By Word Of Mouth, A Telltale Ethnicity

November 25, 2013- Each human mouth is unique; each of us has a diverse microbial environment in our spit, plaque and under the gums. However, news that genetics plays a large role in determining which type of germs we're carrying was not anticipated.

In a recent article, "Scientists Can Tell Your Ethnicity From The Germs In Your Mouth," the PopSci.com reported on a new study by The Ohio State University (OSU) that suggests distinct ethnicities have different oral bacteria profiles. The findings may impact how we treat oral diseases.

Here are some of the highlights from the PopSci article:

- Nearly 400 species of bacteria were found in the mouths of 100 subjects from four different ethnicities: African American, Chinese, Latino and Caucasian.

- Everyone in the study shared 2 percent of the bacterial species identified, and another 8 percent of species were shared by 90 percent of the participants.

- "Each ethnic group displayed a distinct pattern of bacteria, especially under the gums," PopSci writes. "This suggests that the host genotype influences the microbial community to a greater extent than shared environment," quoting the study's authors. "'Nature' appears to win over 'nurture' in shaping this community."

- Based upon their findings, the OSU researchers developed an algorithm that predicted a random individual's ethnicity based on bacteria from under their gums with 62 percent accuracy. For African American participants, the prediction rate was 100%, but not as accurate for the other three ethnicities.

"We know that our food and oral hygiene habits determine what bacteria can survive and thrive in our mouths, which is why your dentist stresses brushing and flossing," senior author Purnima Kumar, an associate professor in the OSU dental college, tells PopSci. "Can your genetic makeup play a similar role? The answer seems to be yes, it can."

Presumably, scientists will study the relationship between certain microbial communities and a predisposition to different diseases. In the past, dentists had assumed that healthy bacterial communities were the same for everyone. Now they may alter disease therapies for rebuilding healthy bacteria in the mouths of their patients.

Read the full PopSci.com post here. The OSU study is may be found here.

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