Cariogenic Activity Research Articles

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus inhibits the development of dental caries in rat caries model and in vitro

ObjectivesDental caries result from a microbial imbalance in the oral cavity. Probiotics ecologically modulate the oral microflora to prevent caries. This study evaluated the anti-cariogenic effects of two Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains in vitro and in vivo to provide a more theoretical basis for its clinical applications in caries prevention. MethodsIn the study, cariogenic biofilms were grown with L. rhamnosus (LGG) or L. rhamnosus ATCC 7469 and analyzed. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) were used to detect the changes in the composition and architectures; cariogenic activity was measured by the lactic acid production and Transverse Microradiography (TMR). The effects of LGG on the 12 Sprague-Dawley rat caries model were assessed using Keyes scores and micro-CT analysis. Oral microbiome changes were evaluated through 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. ResultsL. rhamnosus can reduce cariogenic bacteria in biofilm by 14.7 % to 48.9 %, with LGG exhibiting more potent inhibitory effects. Both strains of L. rhamnosus can adhere to the surface of biofilms, reduce the extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) matrix, and loosen the biofilm structure. L. rhamnosus inhibited cariogenic activity by reducing the lactic acid production in biofilms. The bovine enamel blocks presented lower mineral loss values and lesion depth values in the group Core+L.rh and Core+LGG. LGG-ingested rats had significantly lower levels of moderate dentin lesions and higher mineral density than the control group. The 16 s rRNA gene sequencing revealed that LGG regulated the beta diversity of the oral microbial community in the rat dental caries model. ConclusionsThis study revealed the promising potential of L. rhamnosus, especially the LGG strain, in the ecological prevention of dental caries. Clinical SignificanceProbiotics may provide a strategy for preventing caries by regulating the oral microecological balance. The study revealed the promising anti-caries potential of the LGG probiotic strain in vivo and in vitro. It is expected that LGG could be used as an oral probiotic for the clinical prevention and treatment of caries.

Metagenomic analysis reveals ecological and functional signatures of oral phageome associated with severe early childhood caries

ObjectivesSevere early childhood caries (S-ECC) is highly prevalent, affecting children's oral health. S-ECC development is closely associated with the complex oral microbial microbiome and its microorganism interactions, such as the imbalance of bacteriophages and bacteria. Till now, little is known about oral phageome on S-ECC. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential role of the oral phageome in the pathogenesis of S-ECC. MethodsUnstimulated saliva (2 mL) was collected from 20 children with and without S-ECC for metagenomics analysis. Metagenomics sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were performed to determine the two groups’ phageome diversity, taxonomic and functional annotations. Statistical analysis and visualization were performed with R and SPSS Statistics software. Results85.7 % of the extracted viral sequences were predicted from phages, in which most phages were classified into Myoviridae, Siphoviridae, and Podoviridae. Alpha diversity decreased, and Beta diversity increased in the S-ECC phageome compared to the healthy group. The abundance of Podoviridae phages increased, and the abundance of Inoviridae, Herelleviridae, and Streptococcus phages decreased in the S-ECC group. Functional annotation revealed increased annotation on glycoside hydrolases and nucleotide metabolism, decreased glycosyl transferases, carbohydrate-binding modules, and biogenic metabolism in the S-ECC phageome. ConclusionsMetagenomic analysis revealed reduced Streptococcus phages and significant changes in functional annotations within the S-ECC phageome. These findings suggest a potential weakening of the regulatory influence of oral bacteria, which may indicate the development of innovative prevention and treatment strategies for S-ECC. These implications deserve further investigation and hold promise for advancing our understanding and management of S-ECC. Clinical significanceThe findings of this study indicate that oral phageomes are associated with bacterial genomes and metabolic processes, affecting the development of S-ECC. The reduced modulatory effect of the oral phageome in counteracting S-ECC's cariogenic activity suggests a new avenue for the prevention and treatment of S-ECC.

