Caries-free Children Research Articles

Early Childhood Caries and its Correlation with Secretory Immunoglobulin A

The prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) was reported quite high in several countries, including Indonesia. Many studies had reported the relationship between sIgA level and ECC. However, the results obtained were not consistent due to the cross-sectional method used in examining sIgA. Therefore the purpose of this study was to analyze the occurence of ECC and sIgA level after 9 months of observation in children aged 2 years and below. The research was observational analytic with a cohort design for 9 months. The sample size was 68 caries-free children under 2 years old, who had at least 2 erupted primary upper incisors. Subjects were taken through purposive sampling from community health center in Medan. The sIgA examination was carried out 3 times, which were at the beginning of the month, at the 3rd and 9th month. The sIgA examination used the ELISA sandwich method and been read at 450 nm using a microplate reader. Caries examination was based on AAPD criteria. Data analysis used independent t-test, Spearman correlation, and longitudinal analysis used general estimating equation (linear) test. The significant value was defined as p<0.05. The results showed that caries-free children had higher sIgA level compared to children with ECC (p=0.003). Spearman correlation test results between the deft score and sIgA level showed a significant correlation (p = 0.006) with r value = -0.33.The higher the child's deft, the lower his/her sIgA level. It was concluded that caries-free children have effective sIgA defense functions in dealing with bacterial infections that cause caries so that salivary sIgA level were found to be higher in caries-free children compared to children with ECC.

Prevalence of Cusp of Carabelli and its caries susceptibility - an ambidirectional cohort study.

To investigate the susceptibility of Cusp of Carabelli (CoC) to caries in 3- to 4-year-old children. The prevalence of CoC was obtained, by two calibrated examiners using 2128 maxillary posterior sectional die models of 1064 caries-free children (that were prepared 8months back). Four months after recording the CoC, prospective clinical examination of above-mentioned children was carried out by a calibrated third examiner. International Caries Detection and Assessment System was used to record caries of the mesiopalatal surfaces (site of CoC) of the primary maxillary second molars. Data were expressed in numbers and percentages and subjected to chi-square and logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of CoC was 90.6%. The incidence of caries in association with CoC was 10.5%, and this association was statistically significant (0.004), with an odds ratio of 4.7. A statistically significant association was found between positive and negative expression of CoC and caries (0.001), with an odds ratio of 7.7 in positive expression and 4.1 in negative expression. The prevalence of CoC was high, with an increased risk for caries with a positive cusp expression. This highlights the need for closer assessment of the mesiopalatal surfaces of primary maxillary second molars during examination.

Significant elevation of salivary human neutrophil peptides 1-3 levels by probiotic milk in preschool children with severe early childhood caries: a randomized controlled trial.

To determine salivary human neutrophil peptides 1-3 (HNP1-3) levels in caries-free preschool children and in those with early childhood caries (ECC) or severe-ECC, in a daily probiotic group, receiving reconstituted milk with the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei SD1 once daily; a triweekly probiotic group, receiving the probiotic milk 3 days a week; and a placebo group. Oral examination and unstimulated whole saliva collection were conducted in 354 children at baseline, 6 months after intervention (T6), and after probiotic discontinuation (T12). Of the 354, adequate volume of saliva samples from 268 children were simultaneously analyzed for Streptococcus mutans and total lactobacilli levels using qPCR and for HNP1-3 levels using ELISA. In the severe-ECC status, significant increases in the median HNP1-3 levels at T12 were found in both daily and triweekly probiotic groups (p < 0.001). The median S. mutans levels in the daily group were significantly decreased at T6 and T12 (p < 0.01), whereas the median total lactobacilli levels were significantly increased at T6 (p < 0.001). Significantly inverse correlations between altered HNP1-3 and S. mutans levels and significant decreases in caries progression were found in both probiotic groups (p < 0.05). In the severe-ECC status, daily or triweekly consumption of L. paracasei SD1 significantly enhanced salivary HNP1-3 levels, but reduced S. mutans levels, possibly resulting in reduction of caries progression. Significant enhancement of salivary HNP1-3 levels by probiotic consumption is associated with reduction in S. mutans levels, consistent with diminished caries progression in children with severe-ECC.

