Porphyromonas gingivalis, an oral microbe notorious for its role in the progression of gum disease, is one of the most studied members of the human oral microbiome. A new ADA Forsyth Institute study begins knocking down another domino in recognizing P. gingivalis’ ability to forge its niche below the gum line, contributing to periodontitis progression, chronic infection, and ultimately, an effect on systemic health. The paper, published in the Journal of Oral Microbiology, demonstrates that P. gingivalis uses sphingolipids – unique membrane lipids that…
