Levels Of Mutans Streptococci Research Articles

Effect of Herbal Water, Ozonated Water, Water, and Chlorhexidine Mouthrinses on Oral Health Status of Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACTAimTo evaluate the antibacterial effect of herbal water, ozonated water, and chlorhexidine mouthrinses on salivary Streptococcus mutans level and to assess their effectiveness of these mouthrinses on the oral health status of children.Materials and methodsA parallel multiarm randomized controlled trial was conducted in 100 children aged 10–12 years. Debris index-simplified (DI-S), calculus index-simplified (CI-S), oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) scores, and Streptococcus mutans counts were recorded at baseline (T1). They were randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 25): HW, herbal water; OW, ozonated water; W, water; and CHX, chlorhexidine. Intervention period was 15 days and data collection was repeated after 15 days (T2) and 30 days (T3). Saliva samples were used to evaluate S. mutans count. Results were tabulated and analyzed statistically.ResultsOW had minimum DI-S score at T2 and T3 periods. HW had the minimum CI-S score at T2 and T3 periods. CHX had the minimum S. mutans count at T2 and T3 periods. OW showed maximum reduction in OHI-S score at T2 period. HW showed maximum reduction in OHI-S score at T3 period.ConclusionHerbal water and ozone water can be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine in maintaining the oral health status.Clinical significanceHerbal water and ozonated water can be used in children instead of chemical mouthrinses to avoid any adverse effects.How to cite this articleMon J, Asokan S, Priya PRG, et al. Effect of Herbal Water, Ozonated Water, Water, and Chlorhexidine Mouthrinses on Oral Health Status of Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(6):514–519.

Comparison of Punica granatum, Terminalia chebula, and Vitis vinifera Seed Extracts used as Mouthrinse on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Levels in Children

The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of all Punica granatum, Terminalia chebula, and Vitis vinifera on salivary Streptococcus mutans levels in children and also to evaluate their substantivity at an interval of 15 days that is at day 1, days 16, and 31. This study was designed for a randomized clinical double-blinded study where 80 children of 8-15 years of age were living in a residential premise. Subjects were randomly divided into 4 groups of 20 each to whom mouthrinses were given. The criteria for assessing the efficacy was done by collecting the saliva sample for pH, buffering capacity, plaque index, and Streptococcus mutans microbiologic assay. These values were assessed at the baseline, days 16, and 31. Children were asked to discontinue mouthrinse from days 16 to 31. The supervisor was trained to administer the mouthrinses properly. The data were coded and analysis was done using the SPSS version 20. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The pH and buffering capacity showed that values were almost the same among all four groups at various time intervals which showed statistically nonsignificant results. Punica granatum showed a maximum reduction in S. mutans count followed by T. chebula and V. vinifera, although they were statistically nonsignificant. The Vitis vinifera group had successfully reduced more plaque score at day 16 (0.04) followed by T. chebula (0.09) and P. granatum (0.12). This in vivo study implied that V. vinifera had shown the lowest plaque reduction owing to its antioxidant and phytochemical properties. And P. granatum showed the maximum substantivity. Mouthrinses helped in reducing plaque deposition, caries activity, and helped in oral hygiene maintenance. Hereby, we can conclude that nutraceutical mouthrinses are safe in children and produced superior results than the chemical mouthrinses.

Middle ear infection in children and its association with dental caries.

IntroductionMiddle ear infection affects mostly infants and children, associated with elevated level of S. mutans, which increases the chances of developing caries.AimTo evaluate the difference in level of Streptococcus mutans between normal children & children affected by middle ear infection.MethodThis descriptive study was carried out on 120 children aged 5 years and younger. They were selected randomly from schools and medical hospitals. S. mutans was counted from saliva sample and a questionnaire was given to be filled by their parents about the feeding method, pattern and specific childhood illness.ResultOut of 120 children examined, 62 were boys and 58 were girls. Mean CFU in middle ear infection group was 5.60+9.53, whereas in children with no middle ear infection it was 1.70+3.34. Unpaired ‘t’ test revealed statistically significant difference among the two groups (p value = 0.001).ConclusionS. mutans count was comparatively higher in children having middle ear infection rather than non-infected children, which may cause dental caries in the future.