Association between dental conditions, sliver diamine fluoride application, parental satisfaction, and oral health-related quality of life of preschool children.

To investigate the associations between dental conditions, sliver diamine fluoride (SDF) application, parental satisfaction, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of preschool children. In a clinical trial conducted in Hong Kong, preschool children who had carious lesions into dentine were randomly assigned to receive an application of SDF solution or placebo on their caries lesions 10 weeks before they received restorations. Additionally, a random sample of caries-free children was also recruited. Parents of the study children rated their satisfaction with their child's teeth using a 5-point scale (5 = very satisfied, 1 = very dissatisfied) 10 weeks after SDF or placebo application. Besides, the Chinese version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (C-ECOHIS) was used to assess the children's OHRQoL. There were 127, 133, and 154 children in the SDF, placebo, and caries-free groups, respectively. The parents whose child had 4 or more decayed teeth reported lower satisfaction scores (mean = 2.0 ± 0.7) with their child's dental health status compared with those of parents whose child had fewer (mean = 2.6 ± 0.9) or no (mean = 3.7 ± 0.7) decayed teeth (p < 0.001). These parents also reported higher C-ECOHIS scores. However, there was no significant difference in parental satisfaction and children's OHRQoL between the SDF and placebo groups (p > 0.05). In this study population, parental satisfaction and children's OHRQoL were associated with children's dental caries status but not with SDF application. This study provides valuable information about the factors, including SDF application, that can influence parental satisfaction and OHRQoL of preschool children.

Adjunctive dental therapies in caries-active children: Shifting the cariogenic salivary microbiome from dysbiosis towards non-cariogenic health

BackgroundThe oral microbiome is a complex assembly of microbial species, whose constituents can tilt the balance towards progression of oral disease or sustained health. Recently we identified sex-specific differences in the salivary microbiome contained within caries-active and caries-free children. In this study, we sought to ascertain if adjunctive dental therapies, including povidone iodine and chlorhexidine, were effective in shifting the cariogenic microbiome from dysbiosis to non-cariogenic health. DesignWe recruited young children (ages 2–12 years) to enter five enrollment groups, with each group (N = 9–30 participants/group) receiving caries restorative and/or adjunctive therapies, either singularly or in combination (OHSU IRB #6535). Saliva specimens were collected pre- and post-treatment (4–8 weeks) of caries preventive measures, and oral microbiota were identified using next generation sequencing (HOMINGS, Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA). ResultsWith the use of multi-dimensional scaling plots, support vector machine learning, odds ratio analysis, and other statistical methods, we have determined that treatment with povidone iodine can shift the composition of the salivary cariogenic microbiome to include higher proportions of aerobic microorganisms, such as Stentrophomonas maltophila, as well as non-cariogenic, anaerobic microorganisms including Poryphyromonas and Fusobacterium species. ConclusionWe have identified microorganisms that are associated with caries-active children and have determined that povidone iodine is an effective adjunctive therapy that has the potential to shift the composition of the cariogenic microbiome to one more closely aligned with non-cariogenic health.

Effect of Streptococcal IgY on Quantity of Streptococcus mutans in High Caries Risk Children

Early childhood caries (ECC) is defined as a condition of one or more of decayed, missing, and filling in teeth (dmft) of children aging less than 71 months or even younger. Prevalence and severity of ECC is still high in some countries. Aim of this study to evaluate the effect of streptococcal IgY on the quantity of Streptococcus mutans in high caries risk children. 20 children aged 3-5 years were selected from the Department of Pedodontics of which 10 children were with high caries experience and 10 were controls who were caries free. Saliva swabs were taken from the occlusal surface of primary second molars and microbial count was counted using mitis salivarius bactaracinagar. High risk caries were given one No decayTM tablet morning and evening for 15 days. Swabs were taken before intervention and than 1 month, 2 months and 3 months post intervention. Streptococcus mutans count was significantly reduced in patients who have taken no decay tablets. Within the limits of the study, we found that streptococcal IgY was able to reduced streptococcus mutans count after 2 months. There was no statistically significant difference in Streptococcus mutans count between high caries risk children and caries free children after 3 months.

