Lactobacilli In Saliva Research Articles

Antimicrobial Properties of Green Tea Extract Against Cariogenic Microflora: An In Vivo Study

The aim of the present study was to test in vivo the effectiveness of an experimental green tea extract in reducing levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva by means of selective culture medium. Sixty-six healthy patients ranging in age from 12 to 18 years were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: Group A (n=33) and group B (n=33). Group A subjects were asked to rinse their mouths with 40 mL of an experimental green tea extract, for 1 minute, three times a day for a week, whereas Group B subjects were asked to rinse with 40 mL of a placebo mouth rinse. Saliva samples were obtained at baseline, 4 days, and 7 days. The counts of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli were investigated by chair-side kits. Data were statistically processed. A regression binary logistic analysis was done. The statistical significance level was established at P<.05. The experimental group showed a statistically significant reduction in colony counts of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli relative to the control group. These findings showed the efficacy of a green tea extract against cariogenic oral flora, opening a promising avenue of clinical applications in the preparation of specific and natural anticariogenic remedies.

Salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli modulations in young children on consumption of probiotic ice-cream containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 and Lactobacillus acidophilus La5

Objectives. To compare the levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva of school children, before and after consumption of probiotic and control ice-cream. Materials and methods. A double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial was carried out in forty, 12–14 year-old children, with no clinically detectable caries. The selected children were randomized equally into two groups I and II. Following an initial run-in period of 1 week, children in group I and II were given ice-creams ‘A’ and ‘B’, respectively, for 10 days. Being a cross-over study, the ice-creams were interchanged in the two groups after a 2-week wash-out period. Saliva samples at baseline and follow-up were assessed using Dentocult SM and Dentocult LB kits. Results. On statistical evaluation, it was seen that probiotic ice-cream brought about a statistically significant reduction (p-value = 0.003) in salivary mutans streptococci levels with no significant effect on lactobacilli levels. Conclusion. In conclusion, probiotic ice-cream containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 ATCC27536 and Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 can reduce the levels of certain caries-associated micro-organisms in saliva.

Oral health in young adults with long-term, controlled asthma

Objective. To study oral health in young adults with long-term, controlled asthma. Material and methods. Twenty 18- to 24-year-olds with a mean duration of asthma of 13.5 [standard deviation (SD) 5.4] years and 20 matched healthy controls were included. A clinical examination was performed and the prevalences of caries, erosions, gingival inflammation, cervicular fluid and periodontal pockets and the plaque formation rate were registered. The salivary flow rate and the numbers of mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli in saliva were determined. Plaque pH was measured after a sucrose rinse for up to 40 min at two approximal sites. The participants were interviewed regarding dietary and oral hygiene habits. Results. The mean (SD) DFS, including manifest and initial caries, was 8.6 (10.6) in the asthma group and 4.0 (5.2) in the control group (P = 0.09). Initial caries lesions were more common in the asthma group than in the control group: 6.0 (8.1) and 1.3 (2.0), respectively (P = 0.02). The asthma group had more gingivitis (P = 0.01) and a lower stimulated salivary secretion rate than the controls (P = 0.01). The asthmatics also had a somewhat, although not statistically significant, lower initial pH value in plaque and a more pronounced pH drop compared with the controls. In the asthma group, 65% reported frequent mouthbreathing, compared with 10% of the controls (P = 0.01). No differences were found in tooth-brushing or dietary habits between the groups. Conclusion. Young adults with long-term, controlled asthma had more initial caries, more gingival inflammation and a lower stimulated salivary secretion rate than individuals without asthma.

