Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the quantity of Streptococcus mutans serotype c and Candida albicans antigens from dental plaque and their relationship with the Oral Hygiene Index Score (OHI-S) and Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) in Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC). Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, including 5 ECC and 32 S-ECC subjects. ECC was classified as a DMFT score < 4, and S-ECC was classified as a DMFT score ≥ 4 at 71 months of age. S. mutans serotype c and C. albicans antigens from dental plaque of ECC and S-ECC patients were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The optical density of S. mutans serotype c and C. albicans antigens was determined at 450 nm. Correlations between S. mutans serotype c and C. albicans antigens and OHI-S in ECC and S-ECC were analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences in S. mutans serotype c and C. albicans antigens between ECC and S-ECC patients or between patients with moderate and good OHI-S scores. There was a negative correlation between S. mutans serotype c and C. albicans antigens in ECC patients (r = -0,62; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The increase in C. albicans suppresses S. mutans serotype c growth in ECC but not in S-ECC. The findings of this study could be used to discover the molecular mechanisms involved in bacterial-fungal relationships and the contribution of new technologies to reduce ECC.
Highlights
Dental caries is a health problem with a significant incidence worldwide [1]
There were no significant differences in S. mutans serotype c and C. albicans antigens between Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC) patients or between patients with moderate and good Oral Hygiene Index Score (OHI-S) scores
There was a negative correlation between S. mutans serotype c and C. albicans antigens in ECC patients (r = -0,62; p < 0.05)
Summary
Dental caries is a health problem with a significant incidence worldwide [1]. There has been an increase in the incidence of caries in children, mostly on the surface of the crown and root of the teeth. There is no clear primary etiology, but Early Childhood Caries (ECC) occur in low socioeconomic groups, new immigrants, and children. This significant increase is likely caused by the lack of affordable prevention in these community groups [2]. Dental caries is a multifactorial disease, based on hosts, teeth, saliva (salivary flow), microbiota, bacteria that produce acids on the surface of teeth, and diet [3], or host, environment, and bacteria [5]
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