Estimation of Salivary Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) in Children With Early Childhood Caries

Aim: To assess the heat shock protein levels in children with early childhood caries (ECC) and to compare its levels before and after caries control procedure. Method: 36 children who visited the department of Pediatric and Preventive dentistry and the school dental clinic associated with the department who fit in the inclusion criteria were divided into three group of 12 each. Group 1 was caries free children, group 2 and group 3 were mild to moderate and severe ECC group respectively. Saliva samples were collected pre and post caries control and were analysed for heat shock protein 70 levels. The results were statistically analysed. Results: The mean value of the salivary Hsp70 levels estimated in the control group of children was 5988.88 pg/ml (±358.613 pg/ml). Similarly, mean values for the pre-treatment salivary Hsp70 levels estimated in the mild to moderate ECC and S-ECC study groups were 5419.97 pg/ml (±159.472 pg/ml) and 5982.99 pg/ml (±610.675 pg/ml), respectively. The post-treatment salivary Hsp70 levels estimated in the mild to moderate ECC and S-ECC study groups were 5148.34 pg/ml (±365.063 pg/ml) and 5240.55 pg/ml (±257.023 pg/ ml) respectively. Intra-group comparison between the pre-treatment and post-treatment salivary Hsp70 values in the mild to moderate ECC study group showed a statistically significant reduction. The intra-group comparison between the pre-treatment and post-treatment salivary Hsp70 values in the S-ECC study group also showed a statistically significant reduction. Comparisons showed statistically significant difference between control and mild to moderate ECC groups, and between mild to moderate ECC and S-ECC groups, but not between control and S-ECC groups. Conclusion: With the available evidence and the results obtained in our study, it is safe to assume that levels of salivary Hsp70 can be used as an indicator for dental treatment prognosis and evaluation of efficacy of newer treatment protocols in children.

The German version of Child Perceptions Questionnaire for children aged 8 to 10 years (CPQ-G8\u201310): translation, reliability, and validity

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to develop a German version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire for children aged 8 to 10 years (CPQ-G8–10), a measure of oral health-related quality of life, and to assess the instrument’s reliability and validity.MethodsThe original English version of the CPQ8–10 questionnaire was translated into German (CPQ-G8–10) by a forward-backward translation method. A total of 409 8- to 10-year-old children who were recruited at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry in Vienna, Austria, participated in this study. The children self-completed the CPQ-G8–10 and were clinically examined for the presence of dental caries and plaque accumulation. Reliability of CPQ-G8–10 was investigated in a subsample of 58 children after 3 weeks.ResultsQuestionnaire summary score test-retest reliability was 0.85 (intraclass correlation coefficient, 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 0.75 to 0.91) and internal consistency was 0.88 (Cronbach’s alpha, lower limit of the 95% CI: 0.87). Validity of the CPQ-G8–10 questionnaire was supported by correlation coefficients with global ratings of oral health of − 0.40 (95% CI − 0.49 to − 0.31) and overall well-being of − 0.26 (95% CI − 0.33 to − 0.13) which met the expectations. Mean CPQ-G8–10 scores were statistically significantly higher in children with caries (dmft+DMFT > 0) compared with caries-free children (p = 0.02).ConclusionsThe German version of the CPQ8–10 was found to be reliable and valid in children aged 8 to 10 years.Clinical relevanceThese findings enable assessments of oral health-related quality of life in German speaking 8- to 10-year-old children.

Impact of Dental Caries on the Quality of Life of Preschool Children and Families in Amman, Jordan.

