Dental Plaque Bacteria Research Articles

Effects of Toothpaste Containing 2% Zinc Citrate on Gingival Health and Three Related Bacteria-A Randomized Double-Blind Study.

Gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontitis, one of the most common oral diseases and the primary cause of tooth loss. This study aims to evaluate the effect of toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate on gingival health and the abundance of three bacteria related to gingivitis and periodontitis. Eleven volunteers with the same oral health status were randomly assigned to the treatment (n = 5) and control (n = 6) groups. The control group used fluoride toothpaste, while the treatment group used fluoride toothpaste supplemented with 2% zinc citrate for 3 months. The plaque index, gingival index, and bleeding index were measured at baseline (0 day), 3 weeks, and 3 months. Dental plaque from four areas of the mouth (FDI criteria) was collected at the same timepoints. A total of 132 dental plaque samples were analyzed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) to monitor the abundance of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythia. Toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate significantly lowered the gingival index and reduced gum bleeding but did not affect the plaque index. It also reduced the total abundance of the three bacteria related to gingivitis and periodontitis in dental plaque over a long-term period. Toothpaste with 2% zinc citrate persistently improves gingival health and reduces the presence of gingivitis-associated bacteria in dental plaque. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Clinical trial registration no.: ChiCTR1900020592) (09/01/2019).

Effectiveness of cocoa bean extract mouthwash against gingivitis in pregnant women in Aceh Besar

Background: Gingivitis and periodontitis are the most common dental support tissue problems in dentistry. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gingiva due to the body's response to the accumulation of dental plaque bacteria in the form of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Actinomyces, and Spirochaeta on the surface of the teeth. Gingivitis and nutritional status in pregnant women are related to the risk of 8.75 times the birth of low-birth-weight babies (BBLR) and premature babies. Prevention of gingivitis can be done chemically through gargling with antibacterial mouthwash. Therefore, herbal ingredients are needed that can prevent plaque and control gingivitis. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of mouthwash of cocoa bean extract against gingivitis. Methods: This study used the post-test only control group design method. The study was conducted on pregnant women in Bayu Aceh Besar village with a total of 30 samples. The sample was divided into 3 groups that received different treatments. Group 1 was instructed to do a mouthwash with cocoa extract mouthwash while Group 2 with chlorhexidine, group 3 with mineral water. Each pregnant woman gargles for 30 seconds (20 ml) for 3 days. Results: Analysis of the gingival index before and after using cocoa seed extract mouthwash showed that this mouthwash was more effective in reducing the gingival index with a value of p=0.012 (p<0.05). Conclusions: Gargling with cocoa bean extract is more effective in reducing gingivitis. We recommend further studies to investigate the potential of cocoa bean extract for use in mouthwashes.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CORN SILK EXTRACT AGAINST DENTAL CARIES-CAUSING BACTERIA AND ITS FORMULATION IN MOUTHWASH PREPARATION

Indonesia is undergoing a dental caries emergency with a prevalence of 51.1% (Riskesdas, 2018). This may cause tooth decay due to dental plaque bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. Mouthwash can be a solution because it has antibacterial properties and reaches interspaces on the teeth. Unfortunately, the active ingredient of mouthwash, chlorhexidine, can cause cancer-related mutations if used continuously. Therefore, it requires alternatives to natural ingredients, such as corn silk. The research aims to determine the corn silk phytochemical profile and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Streptococcus mutans. The research started by macerating corn silk simplicia using 70% ethanol. Afterwards, thin layer chromatography (TLC) was conducted to determine its phytochemical profile. Disk-diffusion and broth microdilution methods were conducted using various concentrations of corn silk extract to determine its antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Streptococcus mutans. Then, the MIC₅₀ was used as the minimum dose of corn silk extract concentration in mouthwash formulation which qualities controlled by pH and organoleptic tests. The yield of corn silk extracted was 16.17%w/w. The phytochemical profile from TLC showed that flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids were present. Corn silk extract has antibacterial activities against Streptococcus mutans with MIC₅₀ of 7.2%w/v. Corn silk extract, tween 80, sorbitol, sodium benzoate, sodium metabisulfite, oleum menthae piperitae, and distilled water were used in four mouthwash formulas (F1-F4). The pH of all formulas was 5 and the organoleptic test showed that from 30 panelists, the majority chose F2 as the best in terms of taste, color, and smell.

Activity of N-Chlorotaurine against Periodontal Pathogens.