Decision tree analysis for factors associated with dental caries in school-aged children in Japan.

Our study aimed to elucidate the interactive relationship between factors associated with dental caries in school children using decision tree analysis. Cross-sectional study Methods: Participants were recruited from public primary schools (9-12 years, 4th to 6th grade) and junior high schools (12-13 years, 1st grade) in Japan. A total of 1775 students (928 boys and 847 girls) were analyzed. Questionnaire survey, oral examination, and saliva test were performed. Multiple logistic regression and decision tree analysis were performed. Multiple logistic regression showed an association between dental caries and toothpaste use, dental attendance and the presence of Streptococcus mutans. Decision tree analysis showed that students with non-regular dental attendance were at a significantly higher risk of dental caries at the late stage of primary school. At the early stage of primary school, high levels of Streptococcus mutans and male sex were factors associated with dental caries. In students with low levels of Streptococcus mutans, using toothpaste occasionally was associated with a high risk of dental caries. In early primary school years, S. mutans may be a useful screening and diagnostic tool for dental caries. In students with high levels of S. mutans, sex may be associated with dental caries. Furthermore, in students with low levels of S. mutans, regular use of toothpaste should be encouraged, and in late primary school years, regular dental attendance should be encouraged to prevent dental caries.

Are dairy products containing probiotics beneficial for oral health? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the effect of probiotic containing in dairy products on oral and salivary parameters. Electronic searches were performed based on the PICO criteria. Randomized controlled trials in adults/children (P) in which dairy products containing probiotics (I) were compared to controls (C) for establishment of oral health (O) were included. Risk of bias and data extraction were performed. The meta-analysis evaluated the influence of probiotics on Streptococcus mutans (SM), Lactobacillus spp. (LB), and yeast counts, plaque index, and salivary pH. Random or fixed effect models were used, and heterogeneity was tested. Thirty-two studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 24 in the meta-analysis. For dichotomous results, individuals who consumed probiotics exhibited decreased scores in SM concentrations (RD 0.15 [0.02, 0.28] p = 0.03, I2 = 70%), but no change was observed for LB (RD 0.10 [- 0.03, 0.23] p = 0.13, I2 = 94%), or yeast levels (RD 0.05 [- 0.02, 0.12] p = 0.7, I2 = 48%). For continuous analysis, both probiotic and control groups presented similar results for SM and LB (MD - 0.55 [- 1.16, 0.07] p = 0.08, I2 = 62%, and RD 0.10 [- 0.03, 0.23] p = 0.13, I2 = 94%, respectively). The consumption of probiotics increased salivary pH (MD 0.20 [0.04, 0.35] p = 0.01, I2 = 46%) and plaque index (MD 0.38 [0.11, 0.65] p = 0.005, I2 = 0%). The probiotic milk reduced SM (MD - 0.59 [- 0.96, - 0.22] p = 0.002, I2 = 0%), and the probiotic yogurt decreased LB counts (RD 0.35 [0.19, 0.51] p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). In general, dairy probiotics were effective in reducing SM, increasing salivary pH, and promoting a higher plaque index. Liquid matrices, such as milk and yogurt, seem to be more effective in reducing SM and LB levels. Consumption of dairy products containing probiotics could be a supporting method in caries prevention.

Effects of a food enriched with probiotics on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. salivary counts in preschool children: a cluster randomized trial.

