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Large Oral Microbiome Study Links Specific Bacteria to 44 Metabolic Traits
Researchers analyzed oral swabs from 9431 participants using whole metagenomic sequencing, combining the data with liver scans, glucose monitoring and body composition measures. The study created a statistical atlas tying mouth bacteria and microbial pathways to traits including liver fat, blood sugar swings and visceral fat. Scientists caution the findings show correlation, not causation.
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Researchers have created a statistical atlas linking specific mouth bacteria, their genes and biological pathways to 44 metabolic traits using data from one of the largest oral microbiome studies to date. Imran Razzak at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and colleagues analyzed oral swabs from 9431 participants in the Human Phenotype Project.
The researchers used whole metagenomic sequencing to analyze the oral swabs.
They then combined microbiome data with liver ultrasound scans, continuous blood glucose monitoring, and body composition analyses. These included liver fat, blood sugar swings, and visceral fat around the organs.
Streptococcus parasanguinis and Oribacterium sinus were more abundant in people with obesity according to a study earlier in 2026 by Aashish Jha. Razzak's study linked Streptococcus parasanguinis and Oribacterium sinus to higher body mass index and body fat. Polyamine biosynthesis by bacteria was associated with worse liver measures, poorer glucose control, and higher body fat.
A microbial pathway involved in the breakdown of ceramide-related molecules correlated with worsening blood sugar control. The study cannot prove that these bacteria cause the health outcomes. “Our working hypothesis is that the oral microbiome is not merely a passive indicator but may play an active role in metabolic disease,” Razzak stated.
Aashish Jha stated that plausible mechanisms include bacterial products entering the bloodstream through inflamed gums, mouth microbes seeding the gut, and chemicals released by bacteria influencing blood sugar control, blood pressure, and vascular health.