Early childhood caries (ECC) may have a harmful impact on quality of life (QoL) of young children and parents. No oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) studies had been carried out among preschool children in Jordan. The aims of the study were to assess the prevalence of ECC among preschool children and to evaluate its impact on the QoL of children and families. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among preschool children aged 4 and 5 years. A two-stage random sampling design was implemented. Parents answered the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) which was used to assess OHRQoL and a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic data. Clinical examination included ECC, anterior malocclusion treats (AMT) and traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). The simultaneous influence of different independent variables including gender, AMT, TDI and socioeconomic indicators (SEI) on the overall QoL was also investigated. Analysis of variance test (ANOVA), the Fisher's least statistically significant difference criteria of post hoc and simple logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Of the 2164 targeted preschool children, 1557 were included in the study. Prevalence of ECC was 72.5% and 77.2% among 4 and 5 year olds, respectively. Compared with caries-free children, ECC children (dmft 1-4 and dmft >4) had significantly higher mean scores of all the items of the ECOHIS (p <0.05, 0.01 and 0.001) as well as mean scores of overall ECOHIS (p <0.001). There was a significant increase in mean scores of items (p <0.05, 0.01) and overall ECOHIS mean scores (p <0.05) with increasing severity of dental caries. Only dental caries had a significant effect on ECOHIS (OR = 4, CI 3.179-5.972, p <0.001) while other confounders failed to demonstrate any impact. Dental caries prevalence was high and the level of severity was associated with worse OHRQoL of preschool children and families.

Evaluation of the Level of Salivary sHLA-G in Children Aged 3-5 Years with or without Dental Caries.

Methods and Materials This analytic cross-sectional study was carried out on 83 healthy children aged 3 to 5 years of both genders, who were divided into three groups based on decayed dental surfaces (ds): group 1, caries-free children (CF, n = 29); group 2, children with 1 ≤ ds ≤ 3, 1 ≤ ds ≤ 4, and 1 ≤ ds ≤ 5 for age 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively (ECC, n = 20); and group 3, children with ds ≥ 4, ds ≥ 5, and ds ≥ 6 for age 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively (S-ECC, n = 34). The unstimulated saliva samples were collected, and the salivary sHLA-G concentration was measured by the ELISA kit. The SPSS Statistics v17.0 software and Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis, chi-square, and Spearman's rank correlation tests were used for statistical analysis. The level of significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results The mean concentrations of salivary sHLA-G in CF, ECC, and S-ECC groups were 3.18 ± 2.28, 5.64 ± 5.51, and 6.21 ± 6.03 ng/l, respectively (p = 0.047), and the mean salivary sHLA-G level was comparatively higher in children with dental caries than that of the CF group (p = 0.02), but there is no significant difference between ECC and S-ECC groups (p > 0.05). Spearman's rank correlation test showed a weak positive correlation (p = 0.039, r = 0.22), between the level of salivary sHLA-G and dental caries. Conclusion The present study provides some preliminary evidences on relationship between sHLA-G and dental caries in children.

Evaluation of protective factors in caries free preschool children: a case-control study

BackgroundIncreasing the proportion of caries-free children following the WHO’s global target has led to more desirable welfare and a higher level of quality of life for children. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the factors contributing to a caries-free condition in preschool children as a basic action towards the global goals of children’s oral health.MethodsThis was a case-control study evaluating the protective factors contributing to dental caries free in 4–6-year-old children in Tehran/Iran in 2017. 500 preschool children and their mothers were selected from 22 randomly selected preschools and were enrolled in the study. The participants were divided into two case (caries-free) and control (with dental caries) groups. The data were collected using two data gathering tools; the child oral examination form and the mother’s valid questionnaire. The latter included three domains; socio-demographic factors, behavioral oral health measures, and feeding practices and dietary habits. The criteria for caries detection were cavities in the enamel and dentine. A logistic regression model was applied to identify caries-free protective factors (P < 0.05).ResultsAmong 230 caries-free and 270 non-caries-free children who participated in the study, boys were more caries-free (P = 0.001). The protective factors against dental caries that were identified in the study were dental check-up as the cause of dental visit, being the first child in the family, the fewer sessions night feeding of the child’s, family’s house ownership, and parent’s university education (P < 0.05).ConclusionsDental health can be achieved by considering protective factors like the regular dental check-up and socio-economic factors. Communities are invited to pay close attention to these important protective factors as far as they can increase the proportion of caries-free among preschool children especially in countries with developing oral health care systems.

