SMOKING ELEVATES THE RISK OF DYSBIOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH DENTAL DECAY.
Ghana Dental Journal, cilt.23, sa.1, ss.21-26, 2026 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 23 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.4314/gdj.v23i1.4
- Dergi Adı: Ghana Dental Journal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.21-26
- İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
BACKGROUND: Dental caries, commonly known as cavities or tooth decay, is a major oral health problem characterized by the 1 breakdown of tooth structure due to acids produced by bacteria . This condition arises when bacteria metabolize sugars from food, leading 1 to acid production, which can contribute to the demineralization of hard tissues in the teeth, primarily the enamel and dentine . The global prevalence of dental caries remains alarmingly high, making it a significant public health concern. According to recent data, dental caries 2 affects approximately 2.3 billion people worldwide, particularly impacting permanent teeth, and 560 million children with deciduous teeth . The global burden of disease study indicates that the prevalence of dental caries in primary teeth is around 46.2%, while for permanent 2,3 teeth, it stands at 53.8% . Dental caries is not only prevalent but also poses serious health implications, including impacts on quality of life and long-term health consequences such as infections that may result in systemic diseases or tooth loss, further exacerbating health 3,4 disparities . The oral microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and influencing overall systemic health through complex interactions with the host. The oral microbiome consists of over 700 bacterial species that exist in a balanced ecosystem. This balance, known as eubiosis, is essential for protecting against the overgrowth of harmful microorganisms that can lead to diseases such as dental caries and 5,6 periodontal disease . Conversely, dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the oral microbiota, can lead to various oral diseases, including dental 6,7 caries . 8–11 Several environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to the risk of dental caries through their effects on the oral microbiota . Socioeconomic status, oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, fluoride exposure, knowledge and attitudes, and ethnicity and cultural factors 3,12–15 significantly influence the prevalence of dental caries in different regions . Cigarette smoking disrupts the delicate balance of the oral microbiota, leading to dysbiosis, which is characterized by an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria and a reduction in beneficial species. Studies have shown that smokers harbor a higher proportion of cariogenic bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, compared to non-smokers. This shift in microbial composition is linked to an 16–18 increased risk of dental caries . However, there is no evidence specifically addressing the impact of smoking on the oral microbiota in Turkish populations. AIM: This study investigates the role of smoking in influencing shifts in oral microbiota associated with dental caries in a Turkish population.