Probiotics have provided benefits to general health, but they are still insufficient to dental health.Objective:This study aimed to evaluate milk supplemented with probiotic bacteria and standard milk, measured by levels of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus spp., in 3-4-year-old children after 9 months of intervention.Material and Methods:The study was a triple-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. The sample was composed of 363 preschoolers attending five child development centers in Cali, Colombia. They were randomized to two groups: children in the intervention group drank 200 mL of milk with Lactobacillus rhamnosus 5x10 6 and Bifidobacteruim longum 3x10 6 , and children in the control group drank 200 mL of standard milk. Interventions occurred on weekdays and information was gathered through scheduled clinical examination. The primary result was the number of colony forming units (CFU) of S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. in the saliva. Secondary results were dental caries, rated by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), dental plaque, pH, and salivary buffer capacity.Results:The proportion of S. mutans was lower in the intervention group compared with the control group after 9 months; however, the differences did not reach statistical significance (p=0.173); on the other hand, statistically significant differences between groups were found in the CFU/mL of Lactobacillus spp. (p=0.002). There was not statistically significant difference in the prevalence of dental caries for both groups (p=0.767). Differences between groups were found in the salivary buffering capacity (p=0.000); neither salivary pH nor dental plaque were significantly different.Conclusions:Regular consumption of milk containing probiotics bacteria reduced CFU/mL of Lactobacillus spp. and increased salivary buffering capacity at 9 months of consumption.

A Rapid Method for Estimation of Cariogenic Bacteria Based on a Stationary Liquid Phase Lab-on-a-chip

Salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus sp. are important risk factors for dental caries. Application of current test methods is limited because of the requirement for a time-consuming incubation step or expensive laboratory instruments. In this study, we developed a rapid method for determination of the representative cariogenic bacteria, S. mutans and Lactobacillus plantarum, based on a stationary liquid phase lab-on-a-chip (SLP LOC). The method utilized two types of particles, i.e., magnetic capture particles (CPs) for capture of target bacteria and nonmagnetic labeling particles (LPs) for labeling of the captured bacteria with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Complexes of CP-bacteria-LP were formed in a sample chamber of the LOC and transported to a detection chamber containing the chromogenic substrate of HRP by moving a magnet under the LOC. The method is simple and enabled detection of the two bacteria in a range required for caries risk diagnosis within 40 min without the use of any complicated instruments. Accordingly, this method may have applications in the rapid diagnosis of dental caries risk.

Saliva changes in Parkinson\u2019s disease patients after injection of Botulinum neurotoxin type A

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are compromised by poor oral condition due to oropharyngeal bradykinesia, dysphagia, and the side effects of treatment. Intrasalivary gland injections of Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BNT-A) have been known to treat sialorrhea effectively in these patients. However, the decreased amount of saliva reduces self-cleaning ability that deteriorates oral hygiene and increases dental caries. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in the oral microflora and saliva in patients with PD treated for sialorrhea by means of sonography-controlled BNT-A injections into the bilateral parotid and submandibular glands. Altogether, 38 persons participated in the study: 12 PD patients who were injected with BNT-A for treatment of sialorrhea and passed salivary tests before and 1 month after the injections; and 13 PD patients and 13 healthy subjects who were not injected with BNT-A and passed salivary tests once. The condition of oral health was measured by the amount of saliva, salivary flow rate, and salivary composition. A good outcome with a significant decrease in salivary flow rate occurred at 1-month follow-up in the BNT-A-treated group while no significant change was found in salivary composition. BNT-A treatment did not change the Streptococcus mutans levels in saliva but there was statistically significant increase in levels of Lactobacilli. BNT-A injections can effectively treat sialorrhea while considering the change of oral microflora, and the patients should be under dentists’ care more frequently. EudraCT clinical trial number: 2015-000682-30.

