Evaluation of Oral Bacterial Levels in Children and Adult

The human oral cavity harbors one of the most complex and diverse microbial ecosystems in the body, comprising numerous bacterial genera that exist in dynamic equilibrium. Disruption of this balance, particularly under the influence of systemic conditions and lifestyle factors, has been associated with increased pathogenic activity and antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to evaluate and compare oral bacterial profiles and antibiotic susceptibility patterns across different population groups, including adult diabetic smokers, non-smoking adults, and children with and without dental caries, in order to identify variations in microbial composition and resistance patterns associated with age and systemic risk factors. A total of 50 oral swab samples were collected and distributed across three groups: 25 adult and 25 children). Bacterial isolates were identified and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing using the disk diffusion method. Gram-positive organisms, predominantly Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp., were the principal isolates across all groups. Diseased groups demonstrated higher frequencies of mixed microbial growth. Adult diabetic smokers exhibited the highest antibiotic resistance rate (53%), followed by children with dental caries (40%), whereas control groups showed lower resistance levels. Overall, adults demonstrated higher resistance compared to children (48% vs. 36%). Systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, combined with smoking, significantly promote oral microbial dysbiosis and antimicrobial resistance. The oral cavity serves as an important reservoir for resistant organisms, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship in high-risk populations.