Full-length 16S rRNA sequencing reveals microbial characteristics in supragingival plaque of periodontitis patients

This study provides the high-resolution microbial profiling of supragingival plaque in periodontitis using full-length 16S rRNA sequencing. The findings suggest that supragingival plaque may serve as an early-stage reservoir for periodontal pathogens, which leads to subgingival colonization and disease progression. It highlights the potential of microbial biomarkers in early diagnosis and suggests that targeted microbiome-based therapies could be developed to restore microbial balance in periodontal disease. This method offers greater precision in bacterial identification and future translational potential for personalized periodontal care.