Biofilm In Children Research Articles

Comparison of the level of dental biofilm in children from Ecuador with cleft lip and palate

Cleft lip alveolar palate (FLAP) is a congenital malformation that affects the facial and oral structure of individuals who suffer from it, this can hinder proper oral hygiene thus creating dental biofilm, defined as a microbial community that forms on the surface of the teeth and oral tissues and is a critical factor in the development of dental caries and periodontal diseases. The objective of this research was to compare the levels of dental biofilm present in two groups of children: those with FLAP from the "Rostros Felices" Foundation and children without FLAP belonging to the "Ana Luisa Leoro" Educational Unit, in Ecuador, in order to identify possible differences in the accumulation of biofilm and its consequences. The methodology used was based on a non-experimental, cross-sectional, analytical and observational design. The technique applied to obtain the necessary information was the O'Leary index that was used as a measuring instrument, applied to the research sample, which showed a questionable (23,3 %) and deficient (16,7 %) index in children of the "Rostros Felices" Foundation, while in the children of the "Ana Luisa Leoro" Educational Unit there was an acceptable (26,7 %) and questionable (20 %) level. It is concluded that children with FLAP have higher levels of dental biofilm compared to those without this condition, highlighting the need to reinforce education and preventive practices in the oral health of these patients

Оцінка локальних чинників ризику хвороб періодонту у дитячому і підлітковому віці.

The aim of the study. To investigate the periodontal status in children and adolescents with gingivitis and localized periodontitis and to assess the influence of local risk factors on the development of periodontal diseases. Materials and methods. 160 children and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years were examined at the Dental Medical Center of the Bogomolets National Medical University. All participants were examined for periodontal status, oral hygiene, and local risk factors of periodontal diseases. Research results. A high prevalence of gingivitis associated with dental biofilm in children and adolescents aged 12-17 was determined – 88.7%. Localized periodontitis of initial stage was diagnosed in 7.5% of participants. A statistically significant worsening of the periodontal status in adolescence was registered. The most significant risk factors of the periodontal diseases development were unsatisfactory individual oral hygiene and maxillofacial anomalies, which accounted for about 75% patients. In the presence of an inflammatory process in the gums, crowding of teeth, distal and deep bite prevailed. In the case of localized periodontitis, the crowded position of the frontal teeth in lower jaw was most often observed. Carious cavities and restorations of proximal localization (38.0%) were the second most common cause of gingivitis. Anomalies of soft tissues attachment played a significant role in the development of periodontitis. These include shortening of the lower lip frenullum (41.7%) and a small vestibullum of oral cavity in the area of the lower frontal teeth (33.3%). Conclusions. The high prevalence of periodontal diseases in children and adolescents is due to unsatisfactory personal oral hygiene against the background of the negative impact of local risk factors – maxillofacial anomalies, carious cavities and proximal restorations, anomalies of soft tissues attachment in the oral cavity. Therefore, the priority direction of modern periodontology should be an interdisciplinary approach in primary prevention, which will contribute to the improvement of periodontal health and the quality of life in children and adults of Ukraine. Key words: children, adolescents, gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontal status, local risk factors.

Detection of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus and Their Association with Oral Microbiome Stressors in 6-18-month-old Infants.