Dental plaque bacteria play an important role in the pathogenicity of periodontitis and peri-implantitis. Therefore, antimicrobial agents are one means of treatment. N-chlorotaurine (NCT) as an endogenous well-tolerated topical antiseptic could be of advantage for this purpose. Accordingly, its microbicidal activity against some dental plaque bacteria was investigated at therapeutic concentrations in vitro. In quantitative killing assays, the activity of NCT against planktonic bacteria and against biofilms grown for 48 h on implantation screws was tested. Electron microscopy was used to demonstrate the formation of biofilm and its morphological changes. The killing of planktonic bacteria of all tested species, namely Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus cristatus, Rothia aeria, and Capnocytophaga ochracea, was shown within 10-20 min by 1% NCT in 0.01 M phosphate-buffered saline at 37 °C. Bacteria grown on screws for 24 h were inactivated by 1% NCT after 15-20 min as well, but the formation of biofilm on the screws was visible in electron microscopy not before 48 h. The killing of biofilms by 1% NCT was demonstrated after 30 min (streptococci) and 40 min (R. aeria). As expected, NCT has broad activity against dental plaque bacteria as well and should be further investigated on its clinical efficacy in periodontitis and peri-implantitis.

The influence of fixed orthodontic treatment on the microbiology of bacterial plaque

Dental plaque is a complex biofilm organization and is considered to be the primary causal factor of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Fixed orthodontic tretatmentis a risk factor in bacterial plaque accumulation. The purpose of this study was to detect pathogenic bacteria in dental plaque using laboratory tests. The selected patients were in numerr of 48, aged between 11 and 49, both male and female who required orthodontic treatment. After reciveing orthodontic braces, using a manual toothbrush, patients were thaught the correct brushing technique. After 6 months of orthodontic appliance use, plaque samples were collected from the surface of the teeth, and some elastic ligatures. The samples were collected using a transport medium swab, and the analyses were performed at a medical analysis laboratory (Synevo). Analyzing all the data from the tests, it is concluded that orthodontic treatment has a significant impact on the microbiology of bacterial plaque.

Enamel White Spot Lesions: A Review of Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment

Enamel White Spot Lesions (EWSLs) are a common dental condition characterized by being opaque or chalky white in appearance. In this review, an overview of the etiology, prevention, and treatment techniques for EWSLs is presented. Enamel demineralization caused by bacteria in dental plaque which releases acids upon the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates causing mineral loss is thought to be the main cause of those lesions, which could be predisposed through orthodontic treatment, poor diet, inadequate oral hygiene and certain medical conditions. So, sustaining an adequate carbohydrate consumption, proper fluoride exposure and good oral hygiene are some of the practices which aid in these lesions’ prevention. Although the success or failure of treatment of EWSLs depends on patient cooperation, depth of the lesion and lesion severity, treatment of those EWSLs should begin with the most conservative approach like remineralization and if failed then more invasive microabrasion, infiltration and maybe even restoration treatment strategies can be pursued. Further research is still needed in the prevention and treatment strategies.

Analysis of ten-year teaching evaluation of oral microbiology lab curriculum

BackgroundBased on the updated teaching philosophy of oral microbiology, Wuhan University School of Stomatology initiated a reform in the teaching of oral microbiology in 2009. As part of this reform, an oral microbiology laboratory course was introduced to cultivate students' fundamental skills, professional competence, comprehensive abilities, and innovation capabilities through experimental design. This paper provides thorough examination of the teaching experiment findings from 2013 to 2022, a ten-year timeframe, building on earlier data.MethodsThe curriculum targets fourth-year undergraduate students in a five-year program and adopts a cooperative learning approach. The experimental teaching mainly involves four parts: plaque collection and processing, isolation and cultivation of dental plaque bacteria, staining and biochemical identification of dental plaque bacteria. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the student experiment results from 2013 to 2022. Statistical analysis was conducted using the chi-square test to assess whether there were any differences in students' experimental grades between different years. A significance level of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of teaching methods and educational systems on improving students' practical skills and overall innovative abilities.ResultsThe performance of 664 undergraduate students showed improvement in the oral microbiology laboratory course, with a noticeable decrease in the proportion of "C" grades in Experiments 2, 3, and 4 compared to Experiment 1. These results indicate that the laboratory course enhanced students' academic achievements, aiding their understanding and mastery of course content, and received positive feedback from the students.ConclusionThis lab curriculum, through systematic laboratory teaching and practical experience, contributes to the enhancement of students' professional skills and research abilities. It fosters students' interest in scientific research and improves the quality of dental education.