Caries Prevalence, Caries-Related Factors and Plaque pH in Adolescents with Long-Term Asthma

The aim of the present case-control study was to investigate dental caries, various caries-related factors as well as gingival condition, in 12- to 16-year-olds with long-term asthma (n = 20) and a matched healthy control group (n = 20). Data on dietary and oral hygiene habits, numbers of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva were also obtained. The plaque pH drop after a sucrose rinse was measured up to 40 min at 2 approximal tooth sites. A lower salivary flow rate was found in the asthma group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The mean (± SD) of DFS, including manifest and initial caries, was 4.9 ± 5.5 in the asthma and 1.4 ± 2.3 (p < 0.01) in the control group. Only 1 adolescent in the asthma group was caries free compared to 13 in the control group. Concerning pH in plaque, adolescents with asthma had a lower initial value (p < 0.01) and final pH (p < 0.05) than the control group. The Cariogram data showed that 55% of the subjects in the control group had ‘a high chance of avoiding caries’ compared to 10% in the asthma group (p < 0.01). The asthmatic adolescents had higher numbers of sites with gingival bleeding (p < 0.01). To conclude, adolescents with long-term asthma had a higher total DFS and caries risk (according to Cariogram), decreased salivary rate, more gingival bleeding and lower plaque pH than adolescents without asthma.

Oral microflora in betel-chewing adults of the Karen tribe in Thailand

Objective To study a possible influence of betel chewing on the composition of the oral microflora in plaque and saliva and on oral health parameters as well as a possible betel effect on oral bacteria in vitro. Material and methods Thirty-two adults (16 betel chewers and 16 non-betel-chewing controls) of the Karen Hill tribe in Thailand were investigated. Saliva samples and 2 pooled supragingival plaque samples were taken from each individual for microbial analysis with culture and 4 subgingival samples for analysis with the DNA–DNA hybridization method against 12 periodontitis associated bacterial species. Caries (DMFS), plaque (PlI%) and bleeding on probing (% BoP) was registered as well as number of sites with >5 mm probing pocket depth (PPD). Water extract of the betel ( areca chatechu) nut was tested for its antimicrobial effect in vitro against 10 oral bacterial species with the agar diffusion method. Results An antimicrobial effect of betel nut water extract was found on the oral microorganisms in vitro. The levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva were low or absent in both chewers and controls. The prevalence of the periodontitis associated bacteria was >90%. Betel chewers had significantly lower levels of some bacteria in subgingival plaque ( Prevotella intermedia p < 0.001) than non-chewers. This study population was low in missing teeth (mean 0.7 and 0.3), caries decay (DS 2.1 vs 1.6), and number of deep pockets (mean 1.9 vs 1.3). Great variation in oral hygiene (PlI and BoP) between the subjects was seen. Conclusions An antimicrobial effect of the betel nut was found in vitro and with a possible effect also in vivo however it did not seem to influence clinical parameters such as plaque index, caries prevalence (DMFS), bleeding on probing and number of deep pockets.

A pilot study of the association between cariogenic oral bacteria and preterm birth*

We examined the associations between preterm birth and low birth weight and maternal caries history, maternal periodontal status, and salivary levels of mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli. This study was a matched case-control study in women during their pregnancy or up to 8 weeks after delivery. Thirty-four women delivering before 37 weeks gestation were recruited along with 73 term controls matched for age and race/ethnicity. Demographic and obstetric information was collected from questionnaires and medical records and oral examinations along with commercial salivary tests were completed within the study groups. The main outcome variables were the preterm birth and low birth weight status. The independent variables measured were the salivary levels of Lactobacilli and mutans streptococci and the caries and periodontal status of the subjects. The odds ratio comparing low levels of bacteria in preterm mothers and controls was statistically significant for Lactobacilli (odds ratio (OR) = 3.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27 to 10.00) and almost significant for mutans streptococci (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 0.95 to 8.33). Clinical caries and periodontal disease measures did not differ significantly between groups. Within the limitation of our study, low levels of Lactobacilli in saliva were found to be associated with preterm birth.

