that smoking and aging synergistically disrupt the oral microbiome, with beneficial bacteria declining and harmful species increasing. These findings highlight the need for age-targeted prevention strategies and further research into reversing smoking-induced oral dysbiosis.

Why Brain? 🧠

Smoking reduces oral microbiome diversity, especially in adults over 60, suggesting aging amplifies tobacco’s harmful effects on oral bacteria and supports need for age-targeted prevention.

License: CC BY.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.