Effect of Bleaching Agents on Healthy Enamel, White Spots, and Carious Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review examines studies focusing on tooth bleaching and its effects on healthy enamel or incipient caries and bacterial adhesion. The aim is to explore the impact of different bleaching agents on incipient caries lesions and healthy enamel. Clinical studies, in vitro studies, and observational studies that compared at least two groups were included. A search strategy was used to select studies from the MEDLINE via Pubmed and Scopus databases. Two evaluators performed data extraction, screening, and quality assessment independently. Only studies written in English were included. From 968 initial records, 28 studies were selected for a full-text evaluation. Of these, 7 studies were classified as cluster 1 (bacterial adherence on teeth), 12 studies as cluster 2 (no bacteria involved), 4 studies as cluster 3 (no teeth deployment), and 5 clinical studies were cluster 4. Of the selected studies, 6 (21.4%) supported increased bacterial attachment capacity and cariogenic dynamics, 4 (14.3%) decreased adhesion and cariogenic activity, 7 (25%) showed no difference, and 11 (39.3%) followed a different methodological approach and could not be categorized. The risk of bias appeared to be high, mainly because of the different methodologies in the studies, so we cannot reach a confident conclusion. Nevertheless, as far as carbamide peroxide bleaching is concerned, there does not seem to be a clinically significant alteration, neither in microorganism counts nor in enamel microstructure.

Evaluation of the Cariogenic and Anti-Cariogenic Potential of Human Colostrum and Colostrum-Derived Probiotics: Impact on S. mutans Growth, Biofilm Formation, and L. rhamnosus Growth.

Human colostrum (HC) is essential for oral health as it is rich in probiotics that could affect the growth of the cariogenic S. mutans and its biofilm formation; hindering dental caries in advance. In this study, HC was collected from 36 healthy mothers 1-3 days postpartum. The effect of HC on oral health was carried out by assessing the impact of HC and its derived probiotics' cell-free supernatants (CFS) on the growth of S. mutans (using modified well diffusion) and its biofilm formation (using microtiter plate assay). Moreover, the effect of whole HC on L. rhamnosus, a probiotic oral bacterium, was examined. Probiotics were isolated and identified phenotypically by API 50 CH carbohydrate fermentation and genotypically by 16S rRNA amplification. The in vitro study revealed that HC has cariogenic activity and is associated with biofilm formation. Biofilm strength was inversely proportional to HC dilution (p-value < 0.0001). Nevertheless, HC and colostrum-derived probiotics improve oral health by inhibiting the growth of caries-inducing S. mutans with lower inhibition to L. rhamnosus probiotics. The CFS of isolated probiotics reduced the biofilm formation via the cariogenic S. mutans. These results are not only promising for caries eradication, but they also highlight the importance of breastfeeding infants from their first hours to shape healthy oral microbiota, protecting them from various diseases including dental caries.

Applications of photothermally mediated nanohybrids for white spot lesions in orthodontics

In orthodontic treatment, cariogenic bacteria in the oral cavity are the main cause of enamel white spot lesions (WSLs). Therefore, to effectively prevent and treat WSLs, it is crucial to inhibit the cariogenic bacterial activity while promoting the remineralization of demineralized tooth enamel. However, fluoride preparations commonly used for the prevention and treatment of WSLs can induce dental fluorosis if ingested in excess, and their remineralization effect is limited by the residual hydroxyapatite (HAp) content and salivary Ca2+ and PO43- levels. In this study, we propose a strategy (CMCS/ACP@PDA) for antibacterial and remineralization of WSLs by a nanohybrid of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) loaded polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) based on biomimetic remineralization techniques and biocompatible near-infrared (NIR) photoactivation therapy. The nanohybrid utilizes the excellent photothermal conversion ability of polydopamine for antimicrobial purposes, while CMCS with its own positive and negative charges (-NH3+ and -COO-) acts as a biomimetic mineralizing agent to stabilize ACP, supplemented with abundant Ca2+ and PO43- for remineralization of demineralized enamel. The results showed that CMCS/ACP@PDA could effectively inhibit the adhesion of cariogenic Streptococcus mutants (S. mutants) with high bactericidal rates. In addition, the remineralization of demineralized enamel by nanohybrid was more effective after 7 days of in vitro mineralization. This study provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the use of CMCS/ACP@PDA nanohybrid materials as potential materials against WSLs.