Improvement of periodontal condition by probiotics with Lactobacillus salivarius WB21: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study

This randomized clinical study was designed to evaluate the effect of probiotic intervention using lactobacilli on the periodontal condition of volunteers without severe periodontitis. Freeze-dried Lactobacillus salivarius WB21 (WB21)-containing tablets or a placebo were given to volunteers in a double-blind randomized study. A total of 66 volunteers were finally enrolled and randomly assigned to receive tablets containing WB21 (6.7 x 10(8) CFU) with xylitol or xylitol alone (placebo) three times a day for 8 weeks. Periodontal clinical parameters and whole saliva samples were obtained at baseline (BL), 4 weeks, and the end of the interventional period (8 weeks). Salivary lactoferrin (Lf) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lactobacilli in saliva and plaque samples was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR using 16S rRNA primers. Periodontal clinical parameters were improved in both groups after an 8-week intervention. Current smokers in the test group showed a significantly greater improvement of plaque index and probing pocket depth from BL when compared with those in the placebo group. Salivary Lf level was also significantly decreased in the test group smokers. Our results indicate that probiotics could be useful in the improvement/maintenance of oral health in subjects at a high risk of periodontal disease.

The colony number of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in saliva of dental caries and free caries children

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) are regarded as the main initiator microorganism of caries, with Lactobacilli participating on caries progression, due to its carcinogenic capacity. The purpose of this study was to examine the number of S. mutans and Lactobacillus sp in children with in children’s saliva with dental caries and free caries. Twenty children attending the Paediatric Dental Clinic in Airlangga University participated in our study. Their age ranged from 1–14 years old. Subject was divided into two groups, which were study group consisting of 10 children with 3–5 dmft/DMFT and control group with 10 caries free children. Subjects were examined and their caries number was recorded using WHO index. Stimulated saliva was collected from each subject for bacterial assessment. Colony counting of S. mutans and Lactobacillus sp count in each saliva sample group were done. The study showed that subject with 3–5 dmft/DMFT had higher number of S. mutans and Lactobacillus sp than caries free.

Short-term Effect of Mastic Gum on Salivary Concentrations of Cariogenic Bacteria in Orthodontic Patients

To determine antibacterial activity of chewing mastic gum against the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans, the total number of viable bacteria, and lactobacilli in patients undergoing therapy with fixed orthodontic appliances. In this study, the levels of S mutans, lactobacilli, and total cultivated bacteria were measured before and after chewing mastic gum. The antibacterial effects of chewing mastic gum against these microorganisms in saliva were compared with a placebo gum. The counts for orthodontically treated patients were evaluated before chewing gum; just after chewing gum; and after 45, 75, 105, and 135 minutes. Saliva samples taken from the patients were inoculated onto trypticase-yeast-cystine-bacitracin agar for mutans streptococci and onto Rogosa agar for lactobacilli. The agar plates were incubated for 48 hours anaerobically at 37 degrees C. The total number of viable bacteria was then counted. Just after chewing the mastic gum for 15 minutes, a significant decrease of total bacteria and S mutans was observed (P < .001). The reduction in lactobacilli was not significant at later first stage (P > .05). However, at the end of 135 minutes, there were significantly fewer S mutans (P < .001), total viable bacteria (P < .001), and lactobacilli (P < .001) in the oral cavity after chewing mastic gum than after chewing paraffin (P < .001). The results show that chewing mastic gum decreased the total viable bacteria, S mutans, and lactobacilli in saliva in orthodontically treated patients with fixed appliances. Chewing mastic gum might be useful in preventing caries lesions.

Diet Intake and Caries Prevalence in Four-Year-Old Children Living in a Low-Prevalence Country