Translation and validation of the Chinese version of the scale of oral health outcomes for 5-year-old children

To adapt the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) measurement tool SOHO-5 (scale of oral health outcomes for 5-year-old children) for use in Chinese populations, and to investigate the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of SOHO-5 (C-SOHO-5). The draft C-SOHO-5 was developed by a forward-backward process and pilot-tested on 20 child-parent pairs. The final version was tested on a sample of 5-year-old children and their parents. Clinical examinations were conducted to record the children's caries experience. The reliability of C-SOHO-5 was assessed by both internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Its discriminant validity and construct validity were also investigated. A total of 249 child-parent pairs participated in this study. Cronbach's alpha values for the child's version of C-SOHO-5 (C-SOHO-5c) and the parental version of C-SOHO-5 (C-SOHO-5p) were 0.71 and 0.82, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient values for C-SOHO-5c and C-SOHO-5p were 0.85 and 0.46, respectively. Both the child's and the parental version were able to discriminate the caries and caries-free children groups. Children with caries experience had higher mean ranks of the total score of both C-SOHO-5c and C-SOHO-5p than those of the caries-free children (134.9 vs. 113.8, P=0.015; 134.7 vs. 93.2, P<0.001). In addition, the total scores of both child's and parental reports were significantly correlated with the global rating questions. The C-SOHO-5 demonstrated good reliability and validity. This tool, which uses both child's and parental reports, can be used to assess the OHRQoL of 5-year-old children in Chinese-speaking communities.

Matrix metalloproteinases gene variants and dental caries in Czech children

BackgroundMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in tooth formation and the mineralization of dental tissue. The aim of the study was to analyse Czech children with primary/permanent dentition polymorphisms in those genes encoding MMP2, MMP3, MMP9, MMP13, MMP16, and MMP20, which had been previously associated with dental caries in other populations.MethodsIn total, 782 Czech children were included in this case-control study. DNA samples were taken from 474 subjects with dental caries (with decayed/missing/filled teeth, DMFT ≥ 1) and 155 caries free children (DMFT = 0) aged 13–15 years, as well as 101 preschool children with early childhood caries (ECC, dmft ≥ 1) and 52 caries free children (dmft = 0), were analyzed for nine MMPs single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using real time polymerase chain reaction TaqMan assays.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the allele and/or genotype frequencies of all the studied MMPs SNPs among children with dental caries in primary/permanent dentition and the healthy controls (P > 0.05). In addition, similar allele or genotype frequencies of the studied MMPs SNPs were found in children with severe dental caries in their permanent teeth (children with DMFT ≥ 6) and the healthy controls (DMFT = 0, P > 0.05).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the lack of association between the selected SNPs in candidate genes of MMPs and the susceptibility to or severity of dental caries in both primary and permanent dentitions in Czech children.

Saliva proteomic patterns in patients with molar incisor hypomineralization

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is an endemic pediatric disease with an unclear pathogenesis. Considering that saliva controls enamel remineralization and that MIH is associated with higher saliva flow rate, we hypothesized that the protein composition of saliva is linked to disease. To test this, we enrolled 5 children aged 6–14 years with MIH showing at least one hypersensitive molar and 5 caries-free children without hypomineralization. Saliva samples were subjected to proteomic analysis followed by protein classification in to biological pathways. Among 618 salivary proteins identified with high confidence, 88 proteins were identified exclusively in MIH patients and 16 proteins in healthy controls only. Biological pathway analysis classified these 88 patient-only proteins to neutrophil-mediated adaptive immunity, the activation of the classical pathway of complement activation, extracellular matrix degradation, heme scavenging as well as glutathione -and drug metabolism. The 16 controls-only proteins were associated with adaptive immunity related to platelet degranulation and the lysosome. This report suggests that the proteaneous composition of saliva is affected in MIH patients, reflecting a catabolic environment which is linked to inflammation.

Saliva proteomics from children with caries at different severity stages.