To determine the presence of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus) and their association with extrinsic and intrinsic variables in 6-18-month-old infants. This was an analytical, cross-sectional study of 65 6-18-month-old infants who visited the Centers for Early Childhood in Buenos Aires City. Three groups were established according to the presence of teeth-group I (GI)-edentulous infants, group II (GII)-infants with 1-8 teeth, and group III (GIII)-infants with 9-16 teeth. Data on the variables, diet, use of artificial teats, and oral hygiene were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire. An oral examination was performed according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) criterion. A saliva sample was taken by aspiration with a sterile plastic syringe. Cariogenic Streptococci (CS) were counted using the adherence test in modified gold broth (AT-MGB). Molecular detection and quantification were performed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (gtfB, gtfT, and tuf). A total of 12% of infants received oral hygiene, 38% used bottles, 30% used pacifiers, and 55% had sugar intake. S. sobrinus and S. mutans were detected in 57.1 and 28.6% of the children with caries, respectively. Groups I, II, and III had CS counts of log 2, 3.4, and 3.7, respectively. S. sobrinus was detected in 26.7% of GI, 52.9% of GII, and 85.7% of GIII, while S. mutans was detected in 13.3%, 35.3%, and 57.7%, respectively. The prevalence of S. sobrinus was higher than S. mutans in all groups. The presence of CS was significantly associated with sugar intake. No association was found between S. mutans and S. sobrinus and the presence of caries, hygiene habits, or use of artificial teats. This study supports the role of diet in developing a cariogenic biofilm in children under 2 years of age. Cornejo CF, Soken LJ, Salgado PA, et al. Detection of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus and Their Association with Oral Microbiome Stressors in 6-18-month-old Infants. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):68-73.

Quantitative analysis of salivary and biofilm bacteria associated with cavitated and non-cavitated carious lesions in pre-school children

ObjectiveTo quantify and compare Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum) in saliva and biofilm of caries-free children to those with cavitated and non-cavitated lesions. DesignOne hundred and thirty-five 3–4 years old children were grouped (n = 45 in each group) according to their caries status:•Caries-free (absence of any clinically detectable non-cavitated and cavitated lesion)•With only non-cavitated lesions (presence of at-least one non-cavitated lesion on any tooth surface but no evidence of cavitated lesion anywhere); and•With cavitated lesions (presence of at least one cavitated carious lesion with or without any other non-cavitated carious lesion anywhere).Clinical examination was done by a calibrated examiner. Biofilm and saliva were collected to quantify the microorganisms using qRT-PCR. The decayed-missing-filled surfaces (dmfs) was calculated by adding the number of decayed (ICDAS-II score 3–6), filled (ICDAS-II score 7 and 8) and missing (ICDAS-II score 9) surfaces due to caries. The correlation between the bacterial amounts and the number of carious surfaces was evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. The levels and proportions of the microorganisms were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test at an α-level of 0.05. ResultsThe quantity of S. mutans and L. fermentum was significantly higher in saliva and biofilm of children with cavitated lesions, followed by those with non-cavitated lesions and the lowest in caries-free children. Also, salivary and biofilm S. mutans, along with biofilm L. fermentum levels, significantly correlated with the number of non-cavitated surfaces; while salivary and biofilm S. mutans and L. fermentum levels significantly correlated with the number of cavitated surfaces. Additionally, dmfs scores significantly correlated with the salivary and biofilm S. mutans and L. fermentum levels. ConclusionsS. mutans and L. fermentum in saliva and biofilm samples are associated with caries lesion severity.

Influence of digital media in the oral health education of mother-child pairs: study protocol of a parallel double-blind randomized clinical trial

BackgroundDental caries is the most common non transmissible chronic disease in childhood and the control of dental biofilm in children is one of the greatest challenges in oral disease prevention. Digital media applications can help patients in improving their oral hygiene performance and reducing the number of appointments due to pain and discomfort reasons. This study aims to investigate the use of an smartphone application (WhatsApp) to deliver oral health education to mother-child pairs, with the ultimate goal of controlling dental biofilm and caries through digital activities focused on oral hygiene.MethodsThis study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, parallel clinical trial involving 100 pairs of mothers and children (6–12 years old). The mothers and children will be randomly allocated to the control group (n = 50 pairs), who will receive a single visit conventional oral health education, or to the experimental group (n = 50 pairs), who will receive both a single visit conventional oral health education and educational videos through WhatsApp Messenger, twice a week. Before randomization of the groups and after the intervention, pairs will be evaluated regarding to plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), and number of decayed, missing and filled permanent or primary teeth (DMF-T) modified by the inclusion of active non-cavitated carious lesions (Nyvad criteria). Socioeconomic data, dental history, and oral health literacy will obtained using questionnaires (Oral Health Literacy Assessment Task for Paediatric Dentistry; BOHLAT-P). Chi-square, Student’s t-test, paired Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney, and Friedman tests will be used with a 5% significance level.DiscussionThis intervention proposal is designed to motivate behavioral change in mother-child pairs. We hypothesize that adding digital media to traditional oral health programs will provoke improvements in oral hygiene behavior and health outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the effect of educational videos communicated by digital media (WhatsApp) on the oral health of mother-child pairs evaluated by long-term dental examinations. In addition, we will assess the maternal level of comprehension of the provided information via a literacy assessment tool. The clinical trial is registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (No. RBR-7s8bw6m).