Dermatoglyphic patterns in children with dental caries: An In vivo Study

Background: Dental caries is the predominant cause of tooth loss in children and young adults. Mutans streptococci are the principal etiological agents of dental caries, of which Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Streptococcus sobrinus are most important in terms of human caries. Genetic factors also contribute to dental caries of which dermatoglyphics is one. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the unique relationship between genetic component (dermatoglyphics) and dental components (dental caries, salivary pH, SM level) and to identify children at particular risk of dental decay. Settings and Design: One hundred children, 6–12 years of age, were selected and divided into two groups: Group 1 (children with dental caries, subject group) and Group 2 (children without dental caries, control group). Methods: Dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using a digital scanner (CanoScan LiDE), and dental caries status was recorded with “decayed-extracted-filled teeth” index for primary teeth and “decayed-missing-filled teeth” index for permanent teeth. Salivary pH was determined using pH meter strips. SM level was estimated by microbial culture of collected saliva samples. Statistical Analysis: Mann–Whitney test, Wilcoxon test, and Z-test were applied. Results and Conclusion: (1) Subject group had a decreased frequency of loops, whereas control group had increased frequency of loop pattern on palmer digits (P < 0.001). (2) Subject group had a low salivary pH toward normal and control group had high salivary pH values toward normal (P < 0.001). (3) Subject group had high SM level as compared to control group (P < 0.001). Therefore, there exists a relationship between genetic component (dermatoglyphics) and dental component (dental caries, salivary pH, and SM level).

Effectiveness of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate and xylitol chewing gums on salivary pH, buffer capacity, and Streptococcus mutans levels: An interventional study.

The aim of the study is to compare the anticariogenic effectiveness of Casein phosphopeptide- Amorphous Calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and xylitol chewing gums based on salivary pH, buffer capacity, and Streptococcus mutans levels. A group of twenty individuals in the age group of 18-25 years were randomly divided into two Groups A and B. Test arm A received xylitol gums and test arm B received CPP-ACP gums and they were instructed to use the gums thrice daily for 2 weeks. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected before they began the use of the gums for baseline values, 24 h after beginning the usage of chewing gums and at the end of 14 days. The samples were analyzed for pH, buffer capacity, and S. mutans levels. A statistically significant reduction of salivary S. mutans levels, improvement in salivary pH, and buffer capacity were displayed in both groups 24 h and 14 days after the intervention when compared with baseline. Group B showed more statistically significant improvement in pH than group A after 24 h (P = 0.028) and at the end of 2 weeks (P = 0.041). CPP-ACP has better ability than xylitol in improving the pH of saliva. Both CPP-ACP and xylitol gums individually have remarkable ability in bringing down S. mutans levels while simultaneously improving the pH and buffer of saliva.

Evaluation of relationship between dental caries, diabetes mellitus and oral microbiota in diabetics.

Background:Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease leading to abnormal fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Reduced salivary flow rate caused by hyperglycemia is characteristic mainly for periods of poor metabolic control of diabetes, thereby facilitating the growth of aciduric bacteria and caries-lesion development. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of diabetes mellitus on dental caries micro-organisms responsible for caries.Materials and Methods:This study was carried out on 60 subjects consisting of 2 groups. The Group A (study group) consisted of 30 subjects with diabetes mellitus and dental caries, and the Group B (control group) consisted of 30 subjects with dental caries but no systemic disease. DFS/dfs index in all subjects was evaluated and compared. Unstimulated salivary flow was collected and levels of Streptococcus mutans were analyzed.Results:It was found that the fasting blood sugar in Group A subjects because of which there was increased streptococcus mutans count and hence high caries index as compared to that of Group B.Conclusion:From our study, we could conclude that with increased age, blood sugar levels, DMFT values, dental caries increases in diabetics than in normal (control) subjects and therefore relationship does exist between diabetis mellitus, oral microbiota and dental caries.

Dermatoglyphic findings in dental caries and their correlation with salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in school-going children in and around Moradabad.

