Effects of Nicotine on Oral Microorganisms, Human Tissues, and the Interactions between Them

AbstractPurposeRecent findings on the effects of smoking and nicotine on oral microorganisms and on microbial interactions with human cells were reviewed. A PubMed search identified recent publications in English that addressed the effects of smoking and nicotine on oral microorganisms: growth, biofilm formation, plaque composition, enzyme regulation, and cross-species interactions. Interactions of tobacco-exposed microbes with human tissues are also discussed.Recent FindingsSmoking alters the oral microbiome. Nicotine increases the pathogenicity of oral microorganisms, either by increasing expression of virulence factors or by increasing the amount of biofilm formed. Nicotine affects human cells via nicotine acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and the prokaryote homolog may explain how nicotine affects microbial cells. Interactions of nicotine exposed microbial and human tissues likely contribute to cardiovascular disease.SummaryThe evidence supports the destructive oral and systemic effects of smoking and nicotine exposure, leading to development or exacerbation of dental caries, periodontitis, stomatitis, and heart diseases.
Source: Current Oral Health Reports - Category: Dentistry Source Type: research