Distribution and Characteristics of Oral Pathogens According to Blood Glucose Levels in South Korean Health Examinees

The distribution of oral pathogens is influenced by genetic background, diet, socioeconomic status, and racial factors. This study aimed to assess the distribution and characteristics of oral pathogens based on blood glucose levels in a South Korean population. This cross-sectional, retrospective study included subjects from 17 health promotion centers in 13 South Korean cities between November 2021 and December 2022. Real-time multiplex PCR was used to detect 10 periodontitis-related pathogens, 6 dental caries-related pathogens, and 1 dental caries-protective bacterium. The most prevalent periodontitis-related pathogens were <i>Parvimonas micra</i> (97.6%), <i>Porphyromonas endodontalis</i> (96.8%), and <i>Treponema socranskii</i> (95.0%). Among dental caries-related pathogens, <i>Streptococcus sanguinis</i> and <i>Veillonella parvula</i> were found in all subjects. The prevalence of periodontitis-related pathogens was higher in males, while pathogens related to periodontitis and dental caries were more prevalent in older individuals. In the diabetes group, <i>Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans</i>, red and orange complexes, and <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> were more prevalent. The relative amount of <i>S</i>. <i>sanguinis</i> was lower, while <i>V</i>. <i>parvula</i> was higher in individuals with diabetes mellitus. The prevalence and composition of oral pathogens vary by sex, age, and blood glucose levels. Diabetic individuals showed a pathogenic community structure linked to increased risks of periodontitis and dental caries.