Evidence Supporting Oral Hygiene Management by Owners through a Genetic Analysis of Dental Plaque Bacteria in Dogs.

With the increase in the number of households raising dogs and the reports of human-to-dog transmission of oral bacteria, concerns about dogs' oral health and the need for oral hygiene management are increasing. In this study, the owners' perceptions about their dogs' oral health and the frequency of oral hygiene were determined along with the analysis of dog dental plaque bacteria through metagenomic amplicon sequencing so as to support the need for oral hygiene management for dogs. Although the perception of 63.2% of the owners about their dogs' oral health was consistent with the veterinarian's diagnosis, the owners' oral hygiene practices regarding their dogs were very poor. The calculi index (CI) and gingiva index (GI) were lower in dogs who had their teeth brushed more than once a week (57.89%) than in dogs brushed less than once a month (42.10%); however, the difference was nonsignificant (CI: p = 0.479, GI: p = 0.840). Genomic DNA was extracted from dental plaque bacteria removed during dog teeth scaling, and metagenomic amplicons were sequenced. The 16S amplicons of 73 species were identified from among the plaque bacteria of the dogs. These amplicons were of oral disease-causing bacteria in humans and dogs. The 16S amplicon of Streptococcus mutans matched that of the human S. mutans, with type c identified as the main serotype. This result suggests that human oral bacteria can be transmitted to dogs. Therefore, considering the high frequency of contact between dogs and humans because of communal living and the current poor oral health of dogs, owners must improve the oral hygiene management of their dogs.

EVALUATION OF THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF ARABICA COLD BREW AND ARABICA SPENT COFFEE GROUNDS ON STREPTOCOCCUS MITIS

Spent coffee grounds or coffee waste pose a growing environmental problem as it can harm the ecosystem by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere during their decomposition process [1]. On the other hand, spent coffee ground extracts have been shown to contain polyphenols, trigonelline, phenolic acids, and melanoidins which show strong antibacterial activity toward Gram+ bacteria and yeast [2]. Given its activity towards Gram+ bacteria, this study seeks to find an alternative use of spent coffee grounds, aiming to mitigate their environmental impact. This research focuses on the investigation on whether arabica spent coffee grounds could be used as a natural alternative to iodine mouthwash solution, a commonly used product to kill dental plaque bacteria. Arabica coffee extract was prepared by a 24-hour cold brew procedure then spent coffee grounds extract was produced from the Arabica coffee waste. To obtain results, the antibacterial activity of both spent coffee grounds and coffee on S. mitis was analyzed using the well diffusion test and inhibition zones were measured and compared. The caffeine contents of the Arabica coffee grounds were quantified using HPLC. From our quantitative analysis, the spent arabica coffee grounds collected from the cold brew procedure consist of less caffeine, compared to that of the cold brew, but still showed antibacterial activity towards S. mitis. The inhibition zone of the spent coffee grounds was significantly lower than cold brew coffee but still comparable to iodine mouthwash solution. Our novel findings indicate that spent coffee grounds can be used as a natural antibacterial and an alternative to povidone-iodine mouthwash which leads to reduction of environmental harm from coffee waste.

Photoinactivation Effects of Curcumin, Nano-curcumin, and Erythrosine on Planktonic and Biofilm Cultures of Streptococcus mutans.

Introduction: This in vitro study was conducted to assess the phototoxic effects of curcumin, nano-curcumin, and erythrosine on the viability of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in suspension and biofilm forms. Methods: Various concentrations of curcumin (1.5 g/L, 3 g/L), nano-curcumin (3 g/L), and erythrosine (100 μM/L, 250 μM/L) were examined for their impact on planktonic and biofilm cultures of S. mutans, either individually or in conjunction with light irradiation (photodynamic therapy or PDT). A blue light-emitting diode (LED) with a central wavelength of 450 nm served as the light source. The results were compared to 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) as the positive control, and a solution containing neither a photosensitizer (PS) nor a light source as the negative control group. The dependent variable was the number of viable microorganisms per experiment (CFU/mL). Results: Antimicrobial PDT caused a significant reduction in the viability of S. mutans in both planktonic and biofilm forms, compared to the negative control group (P<0.05). The highest cell killing was observed in PDT groups with curcumin 3 g/L or erythrosine 250 μmol/L, although the difference with PDT groups using curcumin 1.5 g/L or erythrosine 100 μmol/L was not significant (P>0.05). Antimicrobial treatments were more effective against planktonic S. mutans than the biofilm form. Conclusion: PDT with either curcumin 1.5 g/L or erythrosine 100 μmol/L may be suggested as an alternative to CHX to inactivate the bacteria in dental plaque or deep cavities. Nano-curcumin, at the selected concentration, exhibited lower efficacy in killing S. mutans compared to Curcumin or erythrosine.

