Study Reveals Historical Shifts in Japan's Oral Microbiome Through Ancient Dental Calculus
Ancient dental calculus uncovers regional and historical shifts in Japan's oral microbiome
Image: Phys.org
Researchers from Toho University and others analyzed ancient dental calculus from Japan to uncover shifts in the oral microbiome over time. The study highlights differences between Edo-period and modern samples, revealing insights into dietary habits, regional variations, and cultural practices, particularly through the lens of tooth blackening known as ohaguro.
- 01The study analyzed dental calculus from Edo-period individuals and modern samples to explore changes in the oral microbiome.
- 02Significant differences were found in microbial composition, particularly with the archaeon Methanobrevibacter oralis, prevalent in Edo-period samples.
- 03The research indicates that regional dietary habits influenced oral microbial diversity, with notable distinctions between Honshu-Kyushu and Okinawa regions.
- 04The traditional practice of ohaguro, or tooth blackening, showed a potential link to specific microbial lineages of M. oralis.
- 05Future research may further illuminate the connections between health, diet, and cultural practices in Japan's history.
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A recent study led by researchers from Toho University and other institutions has revealed significant shifts in the oral microbiome of the Japanese population over time by analyzing DNA preserved in ancient dental calculus. The researchers focused on samples from the Edo period (1603-1868) and compared them with modern dental calculus, identifying notable differences in microbial composition linked to time, region, and cultural practices. In particular, the archaeon Methanobrevibacter oralis was frequently present in Edo-period samples, indicating a connection to periodontal disease. The study also highlighted regional variations, with distinct microbial profiles observed between samples from the Honshu-Kyushu region and Okinawa, suggesting that local diets and living environments influenced oral microbiomes. Additionally, the analysis examined the relationship between M. oralis and the traditional practice of tooth blackening (ohaguro), revealing that archaea found in women with ohaguro traces belonged to the same lineage. These findings underscore the potential of dental calculus as a valuable resource for understanding historical health conditions, dietary habits, and cultural practices in Japan.
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The research provides insights into how historical dietary and cultural practices have shaped the oral microbiome, which can inform modern health and dietary recommendations.
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