From Name: From Email: To Name: To Email: Optional Message: In the mouth, smoking zaps healthy bacteria, welcomes pathogens from Medical Xpress Despite the daily disturbance of brushing and flossing, the mouth of a healthy person contains a stable ecosystem of healthy bacteria. New research shows that the mouth of a smoker is a much more chaotic, diverse ecosystem — and is much more susceptible to invasion by harmful bacteria. As a group, smokers suffer from higher rates of oral diseases — especially gum disease — than do nonsmokers, which is a challenge for dentists, according to PurnimaKumar, assistant professor of periodontology at Ohio State University. She and her colleagues are involved in a multi-study investigation of the role the body's microbial communities play in preventing oral disease. more 7701 Las Colinas Blvd., Ste. 800, Irving, TX 75063