Alteration of oral flora in betel nut chewers

Abstract Objectives: To analyzed microbiota changes in gingival crevicular fluid of betel nut chewers and non-chewers. Materials and methods: We collected gingival crevicular fluid samples from betel nut chewers and non-chewers and analyzed using 16srRNA high-throughput sequencing technology. Various statistical methods were used for the test. P values < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: Data analysis of all the abundant species revealed a lower abundance of Tannerella and Treponema in the chewer without periodontitis group than in the other groups(P < 0.05), and Haemophilus were more abundant in that group(P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference in PD Whole tree was observed (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The results suggested that betel nut chewing altered the microbial flora in gingival crevicular fluid. However, the link between microbial changes and betel nut-induced periodontitis is speculative.