Mechanical plaque removal in step-1 of care.

Maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine is essential for taking care of our mouths, ensuring healthy teeth, and achieving fresh breath. Patient education on oral hygiene is an important component of their overall treatment. Firstly, patients should be informed about the direct connection between bacteria in dental plaque and oral diseases. It is important for patients to understand that these conditions can be treated, but the success of treatment greatly depends on their level of oral hygiene. This journey begins by selecting the appropriate toothbrush and mastering the correct brushing technique to effectively remove dental plaque while avoiding any potential damage to the gums. In addition to toothbrushes, there are other devices available for comprehensive dental cleaning, such as floss, interdental sticks, interdental brushes, and oral irrigators. These aids are particularly beneficial for eliminating dental plaque from hard-to-reach areas. Moreover, tongue brushing or tongue scraping can effectively reduce breath odor and tongue coating. Currently, self-care recommendations for dental implants are primarily based on existing knowledge regarding natural teeth cleaning. Evidence-based recommendations are derived from comprehensive systematic evaluation of various oral hygiene aids.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy of Cinnamomum Burmanii Leaf Essential Oil in Toothpaste Formulation Against Streptococcus Mutans: An Experimental Study

Background: Traditional cinnamon bark harvesting practices often discard valuable leaves, neglecting their potential benefits such as essential oil with antibacterial properties. Previous studies have highlighted the antibacterial effects of Cinnamomum burmannii leaves from Indonesia, including their potential as antibacterial agents. The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Cinnamomum burmanii leaf essential oil in toothpaste formulation against Streptococcus mutans&#x0D; Method: This quasi-experimental study compared the antibacterial effectiveness of toothpaste containing essential oil with Streptococcus mutans cultures in Brain-heart Infusion Broth (BHIB) overnight. Six wells were created on agar plates using sterile 6 mm punches. Each well was filled with the following: Positive control (Chlorhexidine), pure essential oil, 100% essential oil toothpaste, 75% diluted essential oil toothpaste, 50% diluted essential oil toothpaste, and negative control (aquadest). The diameter of inhibition zones was measured after incubating all plates at 36°C for 24 hours.&#x0D; Result: The inhibition zone diameter was measured to evaluate the effectiveness of essential oil toothpaste against dental plaque bacteria. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in the diameter produced between Cinnamomum zeylanicum leaf essential oil and the positive control minosep (p=0.10). However, after formulation into toothpaste, a significant decrease in effectiveness was observed (p=0.015).&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded that cinnamon leaf essential oil is effective in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. However, when formulated into toothpaste, its effectiveness decreases with lower concentrations of the toothpaste dilution.

Dextranase enzyme and Enterococcus faecium probiotic have anti-biofilm effects by reducing the count of bacteria in dental plaque in the oral cavity of dogs.

Periodontal disease is a common clinical complication and has a negative impact on the quality of life and the welfare of companion dogs. Periodontal disease occurs when pathogenic bacteria are accumulated in the gingival sulcus, which favors biofilm formation. The oral health of dogs can be significantly compromised by dental plaque accumulation. Thus, this investigation demonstrates the effect of Enterococcus faecium probiotic, dextranase enzyme, and their combination on dental biofilm in the oral cavity of dogs. The 30 dogs were referred to Polyclinic with no oral ulcers, severe periodontitis, and internal diseases. Dextranase enzyme, E faecium probiotic, and their combination were administered in the oral cavity of dogs. Microbiological samples were obtained from tooth surfaces and gums before and after intervention with the substances. Bacterial colonies were enumerated by using a colony counter. Also, Porphyromonas gingivalis hmuY gene expression was evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The total colony count of the bacterial culture indicated that the dextranase enzyme, E faecium probiotic, and their combination significantly reduced the total bacteria count in the oral cavity. Moreover, in the reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR analysis it was observed that using the combination of E faecium probiotic and dextranase enzyme decreases the hmuY gene expression of P gingivalis bacteria. The results clearly indicated that the dextranase enzyme and E faecium probiotic could be used as preventive agents to reduce oral biofilm in dogs. Furthermore, no side effects were observed while using these substances.