Mass spectrometry-based proteomic approaches for salivary protein biomarkers discovery and dental caries diagnosis: A critical review.

Dental caries is a multifactorial chronic disease resulting from the intricate interplay among acid-generating bacteria, fermentable carbohydrates, and several host factors such as saliva. Saliva comprises several proteins which could be utilized as biomarkers for caries prevention, diagnosis, and prognosis. Mass spectrometry-based salivary proteomics approaches, owing to their sensitivity, provide the opportunity to investigate and unveil crucial cariogenic pathogen activity and host indicators and may demonstrate clinically relevant biomarkers to improve caries diagnosis and management. The present review outlines the published literature of human clinical proteomics investigations on caries and extensively elucidates frequently reported salivary proteins as biomarkers. This review also discusses important aspects while designing an experimental proteomics workflow. The protein-protein interactions and the clinical relevance of salivary proteins as biomarkers for caries, together with uninvestigated domains of the discipline are also discussed critically.

The effect of coconut sugar on cariogenic traits in streptococcus mutans

Aim: The consumption of foods rich in sugar is linked to several non-communicable diseases, including dental caries. Coconut sugar has systemic benefits due to its lower glycemic indexes (GI) than other table sugars. However, there is currently no data regarding its cariogenic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of coconut sugar on acidogenicity and adhesion of Streptococcus mutans in vitro, compared to sugarcane products. Materials and methods: Aliquots of cultures of S. mutans UA159 were resuspended in a buffer solution enriched with coconut sugar, crystal sugar (refined sugar), and minimally processed sugarcane (demerara light brown sugar and maskavo dark brown sugar), as well as positive (sucrose) and negative controls. The decrease in pH and its corresponding area under the curve (AUC; cm2) were evaluated for the analysis of acidogenicity. S. mutans was incubated in BHI supplemented with each sugar and the percentages of microbial adhesion were calculated. After testing data normality, the one-way ANOVA test (Bonferroni post hoc) was used to compare the AUC and the proportion of adhesion of each group. Results: Regarding the acidogenic potential, statistical differences were found only between the negative control versus all other groups (p&lt;0.001). Likewise, no significant difference in adhesion was found between the tested sugars (p&gt;0.05). Discussion: Although the tested sugars are marketed as “healthy products,” their amount and frequency of usage should be controlled. Conclusion: Coconut sugar presents a similar cariogenic potential to that of sugarcane products when acidogenicity and adhesion are evaluated. Coconut sugar is not indicated as a substitute for sucrose in the control of cariogenic activity.

Organic compositional analysis of ancient maya tooth sealants and fillings

One of the major unknowns regarding the ancient Maya practice of dental inlaying is the nature of the cement, used to affix small stones inside artificially drilled cavities on labial tooth surfaces. These cements endured the harsh buccal environment of a lifespan and secured the inlay firmly in the tooth even through centuries of subsequent postmortem decay. Beyond their adhesive properties, the sealant materials probably reduced cariogenic activity and periodontal infectious disease. Prior analysis of dental sealings was limited to the identification of inorganic components. Among the materials identified are hydroxyapatite and Portland cement-related compounds, materials that hardened and strengthened Maya dental adhesives. However, the substances that provided the agglutinant and resistance properties to the sealants and fillings remain unknown. The present study involved the analysis of the organic fraction of tooth sealants and fillings in samples from three Classic-period Maya archaeological sites, Holmul (Guatemala), Baking Pot (Belize), and the Copan Valley (Honduras). Attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) of eight dental specimens, revealed compositional variety and provide further clues as to the organic materials used in the sealing potions prepared by the ancient dental practitioners. Organic molecules suggest that vegetal resins from Pinaceae species, a probable Lamiaceae-derived essential oil, an Asteraceae preparation, and bitumen, were among the main ingredients. The results of these analyses further attest the chromatic properties of dental fillings and suggest the sealants may also have had antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, the results of this analysis highlight the high degree of sophistication of ancient Maya dental practice.