Introduction:Dental caries is the disease of the calcified tissues of the teeth resulting from the action of microorganisms on carbohydrates characterized by a decalcification of inorganic portion of the tooth and accomplished or followed by disintegration of organic portion. Genetic susceptibility to dental caries is dependent on certain factors, which, if evaluated, can help in estimating disease situation prematurely. Dermatoglyphics are the genetically determined dermal ridge configurations on the digits, palms and soles, influenced by environmental forces that are operating before birth. Hence, the study was undertaken to establish a possible link between dental caries and dermatoglyphics and to determine whether specific dermatoglyphic patterns exist which help in predicting the occurrence of dental caries.Subjects and Methods:The dermatoglyphics of 50 caries free (CF) and 50 individuals with dental caries (WDC) were taken and compared with the microbial levels of Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli, and results were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively.Statistical Analysis:Analysis was done using P value, Chi-square test and Student's t-test.Results and Conclusion:(1) Whorl pattern was more common in individuals WDC (P < 0.0001) as compared to the CF individuals who exhibited more loop pattern (P = 0.002). (2) Whorl pattern had significant association with the microbial counts of S. mutans (P = 0.383) and Lactobacillus (P = 0.015) with no such statistically significant correlation with loop pattern in the disease group. (3) ≤6 loops was a good predictor of caries. ≥4 whorls was a moderate predictor of caries.

The effect of fiber-reinforced composite versus band and loop space maintainers on oral Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus mutans levels in saliva.

Orthodontic bands have been shown to alter oral microbial flora that lead to convert caries-free patients to moderate or high caries risk individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of conventional band and loop space maintainers versus fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) resin space maintainer on the salivary cariogenic microflora (Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans) in children over a period of 6 months. The study sample was divided equally into two groups: Group A: 25 patients received FRC (INFIBRA®: Reinforcing ribbon, Bioloren, Italy) space maintainer and Group B: 25 patients received band and loop space maintainers. The saliva samples were collected from the patients before the insertion of the space maintainer and at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postinsertion. The Lactobacillus acidophilus isolated was 1.7 colony-forming unit (CFU) (×106) and 1.8 CFU (×106) in Group A and Group B, respectively, prior to the insertion of space maintainers. There was no significant increase in L. acidophilus over the follow-up of 6 months in both the groups (P > 0.05). However, the Streptococcus mutans isolated before insertion in both Group A and Group B was 2.6 CFU (×106), which over a period of 6 months showed significant increase to 3.13 CFU (×106) in Group B (P < 0.05) and no increase was seen in Group A. S. mutans level increased considerably in patients with band and loop space maintainer over the follow-up of 6 months. No significant increase in the L. acidophilus count was observed over the same period in both the groups.

Salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis in early childhood caries: An in vivo study.

The oral microflora primarily involved in early childhood caries (ECC) is Streptococcus mutans while Streptococcus sanguinis is related to healthy caries-free mouth. The antagonism between the two at biological level is well recognized. This study aims to compare the pre- and posttreatment salivary levels of S. mutans and S. sanguinis in ECC. This cross-sectional study was performed on 40 eligible participants. Clinical examination was done, and decayed teeth were recorded. Pre- and Posttreatment saliva sample was taken, processed and bacterial counts were compared. A statistically significant posttreatment reduction was found in S. mutans counts; however, a significant posttreatment elevation was seen in S. sanguinis counts (P < 0.001) using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A significant weak positive correlation was found between S. mutans and decayed teeth in the mouth (r = 0.366 and P = 0.028) using Spearman's correlation. No significant gender association was found between pre- and posttreatment S. mutans and S. sanguinis counts (P = 0.908) and also between decayed teeth (P = 0.321) using Mann-Whitney U-test. Complete dental treatment procedure showed significant reduction and elevation in S. mutans and S. sanguinis counts, respectively. A positive association was observed between S. mutans and ECC while S. sanguinis were positively associated with posttreatment oral environment.