Microbiology of periodontal disease in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes

Background and aimsDiabetes and periodontal disease are chronic disorders with complex interplay. Periodontal microbiota may play a major role in the development of periodontal disease (PD). The study was framed to identify oral microorganisms and assess oral biofilm in children & adolescents with T1DM and PD. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study we recruited a total of 60 subjects aged 10–18 years (in 3 groups of 20 each). Group 1: Diabetes with periodontal disease (DMPD), Group 2: Diabetes without periodontal disease (DM), Group 3: Periodontal disease without Diabetes (PD).Gingival plaque samples were collected and processed for culture based microbial identification and biofilm assay. ResultsThe microbial diversity in the DMPD group was higher. Staphylococcus warneri was the only organism specifically isolated from DMPD group. Staphylococcus vitulinus, Streptococcus sanguinis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, was commonly isolated from both DMPD and PD group especially higher incidence in DMPD group (P ≤ 0.001).There was a strong positive correlation between poor glycaemic control and biofilm formation in both Groups 1 & 2 (DMPD and DM) patients (Spearman's Rho: 0.868, P < 0.001). ConclusionChildren & adolescents with T1DM with worse glycaemic control, associated with higher abundance of biofilm formation and greater microbial diversity, especially in those with T1DM with PD.

PHENOLIC COMPOUND-DERIVED NATURAL ANTIMICROBIALS ARE LESS EFFECTIVE IN DENTAL BIOFILM CONTROL COMPARED TO CHLORHEXIDINE

Efficacy of natural antimicrobials derived from phenolic compounds in the control of biofilm in children and adolescents compared to synthetic antimicrobials: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Martins ML, Ribeiro-Lages MB, Masterson D, Magno MB, Cavalcanti YW, Maia LC, Fonseca-Gonçalves A. Arch Oral Biol 2020;118:104844. Government. This study was financially supported by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Brazil (CAPES) through the grant number 001. Systematic review with meta-analysis of data.

Association of Streptococcus Mutans, Candida Albicans and Oral Health Practices with Activity Status of Caries Lesions Among 5-Year-Old Children with Early Childhood Caries.

Candida albicans is frequently detected together with Streptococcus mutans in the plaque or biofilms of children with early childhood caries (ECC). The aim of this study was to examine the association of the microbial counts of C. albicans and S. mutans in the supragingival plaque with the activity status of carious lesions and oral health practices in children with ECC. 66 children aged 5 years were examined and their caries status recorded as per the ICDAS-II and the Lesion Activity Assessment (LAA) criteria. A questionnaire covering oral health practices was administered to parents. Plaque samples were collected and cultured on mitis salivarus bacitracin (MSB) agar and CHROMagar. Data was analysed using Spearman's rank correlation and Mann-Whitney U test. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the levels of S. mutans and C. albicans (rs = 0.702, p <0.001). A positive correlation was seen between the percentage of active carious lesions with the colony counts of S. mutans (rs = 0.884, p <0.001) and C. albicans (rs = 0.785, p <0.001). Improper toothbrushing practices, dietary and feeding practices were statistically significantly associated with activity of caries lesions, S. mutans and C. albicans count. The total count of C. albicans and S. mutans in the supragingival dental plaque of children with ECC increases with an increase in the percentage of active carious lesions and the severity of dental caries. Improper oral health practices can lead to increased number of active carious lesions, as well as increased microbial load of both S. mutans and C. albicans.