Ficus Benghalensis and Stevia formulation based mouthwash and its Anti- cariogenic activity in vitro comparative study

Introduction: Ficus benghalensis commonly called alampattai is used to treat diabetes, piles, teeth disorders, rheumatism and to boost the immune system. Stevia rebaudiana commonly called bertoni leaves is a perennial shrub that contains 2 important glycosides, stevioside and rebaudioside that is responsible for producing sweetness intensity 300 times more than sucrose. It has various properties like anti oxidant, antibacterial etc. Mouthwashes are considered to act as potent delivery systems to prevent oral pathogens mainly the S.Mutans, the main organism that causes dental caries. Hence, the present study aims in evaluating the anticariogenic property of the aqueous mouthwash of Ficus benghalensis and stevia extract. Mouthwash preparation - 0.3g of sucrose + 0.001 sodium Benzoate + 0.01g sodium Lauryl sulphate. Dissolved in 10ml distilled water. Then 600μl plant extract + 50μl peppermint oil added as flavouring agent. Antibacterial activity - Studied against S. aureus E.faecalis and S.mutans. MHA is the medium used to determine the zone of inhibition using 5 different concentrations of the mouthwash extract. Antifungal activity- Studied against C. albicans. Sabouraud’s dextrose agar is the medium used to determine the zone of inhibition using different concentrations.The graph shows that the zone of inhibition was greater in S.mutans than in C.albicans, S. aureus and E. faecalis. Hence the mouthwash can be considered to prevent bacteria present in oral cavities. The study concluded that the mouthwash preparation can be used to replace the pharmaceutical mouthwash. But further study and random clinical trials needs to be done to make it more efficient.

Anti Cariogenic and Anti Inflammatory Activity of Achyranthes Aspera Mediated Silver Nanoparticles

Introduction: Nanotechnology is considered the sector of research and innovation that aims at building things, systems, devices, materials at a scale of atoms and molecules. Nanotechnology is an incredibly growing field in the era of modern science. Silver nanoparticles are known to have good pharmacological properties. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles eliminates toxicity and is also without side effects. On the other hand Achyranthes aspera is an annual herb that belongs to the family of Amaranthaceae. Every part of the plant has medicinal values. Our study deals with the green synthesis of Achyranthes aspera mediated silver nano particles and assessment of their anti cariogenic and anti inflammatory properties. Aim: The current study aims at assessing the anti cariogenic and anti inflammatory properties of Achyranthes aspera mediated silver nano particles and investigating the efficacy of Achyranthes aspera mediated Silver nano particles. Materials and Methods: The methodology includes Green synthesis of Achyranthes aspera mediated Silver nano particle synthesis followed by tests for anti cariogenic and anti inflammatory properties. Results: Both the anti cariogenic and anti inflammatory activities of theAchyranthes aspera mediated silver nano particles had shown a proportionate increase in activity with the increase in µl concentration. Conclusion: Achyranthes aspera mediated silver nano particles have shown significant anti inflammatory and anti cariogenic activity and they are considered as potent anti inflammatory and anti cariogenic agents.

Microabrasion plus resin infiltration in masking white spot lesions.

Enamel opacities or white spot lesion is a result of enamel demineralization due to cariogenic activity or fluorosis, or enamel hypo-plastic/hypo-mineralized, which are an esthetic concern. A recent evidence base of dentistry has been focused on the Minimal Invasive Dental (MID) approach for treating such lesions. The aim of the study is to evaluate the esthetic improvement of white spots lesion using microabrasion and resin infiltration in upper permanent incisors, immediately and up to six months follow-up. For the present case with enamel opacities, the minimal invasive therapy resin infiltration was chosen, preceded by microabrasion technique, to improve the teeth aesthetic appearance of the affected teeth. An excellent improvement in 11 and 21 teeth esthetic. However, we still found good outcome in the enamel surfaces after six months follow-up, which became hard to detect, except in the near inspection. The patient was delighted with the well-defined enhancement in his esthetics smile and was mentioned no postoperative sensitivity immediately or in the recall evaluation. The resin infiltration showed significant teeth esthetic improvement immediately and good follow-up outcome for six months, preceded by microabrasion. More high-quality and long-term clinical studies are needed to verify durability and factors that may affect treatment quality.