A Prospective Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Supersaturated Calcium Phosphate Oral Rinse in Patients with Xerostomia

Background and Objective: Xerostomia exhibits symptoms of variable severity that are commonly attributed to medication use, chronic disease and medical treatment, such as radiotherapy to the head and neck region. Chronic xerostomia significantly increases the risk of experiencing dental caries, periodontal disease, and other oral diseases that may negatively affect the quality of life. This study was aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of a Supersaturated Calcium Phosphate Rinse (SSCPR) in patients diagnosed with xerostomia. Material and Methods: 38 subjects with xerostomia and high Streptococcus mutans levels were divided blindly under the control and test group. The control group received standard customary treatment while subjects under the test group were further advised to rinse with SSCPR 4 times per day for 3 months. Clinical, microbiological, and biochemical oral health parameters were evaluated after 3 months. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Subjects under the test group i.e., using SSCPR had a 19% reduction in gingival inflammation, a 16% reduction in plaque level and a 29% improvement in oral hygiene as compared to the control group. There was a 39% improvement in salivary flow and a more neutral pH in the oral cavity compared to the control group. The S. mutans load in the test group was markedly less than as compared to the control group. All outcomes demonstrated a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Conclusion: Standard preventive and customary treatment when supplemented with SSCPR or SalivaMAX gave a statistically significant improvement in oral health for all outcomes measured (inflammation, plaque, oral hygiene, salivary flow, oral pH, and S. mutans) when used regularly for a 3 month time period. SSCRP shows promise as a daily oral rinse and should be further evaluated for additional health benefits

The Capacity of a Specific Anti-Streptococcus Mutans Monoclonal Antibodies Test to Identify the Diabetic Patients with Increased Risk of Periodontal Disease

By means of a specific anti-Streptococcus mutans monoclonal antibodies test we want to identify the diabetic patients which have an increased risk to develop the periodontal disease. The highest percentage, of 88.1% of all patients included in this study represents the subjects with a level greater than 500,000 cfu / mL of streptococcus mutans. The Kruskal-Wallis test reveals a value of p = 0.283 resulted from the status of diabetes in patients and the level of streptococcus mutans in saliva. In conclusion, the status of diabetes in patients seems not to influence the salivary level of mutans streptococci determined with the method used in our study.

The Evaluation Of Streptococcus Mutans Content Of Saliva In Patients With Recurrent Oral Ulceration

Introduction: Recurrent oral ulcer is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by mucosa ulceration, which was believed to have bacterial etiology. Streptococcus mutans is one of the bacteria which have been implicated in this case; it is gram-positive bacteria that reside in the biofilms on the tooth surfaces. The aim of this study was to evaluate Streptococcus mutans content in saliva of recurrent oral ulcer patients and its role as a prognostic factor. Materials and Methods: Saliva samples were obtained from 60 patients. They were divided into two groups, 30 recurrent oral ulcer patients and 30 controls. Sample of whole unstimulated saliva was collected and dropped onto the Caries Risk Test bacteria kit media by micropipette. After incubation at 37oc for 48 hours, the viable colonies were observed and the presence of Streptococcus mutans was determined semiquantitatively. The association between level of salivary Streptococcus mutans and the occurrence of the recurrent oral ulcer was tested using chi-squared test with p≤0.05 was accepted as significant. Results: The level of Streptococcus mutans was significantly higher in oral ulcer group as compared to the control group (p=0.009782). Male shows higher Streptococcus mutans concentration than female in both groups. Conclusion(s): Positive Streptococcus mutans colonization in the saliva were most pronounced in patients who has recurrent oral ulcer, suggesting that there is a relationship between increased presence of Streptococcus mutans and recurrent oral ulcer which may lead to the conclusion that Streptococcus mutans may be involved in the disease process of recurrent oral ulcer.