Combined effect of starch and sucrose on carbonic anhydrase VI activity in saliva and biofilm of children with early childhood caries. Exposure to starch and sucrose alters carbonic anhydrase VI activity in saliva and biofilm.

This study aimed to investigate whether combined exposure to starch and sucrose modifies the activity of carbonic anhydrase VI (CA VI) in saliva (Study 1) and biofilm (Study 2) of children with early childhood caries (ECC). For Study 1 and Study 2, respectively, 54 and 46 preschoolers aged 4 to 5 were allocated into two groups: caries-free (CF) and with ECC. Children were exposed to rinses with sucrose, starch, and sucrose plus starch solutions. CA VI activity, pH, and buffering capacity (BC) were evaluated in saliva and biofilm. In Study 1, a significant reduction in saliva pH was observed after sucrose and sucrose plus starch rinses. CA VI activity was influenced by ECC independently of the type of carbohydrate to which children were exposed. CA VI activity was higher in children with ECC; however, after rinses, CA VI activity was reduced. In Study 2, biofilm pH and BC were reduced after rinses with sucrose and sucrose plus starch. CA VI activity was significantly high before rinse in ECC group when compared with CF group; however, no difference was observed between groups after rinses. In saliva, exposure to starch and sucrose (isolated or combined) induced a reduction in CA VI activity in children with ECC. In biofilm, the combination of starch and sucrose did not modify CA VI activity in ECC children. The responsivity of the CA VI reflects directly in important parameters related to the pH maintenance on the oral cavity.

Conhecimento dos alunos inseridos no curso técnico em saúde bucal sobre saúde bucal para crianças de 0 a 36 meses

O trabalho avaliou a percepção dos alunos inseridos no curso técnico em saúde bucal, no município de Patos, Paraíba, sobre a saúde bucal para crianças de 0 a 36 meses. A pesquisa foi do tipo observacional, com abordagem indutiva e procedimento estatístico comparativo e descritivo, adotando como estratégia de coleta de dados um questionário específico. A amostra abrangeu 3 centros de formação técnica do município de Patos e foi composta por 81 alunos. Os resultados foram analisados descritivamente e por meio do teste estatístico Exato de Fisher, sendo significativo ao nível de 5%. Entre os alunos avaliados 90,2% eram do sexo feminino e 9,8% do sexo masculino. Quando questionados sobre a cárie dentária ser uma doença, a maioria dos estudantes (86,6%) respondeu positivamente. Em relação à remoção do biofilme em crianças de 0 a 36 meses, 52,4% da amostra relatou que o uso de gazes limpas constitue a melhor forma. Porém, quando questionados sobre o consumo de doces nessa faixa etária, 70,7% afirmaram que este deve ser totalmente restrito e 50% respondeu que o flúor serve para evitar a cárie e deixar o dente mais branco. Não existiu diferença significativa entre o gênero e pergunta “o dente de leite pode ser restaurado?” (p=0,149), nem entre o gênero e a assertiva “qual dentição é a mais importante?” (p=0,310). Conclui-se que existe uma fragilidade no conhecimento sobre saúde bucal na primeira infância, uma vez que os alunos apresentam conhecimentos específicos escassos sobre o tema.

Electric toothbrush for biofilm control in individuals with Down syndrome: a crossover randomized clinical trial.