Anti-cariogenic &amp; Cytotoxic Activity of Red Sandal (Pterocarpus santalinus) Ethanolic Extract

Introduction: Pterocarpus santalinus, with the common names red sanders, red saunders, red sandalwood, Rakt Chandan, and saunderswood, is a species of Pterocarpus endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of South India. This tree is valued for the rich red colour of its wood.The use of ethanolic extract is a cost-effective way to produce a quality extract from a large volume of plants.Pterocarpus santalinus has a characteristic anti-cariogenic and cytotoxic activity.This study aimed to find the Anti cariogenic and cytotoxic activity of Pterocarpus santalinus (Red sandal) ethanolic extract preparation.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The anticariogenic activity was done by using agar well diffusion technique and the cytotoxic activity was done by Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay. Pterocarpus santalinus were purchased commercially from an herbal health centre, in Chennai. The obtained powder Pterocarpus santalinus stored in an airtight container. 5 gram of powder is mixed with 50 ml of ethanol and kept in the orbital shaker for 72 hours , after it has boiled in a heating mantle at 62- 70 degree c for 5-10 min. The extract is filtered using whatman filter paper 1.The filter extract again contracted using heating mantle.&#x0D; Results: The extract shows very good anticariogenic and cytotoxic activity of P.santalinus ethanolic extract by using Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay.&#x0D; Conclusion: The Anti-cariogenic and cytotoxic activity of Pterocarpus santalinus ethanolic extract preparation was effective.

Environment-Specific Probiotic Supernatants Modify the Metabolic Activity and Survival of Streptococcus mutans in vitro.

A range of studies showed probiotics like Streptococcus oligofermentans and Limosilactobacillus reuteri to inhibit the cariogenic activity and survival of Streptococcus mutans, possibly via the production of substances like H2O2, reuterin, ammonia and organic acids. We aimed to assess the environment-specific mechanisms underlying this inhibition. We cultured L. reuteri and S. oligofermentans in various environments; minimal medium (MM), MM containing glucose (MM+Glu), glycerol (MM+Gly), lactic acid (MM+Lac), arginine (MM+Arg) and all four substances (MM+all) in vitro. Culture supernatants were obtained and metabolite concentrations (reuterin, ammonia, H2O2, lactate) measured. S. mutans was similarly cultivated in the above six different MM variation media, with glucose being additionally added to the MM+Gly, MM+Lac, and MM+Arg group, with (test groups) and without (control groups) the addition of the supernatants of the described probiotic cultures. Lactate production by S. mutans was measured and its survival (as colony-forming-units/mL) assessed. L. reuteri environment-specifically produced reuterin, H2O2, ammonia and lactate, as did S. oligofermentans. When cultured in S. oligofermentans supernatants, lactate production by S. mutans was significantly reduced (p < 0.01), especially in MM+Lac+Glu and MM+all, with no detectable lactate production at all (controls means ± SD: 4.46 ± 0.41 mM and 6.00 ± 0.29 mM, respectively, p < 0.001). A similar reduction in lactate production was found when S. mutans was cultured in L. reuteri supernatants (p < 0.05) for all groups except MM+Lac+Glu. Survival of S. mutans cultured in S. oligofermentans supernatants in MM+Lac+Glu and MM+all was significantly reduced by 0.6-log10 and 0.5-log10, respectively. Treatment with the supernatant of L. reuteri resulted in a reduction in the viability of S. mutans in MM+Gly+Glu and MM+all by 6.1-log10 and 7.1-log10, respectively. Probiotic effects on the metabolic activity and survival of S. mutans were environment-specific through different pathways.