Inhibitory test of andaliman (Zanthoxylum achantopodium DC) extract mouthwash against dental plaque bacteria

Background: Andaliman (Zanthoxylum achantopodium DC) is an endemic plant that is found in the province of Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. It contains secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, and triterpenoids/steroids, which can potentially be used as a mouthwash. Streptococcus sanguinis and Staphylococcus aureus are the primary colonizing bacteria in plaque formation. Bacterial plaque is known to be the main cause of periodontal disease but can be controlled mechanically and chemically using mouthwash. Purpose: To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of andaliman extract mouthwash (2%, 4%, 8%) against Streptococcus sanguinis ATCC®10556™ and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC® 25923™. Methods: This is a laboratory study with a post-test control-only design. The sample consists of andaliman extract mouthwash (2%, 4%, 8%), a positive control (chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2%), and a negative control (mouthwash formulation without andaliman extract) with three repetitions for each group. Data were analyzed with the one-way ANOVA test and post hoc LSD test. Results: The andaliman extract mouthwash with concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 8% significantly reduced the number of Streptococcus sanguinis and Staphylococcus aureus colonies (p&lt;0.05), and there was a significant difference in the andaliman extract mouthwash with concentrations of 2%, 4%, and 8% compared to the negative control. Conclusion: Andaliman extract mouthwash with a concentration of 8% was more effective in inhibiting Streptococcus sanguinis growth than Staphylococcus aureus. The MIC values for both bacteria were 2%, but the study could not determine the MBC value.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of nano-hydroxyapatite (HAp) from freshwater mussel (Pilsbryoconcha sp.) shell against Escherichia coli

Freshwater mussel shells have a high calcium content as a precursor in the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAp). The main components of HAp are calcium and phosphate, which can prevent dental plaque bacteria, such as Escherichia coli. This research aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HAp) from Pilsbryoconcha sp. against E. coli. The procedure for preparing nano-HAp consisted of producing CaO flour through a calcination process and producing nano-HAp using the bottom up method. The test parameters consisted of the yield and evaluation of antibacterial activity at different concentrations of nano-HAp, namely 50 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, and 12.5 mg/mL. The results showed that the yield of nano-HAp was 65.13±0.83%. Based on antibacterial activity, nano-HAp had an inhibition zone against the bacteria that causes dental plaque E. coli. The diameters of the inhibition zones of nano-HAp against E. coli bacteria at concentration of 12.5 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, and 50 mg/mL were relatively weak, those were 1.23±0.31 mm, 2.51±0.38 mm, and 3.77±0.28 mm, respectively. The antibacterial activity of nano-HAp can be increased through modification with metal doping or natural materials with antioxidant or antibacterial activity.

Surgical Management of Plaque Induced Gingival Enlargement: A Case Report

Introduction: Gingival enlargement or gingival overgrowth, a common trait of gingival disease, is characterized by an increase in the size of gingiva with multifactorial etiology. Purpose: This case report aimed to discuss gingival enlargement case along with the treatment plan of the patient.Case presentation: A 50-year-old female patient reported the swelling in the gums of teeth in lower front region since six months ago. Gingival enlargement was treated with modified Widman flap procedure, internal bevel incision, and bone recontouring. These treatment modalities showed significant clinical improvement in the form of pocket depth reduction and gingival contour Conclusion: Dental plaque bacteria served as initial factor of inflammation which induce the occurrence of gingival enlargement. Surgical treatment can be done if the initial phase still presenting gingival enlargement with firm consistency with minimum inflammation.

Histone-deacetylase-inhibitory effects of periodontopathic-bacterial metabolites induce human gingival epithelial Ca9-22 cell death.

Dental plaque bacteria produce high concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as bacterial metabolites. SCFA-treated gingival epithelial cells undergo cell death. Our previous reports demonstrated that butyrate-induced cell death depends on autophagy and reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the precise mechanisms underlying SCFA-induced gingival epithelial cell death is poorly understood. Butyrate is a strong histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Therefore, we determined the involvement of HDAC inhibitory activity in SCFA-induced gingival epithelial cells. Ca9-22 cells were used as an in vitro counterpart of gingival epithelial cells. Ca9-22 cells were treated with HDAC inhibitors in the presence or absence of C646, aP300 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitor, and compared the number of dead cells, which are measured using SYTOX Green dye. Acetylation levels of histone H3 were examined using western blotting. Changes in transcriptomes during the butyrate and C646 treatment were examined using RNA sequencing analysis. The butyrateor propionate-treatment of Ca9-22 cells induced acetylation of histone H3, while the C646 treatment strongly reduced the elevated acetylation levels. Accordingly, butyrate or propionate-induced cell death was inhibited by the C646 treatment. Similar results were obtained when other HDAC inhibitors were used. Whole transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of numerous genes was altered by butyrate-induced histone acetylation. Moreover, some autophagy and ROS-related genes found in the altered genes might induce cell death. This study suggests the need for HDAC-inhibitory activity of bacterial metabolites to induce cell death, and the effects might enhance autophagy and ROS production.