Poor oral hygiene seems to be the norm in children and teenagers with Down Syndrome (DS). Advances in design and types of toothbrushes may improve biofilm control. This randomized, single-blind, crossover clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of electric toothbrushes regarding mechanical control of biofilm in children and teenagers with DS and their cooperation. Twenty-nine participants with DS, aged 6 to 14 years, used both types of toothbrushes: electric (ET) and manual (MT). The order of use of the different types of toothbrushes was randomly defined, including a 7-day period with each type with 7-day washout period in between. The Turesky-Quigley-Hein biofilm index was used before and after brushing to assess the effectiveness of the technique. Frankl's behavioral scale was used during toothbrushing to assess the participants' cooperation. Paired T-test, Mann Whitney, Chi-square, and Fisher's Exact tests were applied, with a significance level of 5%. The quantity of dental biofilm was significantly reduced after both brushing techniques (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found in total biofilm (ET: 0.73 ± 0.36; MT: 0.73 ± 0.34; p = 0.985) or % biofilm reduction (ET: 72.22%; MT: 70.96%; p = 0.762) after brushing between techniques or in % biofilm reduction between toothbrushes of age groups (6 -9 years, p = 0.919; 10-14 years, p = 0.671). Participants showed similar cooperation level with the two types of toothbrush (p = 1.000). The use of electric or manual toothbrush had no effect on the quantity of dental biofilm removed in children and teenagers with DS, nor did it influence their cooperation during the procedure.

Activity of Carbonic Anhydrase VI is Higher in Dental Biofilm of Children with Caries.

This study investigated pH, activity and concentration of carbonic anhydrase VI (CA VI) in dental biofilm of caries and caries-free children of 7–9 years old. Seventy-four children were selected and divided into two groups. The caries diagnosis was performed according to the WHO criteria, including the early caries lesion. After biofilm collection and pH determination, CA VI concentration and activity were determined by ELISA and Zimography respectively. The data were submitted to a Mann-Whitney test and to Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses. Means and standard deviations of dental caries for the caries group were of 3.162 ± 1.385. The biofilm pH was significantly higher in the caries-free group. The CA VI activity was significantly higher in biofilm of children with caries. The CA VI concentration was significantly higher in biofilm of caries-free children. In caries-free children, there was a moderate negative correlation between CA VI activity and concentration in dental biofilm as well as between pH and CA VI activity. A negative correlation between biofilm pH and CA VI concentration was found in the caries group. In conclusion, CA VI was shown to be more active in the biofilm of school children with caries in order to contribute to neutralization of biofilm acid.

Bacterial profile of the supragingival dental biofilm in children with deciduous and early mixed dentition using next generation sequencing (HOMINGS) technique

ObjectiveTo describe the bacterial profile of the supragingival biofilm of children with temporary dentition (CTD) and early mixed dentition (CEMD), with the next-generation sequencing (HOMINGS) technique. MethodA comparative descriptive study was carried out with 30 systemically healthy children aged between 5 and 7 years old from public schools in Cartagena-Colombia. All participants were caries-free applying the criteria of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) and had no caries experience according to the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Supragingival biofilm samples were collected. Bacterial DNA was extracted and used for analysis using HOMINGS (Human Oral Microbe Identification using Next-Generation Sequencing) based on the sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina MiSeq platform (V3–V4 primers). ResultsA total of 360 species-specific and 65 genus-specific probes were identified. The bacterial genus most predominant in CTD were Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Veillonella and Fusobacterium (29.2% of all bacterial DNA present), while in CEMD the most predominant were Streptococcus, Leptotrichia, TM7 and Porphyromonas (24.5% of all bacterial DNA present). The bacterial species with the highest relative abundance in the oral biofilm microbiome from CTD were Streptococcus sanguinis, Rothia aeria, Gemella haemolysans, while in CEMD they were S. sanguinis, Leptotrichia spp. HOT-417 and Leptotrichia spp. HOT-498. The Shannon diversity index was 2.77 (SD=0.26) for CTD and 3.01 (SD=0.39) for CEMD (p=0.06). ConclusionsThe analysis of the bacterial profile of the supragingival dental biofilm in children with DMFT, by means of HOMINGS showed low microbiological diversity both in presence and in relative abundance in terms of genus as well as bacterial species.