Antibacterial activity of phellodendron bark against Streptococcus mutans.

Streptococcus mutans is a major cause of tooth decay due to its promotion of biofilm formation and acid production. Several plant extracts have been reported to have multiple biological activities such as anti-inflammation and antibacterial effects. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of three plant extracts, phellodendron bark (PB), yucca, and black ginger, and found that PB had a stronger effect than the other extracts. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PB against 100 S. mutans strains was investigated. The MIC range of PB was 9.8-312.5 µg/mL. PB suppressed the growth kinetics of S. mutans in a dose-dependent manner, even at sub-MICs of PB. Then, we investigated the effect of PB on S. mutans virulence. The PB suppressed biofilm formation at high concentrations, although PB did not affect the expression of glucosyltransferase genes. Additionally, PB suppressed the decrease in pH from adding an excess of glucose. The expression of genes responsible for acid production was increased by the addition of excess glucose without PB, whereas their expression levels were not increased in the presence of 1× and 2× MIC of PB. Although PB showed a bacteriostatic effect on planktonic S. mutans cells, it was found that more than 2× MIC of PB showed a partial bactericidal effect on biofilm cells. In conclusion, PB not only showed antibacterial activity against S. mutans but also decreased the cariogenic activity in S. mutans.

Chapter 6: Vitamins and Oral Health.

Vitamins are essential organic compounds that catalyze metabolic reactions. They also function as electron donors, antioxidants or transcription effectors. They can be extracted from food and supplements, or in some cases, synthesized by our body or gut microbiome. Severe vitamin deficiencies result in systemic complications, including the development of scurvy, rickets, pellagra, and beriberi. Some moderate and severe deficiencies also result in oral conditions. A lower intake of vitamin A has been associated with decreased oral epithelial development, impaired tooth formation, enamel hypoplasia and periodontitis. Vitamin D deficiency during tooth development may result in non-syndromic amelogenesis and dentinogenesis imperfecta, enamel and dentin hypoplasia, and dysplasia. Clinical studies have demonstrated an association between vitamin D's endocrine effects and periodontitis. On the other hand, no significant association has been found between cariogenic activity and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin C deficiency results in changes in the gingivae and bone, as well as xerostomia; while vitamin B deficiencies are associated with recurrent aphthous stomatitis, enamel hypomineralization, cheilosis, cheilitis, halitosis, gingivitis, glossitis, atrophy of the lingual papillae, stomatitis, rashes around the nose, dysphagia, and pallor. The effects of vitamins E and K on oral health are not as clear as those of other vitamins. However, vitamin K has a systemic effect (increasing the risk of haemorrhage), which may affect individuals undergoing oral surgery or suffering an oral injury. Health care professionals need to be aware of the effects of vitamins on oral health to provide the best available care for their patients.

Artemisia princeps Inhibits Growth, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence Factor Expression of Streptococcus mutans.

This study was designed to determine whether the ethanol extract of Artemisia princeps could inhibit the cariogenic activity of Streptococcus mutans. The increase in acid production and biofilm formation by S. mutans were evaluated. The expression levels of virulence factor genes were determined by performing the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The bactericidal effect was tested by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The A. princeps extract was observed to inhibit the growth of S. mutans at concentrations >0.05 mg/mL (P < .05). After using the safranin staining method, we found that the A. princeps extract had an inhibitory effect against biofilm formation at a concentration of >0.05 mg/mL. These experimental results were similar to that observed with the scanning electron microscopy. The results of the confocal microscopy revealed that the A. princeps extract at high concentrations of 0.4-3.2 mg/mL showed a bactericidal effect in a concentration-dependent manner. According to the results of the real-time PCR analysis, it was observed that the A. princeps extract inhibited the expression of virulence factor genes. These results suggest that A. princeps may inhibit the cariogenic activity of S. mutans, and may be useful as an anticariogenic agent.

The effect of smoking on caries-related microorganisms.