Clinical and Microbial Evaluation of Dental Caries Status and Associated Factors Among Primary Schoolchildren in Myanmar: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of dental caries on primary teeth and to evaluate the cariogenic bacteria in dental plaque and saliva among Myanmar schoolchildren. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 264 schoolchildren from three primary schools in the urban area of Yangon city in 2019. Clinical oral examinations, caries risk tests, and questionnaire surveys were conducted. Overall caries prevalence was 84.1% with a mean decayed, missing, filled primary teeth (dmft) count of 5.84 ± 4.57. Children's caries experience and debris scores were significantly associated with their bacteria score level. Father's occupation was significantly associated with caries prevalence (P = .024) and dmft (P = .021). Father's occupation, snack types, habit of eating sweet food combinations, drink types, and debris score were five significant predictors of dental caries in our study. Dental caries is currently a public health problem among Myanmar children. Caries experience and oral hygiene status were strongly influenced by cariogenic bacteria.

Specific associations between fungi and bacteria in broncho-alveolar aspirates from mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients

ABSTRACT The detection of fungi in the human respiratory tract may represent contamination, colonization or a respiratory infection. To develop effective management strategies, a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the lung fungal microbiome is required. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to define the “mycobiome” of mechanically ventilated patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) using broncho-alveolar aspirate (“sputum”) samples and correlate this with clinical parameters and the bacterial microbiota. To this end, the mycobiome of 33 sputum samples was analyzed by Internal Transcribed Spacer2 (ITS2) amplicon sequencing of the ribosomal operons. The results show that in the investigated sputa of mechanically ventilated patients Candida spp. were most frequently detected, independent of pneumonia or antimicrobial therapy. The presence of Candida excluded in most cases the presence of Malassezia, which was the second most-frequently encountered fungus. Moreover, a hierarchical clustering of the sequence data indicated a patient-specific mycobiome. Fungi detected by culturing (Candida and Aspergillus) were also detected through ITS2 sequencing, but other yeasts and fungi were only detectable by sequencing. While Candida showed no correlations with identified bacterial groups, the presence of Malassezia and Rhodotorula correlated with oral bacteria associated with periodontal disease. Likewise, Cladosporium correlated with other oral bacteria, whereas Saccharomyces correlated more specifically with dental plaque bacteria and Alternaria with the nasal-throat-resident bacteria Neisseria, Haemophilus and Moraxella. In conclusion, ITS2 sequencing of sputum samples uncovered patient-specific lung mycobiomes, which were only partially detectable by culturing, and which could be correlated to specific nasal-oral-pharyngeal niches.

Association between metabolic control and oral health in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundType 1 diabetes mellitus is the most common chronic disease and can be reflected in the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of metabolic control on saliva, dental caries, dental plaque, gingival inflammation, and cariogenic bacteria in saliva.MethodsA case–control epidemiologic study was performed on children with type 1 diabetes (ages 10–15 years) separated into two groups: 34 children with good metabolic control of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c < 7.5%) and 46 children with poor metabolic control of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c > 7.5%). Oral status was assessed using the Decay, Missing, and Filled Teeth index for permanent teeth (DMFT), plaque index and gingival index. The stimulated salivary flow rate was measured, and the colonies of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in saliva were determined. The observed children answered questions related to their frequency of brushing habits, dental visits and parents’ education. Mann–Whitney U Test, Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test were used in the statistical analyses. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe children with diabetes with poor metabolic control had significantly higher values of the DMFT index, plaque index, and gingival index, more colonies, and a higher risk of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus than the children with diabetes with good metabolic control (p < 0.001). The level of metabolic control of diabetes had no influence on salivary flow rates (p > 0.05). The majority of both groups with good and poor metabolic control brushed their teeth once per day, and they visited the dentist only when necessary (61.3%). However, the parents of children in both groups had medium to low levels of education, without any significant difference between groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results indicate that children with diabetes have a lower level of oral hygiene and are potentially to dental caries and periodontal diseases, mainly when their metabolic disorder is uncontrolled.