Preventive measures have dramatically decreased the prevalence of dental caries in children. However, risk factors for the disease in children living in low-prevalence areas remain elusive. In the present study we evaluated associations between dental caries, saliva levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli, and diet with special emphasis on the intake of fermentable carbohydrates and dairy products in 4-year-old children living in an area where the overall caries prevalence was low. Dietary intake was recorded in 234 infants as part of the Study of Infant Nutrition in Umeå, Sweden (SINUS). Of these the parents of 124 children gave consent to participate in a follow-up at 4 years of age. Dietary intake, height and weight, dental caries, oral hygiene, including tooth brushing habits, presence of plaque and gingival inflammation, fluoride habits and numbers of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva were recorded. Using multivariate stepwise logistic regression, caries experience was negatively associated with intake frequency of cheese (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.44–0.98) and positively associated with the salivary level of mutans streptococci (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.21–2.03). Caries experience was not correlated with intake frequency or amounts of carbohydrate-containing foods, with any other particular food, or with daily intake of energy, carbohydrate or any other macro- or micronutrient. We conclude that cheese intake may have a caries-protective effect in childhood populations where the overall caries prevalence and caries experience are low and the children are regularly exposed to fluoride from toothpaste.

Oral health status in relation to stimulated saliva buffering capacity among Japanese adults above or below 35 years of age.

To evaluate dental caries and periodontal pocketing in relation to saliva buffering capacity among two groups of Japanese adults aged above 35 years old (A35) or 35 years old and below (B35). After measuring the initial pH of saliva, samples were titrated with 0.1N HCl to evaluate the buffer capacity. Levels of mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli in saliva, DMF and periodontal pocket were also measured. Among B35 group, DMF of adults with High buffering capacity was significantly lower than those of adults with Medium and Low buffering capacity (p < 0.05). Chi-square test showed the distribution of subjects with high counts of mutans Streptococci or Lactobacilli into the three buffer capacities, which was not statistically different between two age groups (p > 0.05). There were statistical differences for the mean periodontal pocket depth on the upper right incisor of adults in A35 with High buffer capacity and those of adults with any buffer capacity in B35 group. Statistical differences were also found for the pocket depth on lower left incisor and upper right molars of adults in A35 with High buffer capacity and those of adults with low buffer capacity in B35 group (p < 0.01). High buffering capacity of saliva might be associated with better status of oral health among Japanese adults in both age groups.

Mutans streptococci, lactobacilli in saliva and acidity from organisms in dental plaque: changes after restorative treatment.

The effect of restorative dental treatment was evaluated on mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva, as well as acid production by plaque bacteria. We used semiquantitative culture kits at time points up to 6 months following treatment. Changes in eating habits and oral hygiene during the study period were ruled out using a questionnaire. Mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and acidity all had decreased significantly at 1 week after treatment. Acidity often was the first variable to return to pretreatment levels, while abundant at 6 than 3 months. Lactobacilli showed the most durable response to treatment. Restorative treatment achieves import temporary decreases in caries-associated bacteria, especially lactobacilli, without influence from potentially relevant behavioral changes. In addition, follow up examinations at relatively long intervals at least 3 month would appear most effective for dental health management.

A cluster analysis model for caries risk assessment

Cluster analysis was applied to determine, the natural grouping of individuals, among sixty 8–10-year-old children, and to identify the most significant set of markers for risk assessment. The risk clusters were obtained with initial clinical and bacteriological measurements including dmf + DMFS, active caries, mutans streptococci and lactobacilli counts in plaque or saliva on two media, and Snyder’s test results. The morbidity clusters were constructed with the final clinical indexes and incidence after 18 months (dependent variables). A risk cluster was identified that included the following significant initial variables; dmf + DMFS, active caries, counts of mutans streptococci from plaque on TSY20B and lactobacilli in saliva, and Snyder’s test results. This set of markers identified 86% of the children at high risk who developed high morbidity, as well as 94% of children in the low-risk cluster who developed low or no caries. The results of this investigation provide the basis to develop a system for caries risk assessment.