To perform a comparative analysis of saliva protein profile of patients with early childhood caries at different levels of severity and caries-free individuals. Stimulated saliva samples were collected from 126 children (2-6years old), classified according to the ICDAS II, and divided into 3 groups (n=42): caries-free (CF), enamel caries (EC), and dentine caries (DC). Samples were digested and analyzed by nanoUPLC coupled with a mass spectrometry. Data analyses were conducted with Progenesis QI for Proteomics Software v2.0. Gene Ontology (GO) terms and protein-protein interaction analysis were obtained. A total of 306 proteins (≈6 peptides) were identified. Among them, 122 were differentially expressed in comparisons among children with different caries status. Out of the 122 proteins, the proteins E2AK4 and SH3L2 were exclusively present in groups CF and EC, respectively, and 8 proteins (HAUS4, CAH1, IL36A, IL36G, AIMP1, KLHL8, KLH13, and SAA1) were considered caries-related proteins when compared to caries-free children; they were up-regulated proteins in the caries groups (EC and DC). The identification of exclusive proteins for caries-free or carious-related conditions may help in understanding the mechanisms of caries and predicting risk as well as advancing in caries control or anti-caries approaches.

Evaluation of Some Caries-Related Factors in the Saliva of 3-5 Year Old Children in Sari, Northern Iran

Background: Dental caries is one of the most common oral diseases in pre-school children. Several factors can affect caries process. Aim of this study was comparison of some of the chemical properties of saliva such as total antioxidant capacity, total protein, pH, nitric oxide level in caries free (CF), and caries active (CA) children. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional based study was designed with random selection of 80 healthy population including 40 CF and 40 CA children (3-5 years old) from several public kindergartens in Sari, Iranin 2019. Caries status was assessed using DMFT (Decayed/Missing/Filled Teeth) index according to WHO criteria. Un-stimulated saliva samples were collected from children in the morning. Then, several caries-related factors including total antioxidant capacity, nitric oxide, total protein concentration and pH were assessed in saliva samples. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0. Results: Significant higher total antioxidant capacity and total protein concentration were observed in the saliva of CA than in the CF children. On the other hand, nitric oxide level was markedly lower in CA samples. In addition, a decrease in pH of saliva was observed in CA children. Conclusion Based on the results, increase in the total antioxidant capacity and total protein as well as decrease in nitric oxide levels in the saliva of CA children can be considered as valuable evidence of dental caries occurrence among children.

Caries Prevalence in 12-year-old Children from Plovdiv - a Multifactorial Regression Analysis

Dental caries is among the most important social diseases. The changes in caries prevalence occurring in different regions provide important information about the influence of etiological factors – primary and secondary, and about understanding the connections between the factors themselves. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental caries in 12-year-old children from Plovdiv, Bulgaria and the effect of etiological factors – single-factor and multifactorial influence. The study included 228 children divided into 2 groups: group 1 - children living in the city of Plovdiv, city proper (125 children), and group 2 - children living in the surrounding villages (103 children). A questionnaire with an attached written consent form for clinical examination was completed by the parents of each child with results recorded in the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form for Children. Statistical analysis of the recorded data was used to determine DMFT index for the two groups, percentage of caries-free children and the influence of etiological factors through regression analysis. Statistical analysis showed the DMFT scores as follows - 1.568 for city proper, 2.917 for surrounding villages. The caries-free children were 38.4% and 17.5% for group 1 and group 2, respectively. OHI is the highest predicting factor in a multifactorial regression analysis with over 19% predictive function. There was statistically significant difference in caries prevalence and percentage of caries-free children between the city proper and the surrounding villages. Etiological factors have specific influence in the investigated age group.

Differences in Sole Carbon Source Utilization of the Dental Plaque Microbiota Between Caries-Free and Caries-Affected Children.