Perfil bacteriano del biofilm dental supragingival en niños con dentición temporal y mixta temprana utilizando la técnica de secuenciación de próxima generación (HOMINGS)

ObjectiveTdescribe the bacterial profile of the supragingival biofilm of children with temporary dentition (CTD) and early mixed dentition (CEMD), with the next-generation sequencing (HOMINGS) technique. MethodA comparative descriptive study was carried out with 30 systemically healthy children aged between 5 and 7 years old from public schools in Cartagena-Colombia. All participants were caries-free applying the criteria of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) and had no caries experience according to the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Supragingival biofilm samples were collected. Bacterial DNA was extracted and used for analysis using HOMINGS (Human Oral Microbe Identification using Next-Generation Sequencing) based on the sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using the Illumina MiSeq platform (V3-V4 primers). ResultsA total of 360 species-specific and 65 genus-specific probes were identified. The bacterial genus most predominant in CTD were Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Veillonella and Fusobacterium (29.2% of all bacterial DNA present), while in CEMD the most predominant were Streptococcus, Leptotrichia, TM7 and Porphyromonas (24.5% of all bacterial DNA present). The bacterial species with the highest relative abundance in the oral biofilm microbiome from CTD were Streptococcus sanguinis, Rothia aeria, Gemella haemolysans, while in CEMD they were S. sanguinis, Leptotrichia spp. HOT-417 and Leptotrichia spp. HOT-498. The Shannon diversity index was 2.77 (SD=0.26) for CTD and 3.01 (SD=0.39) for CEMD (P=0.06). ConclusionsThe analysis of the bacterial profile of the supragingival dental biofilm in children with DMFT, by means of HOMINGS showed low microbiological diversity both in presence and in relative abundance in terms of genus as well as bacterial species.

Quantitative analysis of biofilm bacteria according to different stages of early childhood caries

ObjectiveMonitoring selected key species related to health or disease may facilitate caries risk assessment and discovery of novel ecological preventive and therapeutic approaches. This study aimed at quantifying Actinomyces naeslundii, Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei group, Streptococcus gordonii, Mitis group and Streptococcus mutans by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in dental biofilm from Brazilian children with different stages of early childhood caries (ECC). DesignSeventy-five preschool children were clinically evaluated by ICDAS criteria and divided into groups: caries-free (CF; n = 20), enamel caries lesions (ECL; n = 17) and dentine caries lesions (DCL; n = 38). Plaque samples from all children were collected for detection and quantification of the selected bacteria. ResultsL. acidophilus and L. casei group were absent in almost all plaque samples. No differences in relative proportions of A. naeslundii, Mitis group and S. gordonii were observed in any stage of caries. However, S. mutans and Bifidobacterium spp. were present at higher concentrations in the biofilm of children with DCL (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that S. mutans and Bifidobacterium spp. were strongly associated with biofilm in children with DCL. ConclusionDifferences were observed in the proportion of acidogenic and aciduric bacteria with dental caries progression. The data indicate that S. mutans and Bifidobacterium spp. in dental biofilm may be involved in some progression processes for ECC.

Antifungal effectiveness of virgin coconut oil mousse against Candida albicans biofilm in children with early childhood caries

Antifungal effectiveness of virgin coconut oil mousse against Candida albicans biofilm in children with early childhood caries

Genotypic diversity and phenotypic traits of Streptococcus mutans isolates and their relation to severity of early childhood caries

BackgroundEarly childhood caries (ECC) is an aggressive condition that can affect teeth of young children. This study aimed to evaluate genotypic diversity and phenotypic traits of S. mutans isolated from dental biofilms of children with different caries status in comparison with caries free (CF) children.MethodsStreptococcus mutans strains were isolated from supragingival biofilm samples of CF, ECC and severe-ECC (S-ECC) children and genotyped by arbitrary-primer polymerase chain reaction - AP-PCR. S. mutans genotypes were tested for their ability to reduce the suspension pH through glycolysis, to tolerate extreme acid challenge and by their ability to form biofilm. Response variables were analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey or Kruskal-Wallis/Mann-Whitney tests at a 5% of significance.ResultsThere was an increase in the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in biofilms with the severity of dental caries. No differences in genotypic diversity and in acidogenicity of genotypes were found among CF, ECC and S-ECC children. S mutans strains with genotypes more characteristic for ECC and S-ECC children formed more biofilms than those identified in CF children. The strains isolated from S-ECC children were highly acid tolerant.ConclusionAlthough S. mutans genotypic diversity was similar among the groups of children, phenotypic traits of S. mutans, especially the acid tolerance response, could explain the severity of early childhood caries.