Prevention of caries in children by preventive and operative dental care for mothers in rural Anatolia, Turkey

The aim of this study was to prevent or delay the transmission of cariogenic bacteria, and hence the early development of caries in children, by preventive methods targeted at the mother. This field study was carried out in rural southeastern Anatolia, Turkey, where access to dental care is limited. Twenty-seven mother-infant pairs were followed for 2 years. The infants were between 2 and 18 months old when the study began. Mothers in the control group (n = 12) received a simple care and advice program, and those in the test group (n = 15) followed a preventive and operative regimen. The occurrence and the incremental occurrence of caries in the mothers and children in both groups were determined annually. Using a commercial kit, levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva and plaque were measured in the children at 6-month intervals. The microbial data demonstrated that the children of mothers in the test group had significant reductions in mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in plaque (P <0.001), whereas no such trend was observed in control children during the 24-month monitoring period (P >0.05). After 12 months, the occurrence of caries (dfs) was significantly lower in the test group than in the control group (0.13 ± 0.35 vs 1.67 ± 1.30, respectively; P <0.001). A similar difference was observed after 24 months (0.2 ± 0.56 vs 3.17 ± 1.70, respectively; P <0.001). The results of this 2-year study demonstrate that a preventive and operative regimen designed to reduce oral bacterial levels in mothers can be remarkably effective in reducing the incidence of caries in infants in rural southeastern Anatolia. Owing to the prevalence of a traditional lifestyle based on close-knit families and clans, this region is an advantageous environment for the reduction of bacterial transmission from mother to child, while largely excluding other sources of infection for the child.

Effect of different frequencies of preventive maintenance treatment on dental caries: five-year observations in general dentistry patients

A long-term study in adults at a public dental clinic in Sweden was initiated to evaluate the relative effectiveness of prophylactic treatments on the progression of dental caries and periodontal disease. With treatments scheduled every 3rd, 6th, 12th or 18th month, this report presents results on caries for the 3-month, 6-month and 18-month groups, and evaluates the impact of various caries-related risk factors. Caries increment over approximately 5 years was determined by adding clinical and radiographic findings of manifest primary and secondary caries during the study. Overall caries activity among all 105 participating individuals was low to moderate. No significant differences for caries on any of the various tooth surfaces or for total caries were observed among the three groups. Multiple regression analysis with 5-year caries increment as dependent variable showed that the following factors had a statistically significant association with caries increment: percentage filled surfaces at baseline examination, dietary score, plaque score, and number of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva. Non-significant factors included number of preventive treatments provided during the 5-year interval. The results of this long-term trial suggest that preventive treatments as often as every 3-6 months may not be justified in the case of patients with low to moderate caries activity.

Influence of Short-Term Sucrose Exposure on Plaque Acidogenicity and Cariogenic Microflora in Individuals with Different Levels of Mutans Streptococci

The aim was to study the short-term effect of a varying sucrose exposure on plaque acidogenicity and cariogenic microflora in two groups of subjects with different levels of mutans streptococci (MS). Eight subjects with low (<10⁴) and 8 with high (>10⁶) numbers of MS per millilitre saliva participated. Three 7-day test periods were conducted. During two of these, the subjects rinsed either 5 or 10 times daily with 10% sucrose; the third period without any mouth rinses served as control. The subjects refrained from oral hygiene during the last 3 days of each test period. On day 7, the following parameters were measured: plaque pH after a sucrose rinse, numbers of MS, Streptococcus sanguis and lactobacilli in saliva, percent MS in plaque and plaque index. The results revealed that plaque acidogenicity was more pronounced for the high-MS group compared to the low-MS group after all three test periods, i.e. lower resting pH, deeper pH falls and a lower final pH. For both groups, the greatest pH-lowering capacity of plaque was found after the period with 10 sucrose rinses/day. An increase in bacterial counts was noted for both groups during the test periods with the 5- and 10-time rinse regimen; this increase was larger for the high-MS group compared to the group with low MS counts. The highest plaque index was, irrespective of the test period, found for the high-MS group.