Increasing lines of evidence indicate that while microbial profile might vary, community-level metabolic potential is often more stably correlated with healthy and diseased states. Here, we investigated the community-level metabolic diversity of dental plaque microbiota from caries-free (CF) and caries-affected (CA) children by measuring their sole carbon source utilization using a Biolog assay. The dietary habits of 32 CF and 31 CA children were recorded by a questionnaire. Supragingival plaque samples were collected and inoculated into Biolog AN Microplates to assess the metabolism of sole carbon sources by plaque bacteria. The results revealed significant differences in dietary habits between CF and CA children. Meanwhile, Biolog assay showed consistently higher, albeit not statistically significant, overall metabolic activity as measured by average well color development (AWCD) value in the plaque microbiota from CA group than CF group. Most importantly, the CA group had more than twice as many core-positive carbon sources (defined as being utilized by >90% of plaque microbiota from subjects within the group) as that of the CF group (31 vs. 14), including CA group-specific, cariogenic core-positive carbon sources such as sucrose, glucose and raffinose. Furthermore, CF and CA groups could be well distinguished by cluster and principle component analyses based on the types of sole carbon sources significantly differentially utilized by the two groups. Our results indicate that plaque communities associated with caries state are more metabolically versatile than those associated with healthy state, which could contribute to differential clinical caries states. Meanwhile, Biolog could be an effective tool in revealing the community-level physiological profiles of microbiota associated with different caries states.

Changes in the salivary electrolytic dynamic after sucrose exposure in children with Early Childhood Caries

This study sought to explore if the effect of 20% sucrose rinse (SR) on the salivary electrolytic concentration of calcium (Ca2+), phosphate (Pi) and fluoride (F−) in children with Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is different from healthy children. Here, fifty-eight preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years were divided into 2 groups: caries-free (CF) and with ECC. Changes in saliva flow rate, pH and buffering capacity (BC), as well as in concentrations of Ca2+, Pi, and F−, and the degree of saturation in relation to hydroxyapatite (DSS HAp) and fluorapatite (DSS FAp) were evaluated. The pre-rinse [Ca2+] was higher in the ECC group in the CF group. A significant increase in [Ca2+] was demonstrated after SR in the CF group (p = 0.05). The [Pi] was reduced by 18% after SR in the ECC group (p = 0.007). The [F-] reduced in both groups after SR (p < 0.000). There was a moderate positive correlation between [Ca2+] and the DSS HAp and DSS FAp. Multivariate analysis showed that children with a higher [Ca2+] in pre-rinse saliva are more likely to have ECC. In conclusion, the effect of a 20% sucrose rinse on the electrolytic concentration of Ca2+, Pi and F- was different when children with ECC were compared with CF children.

The impact of salivary lactoperoxidase and histatin-5 on early childhood caries severity in relation to nutritional status

IntroductionEarly childhood caries is a multifactorial disease. Saliva plays an important role in initiation and protection against caries, and its composition is greatly affected by nutritional status. This study was conducted to determine the impact of salivary lactoperoxidase and histatin-5 on the severity of ECC in relation to nutritional status. Materials and methodsThe sample consisted of 120 children aged 5 years, classified into eight groups: mild ECC in underweight children, mild ECC in normalweight children, moderate ECC in underweight children, moderate in ECC normal weight children, severe ECC in underweight children, severe ECC in normalweight, caries-free (control) underweight children and caries-free normalweight children. Each group consisted of 15 children. Stimulated saliva was collected. Salivary lactoperoxidase was analysed using Human LPO/ Lactoperoxidase ELISA Kit (CLIA)-LS-F29892, and salivary histatin-5 was analysed using Human Histatin-5 ELISA Kit MBS705083_48T. ResultsLactoperoxidase and histatin-5 concentrations were significantly higher in caries-free children than in children with ECC, and they were higher in children with mild ECC than in children with moderate ECC or in children with severe ECC. They were significantly higher among children with normal weight than among those who were underweight (p < 0.01). ECC and nutritional status recorded non-significant interactions with both LPO and HST-5 (p > 0.01), but there was significant interaction between these two variables and LPO and HST-5 together (p < 0.01). The Pearson's correlation coefficient test recorded significant negative correlations between ECC severity and both salivary lactoperoxidase and histatin-5 among the eight study groups, whereas significant positive correlations were recorded between BMI values and both salivary lactoperoxidase and histatin-5 among the eight study groups. ConclusionSalivary lactoperoxidase and histatin-5 may be affected by nutritional status, and these two parameters may play an important role in caries prevention at high concentrations. There is interaction between these two parameters and ECC severity and nutrition.