Quantification of Dental Biofilm in Children with Dental Erosion

Objective: To quantify dental biofilm through the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) proposed by Greene and Vermillion in children with dental erosion comparing them to children without this oral health problem. Material and Methods: The study included 48 children aged 4-9 years treated at the Clinic of Pediatric Dentistry of the Cruzeiro do Sul University, examined by a single trained and calibrated examiner according to O'Brien index for the diagnosis of dental erosion, in which 24 children had erosion lesions in teeth and 24 children did not have this oral health problem. Later, children received guidance and standardization for the OHI-S evaluation. Data were analyzed by the Poisson univariate logistic regression. Prevalence ratio (PR) values and 95% confidence intervals (CI 95%) were calculated. Results: The mean (standard deviation) of the OHI-S of children who had dental erosion was 1.19 (0.38), lower than children in the group without dental erosion 1.73 (0.44). The amount of biofilm on teeth was associated with the presence of dental erosion (OR 95% CI = 0.393; 0188-0822) and p-value = 0.013. Regarding the reduction in the WSL dimension, no significant difference between groups was observed (p = 0.931). Conclusion: Children with dental erosion showed a significantly lower amount of biofilm compared to children without this oral health problem, and dental biofilm can be a possible protective factor against acid attacks and development of dental erosion.

Role of biofilm in children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections.

Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) are very common in children and a major challenge for pediatricians. In the last few years, bacterial biofilms have been linked to RRTIs and antibiotic resistance, and have raised serious concerns regarding the therapeutic management of recurrent middle ear diseases, chronic rhinosinusitis, and recurrent pharyngotonsillitis. This paper aims to review the new insights into biofilm-related upper respiratory tract infections in children and possible therapeutic strategies. It focuses on the clinical implications for recurrent disease and on studies in pediatric patients. Analysis of the literature showed that the involvement of bacterial biofilm in recurrent upper airway tract infections is an emerging problem that may lead to serious concerns about infection control. Despite the large amount of research within this field, detailed insight into the complex structure of bacterial biofilms and the ultrastructural and biochemical mechanisms responsible for its evasion of the immune system and resistance to treatments is currently lacking. In the future, additional emphasis should be placed on biofilm management as a component of therapeutic strategies. This goal can be attained by finding feasible methods for detecting biofilms in vivo and identifying effective methods for administering treatments that eradicate preexisting bacterial biofilms or hinder bacterial adhesion to respiratory cells.

Mechanical control of biofilm in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized clinical trial.

Dental biofilm removal is difficult and can be ineffective in individuals with cerebral palsy. Determine the effectiveness of brushing with an electric toothbrush on and off in comparison with manual brushing for the removal of biofilm in children aged four to 16 years with cerebral palsy. A crossover, randomized, simple-blind, clinical trial was conducted. The examiner was blinded to the brushing method (G1: manual; G2: electric toothbrush on; and G3: electric toothbrush off). The order was determined randomly. The participants (n = 40) were examined before and after brushing performed by caregivers using the Turesky-Quigley-Hein biofilm index. Statistical analysis involved the paired t-test, Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, and anova tests. Biofilm was significantly reduced with the three brushing methods (P < 0.001) (mean reductions: 47.6% in G1; 47.4% in G2; 44.5% in G3). Significant differences were found between G1 and G3 (P < 0.001) and between G2 and G3 (P = 0.007). No significant difference was found between G1 and G2 (P = 0.06). All methods reduced biofilm. Effectiveness was similar between manual brushing and with the electric toothbrush on, whereas both these methods achieved better results in comparison with the electric toothbrush switched off.