INTRODUCTIONEpidemiological studies have shown a close relationship between smoking and dental caries. Bacteria are one of the essential factors of caries formation. The imbalance of cariogenic bacteria and commensal bacteria in dental plaque results in higher production of acid that can corrode dental hard tissue. The aim of our review is to summarize the effect of smoking on caries-related bacteria.METHODSEnglish articles available in Pubmed and ScienceDirect databases and published before December 2018 were searched. A variety of evidence was collected including not only the influence of cigarette products on bacteria strains in vitro but also their effect on bacterial composition in saliva and dental plaque in vivo. We particularly emphasize the mechanisms by which nicotine acts on oral bacteria.RESULTSThe components of cigarettes promote the growth of cariogenic microorganisms. The mechanisms of how nicotine enhances Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacilli, Streptococcus gordonii, Actinomyces and Candida albicans are described separately in detail. The commensal bacteria, Streptococcus sanguinis, show less competitive capability in the presence of nicotine. Smoking influences saliva by lowering the buffer capability, altering its chemical agent and bacterial components, and therefore promotes the formation of a caries-susceptible environment.CONCLUSIONSCigarette smoking and nicotine exposure promote the cariogenic activity of oral microorganisms and the formation of a caries-susceptible environment. This suggests that smokers should quit smoking, amongst other health reasons, also for their oral health.

Sabinene suppresses growth, biofilm formation, and adhesion of Streptococcus mutans by inhibiting cariogenic virulence factors

ABSTRACTBackground: Streptococcus mutans is one of the most important cariogenic bacteria associated with dental caries. Sabinene is a major component of several herbal essential oils. However, the anti-cariogenic effects of sabinene and the underlying mechanism remain to be elucidated.Objectives: We investigated the inhibitory effects of sabinene on the cariogenic activity and studied the underlying mechanism.Design: S. mutans were treated with various concentrations of sabinene and the inhibitory effects were evaluated based on the bacterial growth, acid production and biofilm formation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for several virulence factors.Results: The growth and adherence of S. mutans were inhibited by sabinene. Consistent with the inhibitory effects on bacterial adhesion, gbpB level significantly decreased. Acid production and biofilm formation was also inhibited. In line with the inhibitory effects of sabinene on biofilm formation and pH tolerance, real-time PCR results showed the down regulation in the expression levels of gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, vicR, brpA, and relA. Moreover, high concentrations of sabinene exhibited bactericidal activity.Conclusion: Together our results suggest that sabinene serves as a useful component in the inhibition of the cariogenic activity of S. mutans, indicative of its possible applications in the development of oral healthcare products.

Salivary parameters altered in smokers and possible correlations with the cariogenic activity

Salivary parameters altered in smokers and possible correlations with the cariogenic activity

Cariogenicity induced by commercial carbonated beverages in an experimental biofilm-caries model.

Objectives:Frequent consumption of sugars-containing carbonated beverages has been associated with caries, but the consequences on the dental biofilm remain unclear. The aim was to evaluate the effect of commercial carbonated beverages and their sugar-free version on enamel and dentine demineralization and on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans biofilms.Materials and Methods:Biofilms of S. mutans UA159 were grown on enamel and dentin slabs and exposed 3 times/day for 5 min, to a commercial cola or orange-flavored carbonated beverage or to their sugar-free version. Biofilms/slabs were recovered to assess biomass, viable microorganisms, protein content and polysaccharides. Demineralization was estimated by the variation of Knoop surface microhardness.Results:Exposures to the biofilm with sugars-containing carbonated beverages resulted in similar biomass, viable microorganisms, proteins, and polysaccharides than sucrose (P < 0.05). The sugar-free cola and orange-flavored drink showed lower effect on the biofilm, as compared with sucrose or their sugared version (P < 0.05). All of the products tested, included the sugar-free, showed higher demineralization than the negative control (P < 0.05).Conclusions:Sugars-containing carbonated beverages enhance cariogenic activity of S. mutans biofilms, comparable with sucrose. Sugar-free carbonated beverages also have a high demineralizing potential, without affecting biofilm properties.