The Effect of 6-Monthly Application of 40% Chlorhexidine Varnish on the Microflora and Dental Caries Incidence in a Population of Children in Surinam

This study is aimed at determining whether a commercially available varnish, containing 40% chlorhexidine, is able to reduce the numbers of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva, in a moderately caries-active population in Surinam. 238 children, ages 13–14 years, were selected from different schools in Paramaribo, Surinam. From these children, total dental status was recorded and saliva samples were taken. At baseline and every 6 months, a 40% chlorhexidine varnish (EC40^®) was applied. The control group received a neutral gel that did not contain chlorhexidine. The numbers of salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli were calculated by standard methods, and the caries status was recorded every 12 months. The study lasted 30 months. The results indicate that chlorhexidine varnish did not decrease the numbers of cariogenic bacteria, nor did it decrease caries progression. Moreover, in this population with a low dental health care, children with lactobacilli present in the saliva above our detection level, the chlorhexidine varnish even tended to increase caries progression, possibly due to selection of aciduric and acidogenic oral bacterial species. We therefore conclude that 40% chlorhexidine varnish is not likely to decrease caries in children in a high-treatment-need population without treatment of the sources of infection.

Move of adults with mental retardation from institutions to community-based living: changes in the oral microbiological flora.

In the Western world, the policy of deinstitutionalization and integration of individuals with mental retardation is generally accepted. We tested the hypothesis that de-institutionalization may lead to changes of habits with a potential to influence oral health. When 57 adults with mental retardation moved from an institution to community-based living, their oral hygiene habits, gingival bleeding, and a three-day food record were registered one month before and 9 and 21 months after the move. Mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva, P. intermedia/P. nigrescens, P. gingivalis, and A. actinomycetemcomitans in supragingival plaque, and C. albicans on mucous membranes were analyzed. After 21 months of community-based living, fewer persons showed high classes of mutans streptococci, growth of P. intermedia/P. nigrescens, and high frequency of sucrose intake, and more subjects showed growth of C. albicans. In a short perspective, the indicators of oral diseases suggest an unchanged or lower risk of oral diseases after the de-institutionalization of individuals with moderate or severe mental retardation.

金銀パラジウム合金の変色に関する臨床的研究 口腔微生物叢，口腔内揮発性硫化物

This study was conducted to investigate the principal factors involved in the discoloration of 12 Wt% Au-Ag-Pt alloy. Luminance of cast clasps, oral conditions, the presence cariogenic microbes such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in saliva, Candida on the tongue and the amount of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC: H2S and CH3SH) produced by the tongue coating were evaluated in 70 subjects (VSC: 45 subjects). The surfaces of cast clasps were observed using an electron probe X-ray microanalyzer and changes in the surface were evaluated in relation to the degree of discoloration.The results were as follows:1. The Mann-Whitney U-test revealed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between the production of CH3SH and VSC (CH3SH+H2S) and luminance.2. Examinations of the cross section of markedly discolored casts revealed a very rough surface. A distinct peak of S was also indicated by linear analysis.The results demonstrated that among the many different factors such as oral conditions and oral flora, the production of CH3SH was the most significantly related to the discoloration of 12 Wt% Au-Ag-Pt alloy. The potential for discoloration tended to be higher in subjects who had a high production of CH3SH.

Simplified sampling methods for estimating levels of lactobacilli in saliva in dental clinical practice

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether estimation of lactobacilli was possible with simplified saliva sampling methods. Dentocult® LB (Orion Diagnostica AB, Trosa, Sweden) was used to estimate the number of lactobacilli in saliva sampled by 3 different methods from 96 individuals: (i) Collecting and pouring stimulated saliva over a Dentocult® dip-slide; (ii) direct licking of the Dentocult® LB dip-slide; (iii) contaminating a wooden spatula with saliva and pressing against the Dentocult® dip-slide. The first method was in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and selected as the 'gold standard'; the other 2 methods were compared with this result. The 2 simplified methods for estimating levels of lactobacilli in saliva showed good reliability and specificity. Sensitivity, defined as the ability to detect individuals with a high number of lactabacilli in saliva, was sufficient for the licking method (85%), but significantly reduced for the wooden spatula method (52%).