Streptococcus mutans in Mother-Child Dyads and Early Childhood Caries: Examining Factors Underlying Bacterial Colonization

This study investigated the association between colonization of mother-child dyads with Streptococcus mutans (SM) and early childhood caries (ECC), with consideration of the mediator and confounders, using a theoretical model. Four hundred mothers and their children from São Luís, Brazil, were included in the study. A diagram based on directed acyclic graphs was elaborated to analyze the association between SM colonization of the mother, mediated by child SM, and ECC. Other maternal (socioeconomic, waist circumference, sugar consumption, DMFT index, and visible plaque) and child factors (sugar consumption, visible plaque, and child age) composed the theoretical model. A total effect model (maternal SM on ECC) and a direct effect model, adjusted by the mediation effect of child SM (maternal SM via child SM) on ECC, were analyzed. The outcome of interest in this study was ECC (number of teeth with caries experience, dmft), which was analyzed as a discrete variable by Poisson regression. The Paramed test was used to analyze mediation. The following variables were associated with ECC in the total effect model: maternal SM, maternal waist circumference ≥80 cm, DMFT, maternal visible plaque, child age ≥4 years, and increased sugar consumption of the child (>3 times/day). In the direct effect model, high maternal SM levels remained associated with ECC, while moderate and high colonization of the child with SM was also associated with ECC. Child SM colonization just partially mediated the effect of maternal SM on ECC (33%). Thus, factors other than the mechanism of bacterial colonization should be considered in mother-child dyads, including eating habits, oral hygiene practices, and a family history of caries.

In vitro and in vivo anti-microbial activity evaluation of inactivated cells of Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 against Streptococcus mutans

ObjectiveDefining the etiology of dental caries is a complex problem. The microbiological approach has included Streptococcus mutans as one of the bacterial species involved in this disease. This research investigates the inhibitory effects of heat-inactivated Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 against S. mutans using in vitro and in vivo assays. DesignOn the one hand, the effect of non-viable L. salivarius CECT 5713 on the in vitro adhesion of S. mutans to hydroxyapatite discs was evaluated. On the other hand, levels of Streptococcus mutans, amount of salivary flow and salivary pH before and after taking the rinse with the non-viable L. salivarius CECT 5713 in healthy volunteers were assessed (self-controlled open-label pilot study). ResultsThe levels of S. mutans seemed to decrease in the in vitro and in vivo assays (p<0.05). The in vitro effect of non-viable L. salivarius was maintained until 36 months of storage. In addition, the reduction of S. mutans salivary concentration in the volunteers was statistically significant from the third day until two weeks of treatment. ConclusionsHeat-inactivated L. salivarius CECT 5713 prevents S. mutans adhesion to hydroxyapatite and could be used as a strategy to reduce the salivary concentration of this oral pathogen.

Effect of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus SD11 on oral microbiota of healthy volunteers: A randomized clinical trial

The aims of this study were to evaluate whether short-term consumption of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus SD11 affected levels of oral microbiota in vivo and whether L. rhamnosus SD11 could colonize in the human mouth. We also monitored for potential side effects of the probiotic. The applicability of using L. rhamnosus SD11 compared with Lactobacillus bulgaricus as a starter culture for fermented milk was evaluated. After informed consent, 43 healthy young adults were recruited and randomly assigned to either the probiotic or control group and received fermented milk containing L. rhamnosus SD11 or L. bulgaricus, respectively, once daily for 4 wk. The numbers of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, and total bacteria in saliva were counted at baseline and then after 4 and 8 wk. An oral examination was performed at baseline and after 8 wk. The persistence of L. rhamnosus SD11 was investigated by DNA fingerprinting using arbitrary primer-PCR. Results demonstrated that statistically significant reductions in mutans streptococci and total bacteria were observed in the probiotic group compared with the control group, and the number of lactobacilli was significantly increased in both groups after receiving fermented milks. Lactobacillus rhamnosus SD11 could be detected (in >80% of subjects) up to 4 wk following cessation of dosing among subjects in the probiotic group. No side effects were reported. Thus, L. rhamnosus SD11 could be used as a starter culture for fermented milk. Daily consumption of L. rhamnosus SD11-containing fermented milk for 4 wk may have beneficial effects on oral health by reducing salivary levels of mutans streptococci. The probiotic was apparently able to colonize the oral cavity for a longer time than previously reported. However, the potential benefits of probiotic L. rhamnosus SD11 on oral health require further evaluation with a larger group of volunteers in a longer-term study.