Does Exposure to Burning and Heated Tobacco Affect the Abundance of Perio-Pathogenic Species in the Subgingival Biofilm?

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of tobacco exposure, specifically through heating and burning, on periodontopathogens in the subgingival microbiome among clinically healthy individuals and those diagnosed with periodontitis. The sample comprised 66 subjects (26–56 years, median 38 yrs; 64% females) classified as non-smokers, classic cigarette smokers, and tobacco heating system (THS) smokers (each N = 22). Full-mouth periodontal examination was performed, and 330 paper-point samples from periodontal pockets were collected. Next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA genes was conducted to identify the composition of subgingival microbiome. Periodontitis prevalence among the groups was ranked as THS (41%) p = 0.005) but without significant differences between exposure groups: non-smokers (6) = smokers (6) 2 = 0.163; p = 0.005). In conclusion, the quantity of perio-pathogenic species in the subgingival microbiome was more influenced by periodontitis than by exposure to tobacco smoke, regardless of whether it was heated or burned.

Keywords

• 16S rRNA
• next-generation sequencing
• cigarette smoking
• dysbiosis
• electronic nicotine delivery system
• periodontal pathobionts