Levels Of Mutans Streptococci Research Articles

Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of triphala, assa-foetida and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinses on salivary streptococcus mutans

Oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal diseases are major worldwide oral health problems. Poor oral health has a profound effect on general health and quality of life. Dental caries is still a major health problem in most industrialized countries, school-aged children and the vast majority of adults. Streptococcus mutans is considered as one of the most important cariogenic species of the human oral microbial flora. Studies have proved the association between S. mutans and dental caries. Traditional Indian system of medicine “Ayurveda” includes several important medicinal herbs, which are used since ancient days. Triphala, which has a wide range of systemic benefits, is one among them. Studies have shown that Triphala has good antimicrobial effects against S. mutans. Ferula assa-foetida (F.assa-foetida), is a large herbaceous perennial plant from the Apiaceae family. The properties of Assa-foetida according to Traditional Persian Medicine resources suggest it is very effective for relieving toothache. Different parts of F. assa-foetida have a wide variety of medicinal applications including antifungal, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and anti-microbial effects. To compare and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Triphala, Assa-foetida and 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouth rinses on the salivary Streptococcus mutans level. Saliva samples were collected from children of age group of 5-11 years with a DMFT/def score ≥4 and with minimum of four active caries. Triphala and Asafoetida mouth rinses were prepared indigenously. Samples were plated on the culture media and then smeared on MHA media for assessing the antimicrobial efficacy against Chlorhexidine. The zone of inhibition was measured which showed the resistance against S.mutans. Results were statistically analyzed using one way ANOVA. Significant resistance was noted with asafoetida mouth rinse by measuring the zone of inhibition. Considering the results, Triphala and asafoetida mouth rinses serve as effective herbal mouth rinses for reducing the salivary Streptococcus mutans load and can be considered as an alternative to chemical mouthwash, like Chlorhexidine.

Comparison the salivary streptococcus mutans levels between caries-active and caries-free children from Birjand, Iran: A case-control study

ObjectiveDental plaque bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans (SM), play a role in the pathogenesis of the dental caries. There are conflicting results regarding the association of salivary SM level and dental caries susceptibility. Our aim was to compare salivary SM levels in colony-forming units (CFU) between children with active caries and caries-free children in Birjand, Iran. MethodsThis case-control study included 61 six-year-old children referred to health centers in Birjand city, Iran, in 2022. The children were divided into two groups: case (dmft/DMFT>0 with active caries) (including 31 children) and control (dmft/DMFT = 0 [caries-free]) (including 30 children). Demographic information and dental history were recorded. Oral examinations were also performed by the dentist. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from children. The number of salivary SM colonies was determined using the microbial culture and confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The data were analyzed using Chi-square and T-tests at a significance level of p < 0.05. ResultsThe mean number of SM colonies was 126.24 ± 92.78 CFU/ml and 92.38 ± 75.34 CFU/ml in case and control groups, respectively. No significant difference was found in salivary SM levels between case and control groups (P = 0.125). No significant association was observed between caries experience with gender (P = 0.363), type of school (public/private) (P = 0.296), receiving oral health education (P = 0.072) and frequency of tooth brushing (P = 0.935). The mean gingival index (P = 0.001) and plaque index (P = 0.025) in case group were significantly higher than control group. ConclusionThere is no significant difference in salivary SM levels between caries-active and caries-free children in Birjandi children.

Relationship between cariogenic bacteria and molar incisor hypomineralization in Brazilian schoolchildren.

Teeth with defects in their structure, such as the ones affected by molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH), are more susceptible to carious lesions. Caries is a complex and multifactorial disease highly prevalent in childhood. The present research evaluated the relationship between the stages of MIH and cariogenic bacteria in children. After examining 566 schoolchildren, four groups of 10 children each were formed: healthy (G1), mild MIH (G2 and G3), and severe MIH + caries (G4). Dental biofilm was assessed to quantify Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus spp. (LB) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). LB counting in biofilm samples of healthy children (G1) and those with mild MIH characterized by white opacities (G2) were not significantly different. The same happened when the ones with yellow opacities (G3) were compared with severe MIH + caries (G4) (P>0.05). The post hoc Tukey test proved that G4 had greater levels of SM and LB when compared with G2 (P<0.05); however, the control group did not diverge from the others considering SM (P>0.05). Increased LB enhanced the severity of MIH [rate ratio (RR): 7.706; P=0.035]. LB was influenced by different degrees of MIH and the presence of caries and could guide clinical decisions and patients' recommendations to prevent carious lesions in MIH children.

Oral Microbiota in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate: A Systematic Review.

Cleft in the lip and/or palate (CLP) is a congenital facial deformity that significantly impacts the oral cavity's structure and function. This malformation can affect the oral microbiota. The objective of this systematic review was to examine and consolidate the current scientific evidence on the oral microflora in children with CLP. The search strategy included the PubMed, PubMed Central, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases. The inclusion criteria were studies assessing oral microbiota in children with CLP. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. The search strategy identified 422 potential articles. Twelve papers met the inclusion criteria. High heterogeneity was observed in methodologies, sample sites, and patient characteristics. Eight studies assessed the levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in saliva, with some reporting significantly higher levels in the cleft group compared to controls, while others found no differences. One study reported a significantly higher colonization rate of Candida species in patients with cleft lip and/or palate. The results of the available studies are unclear. Further research is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the oral microbiota and potential implications for oral health management in this population. The review was not registered Registration Statement.

Effect of Intraoral Appliance on Oral Health Status and Streptococcus mutans Count: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract Objective Appliances used in preventive and interceptive orthodontics, which are often provided to correct or intercept a specific malocclusion or habit, may be detrimental. to a child's oral health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intra oral appliance wear on the plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, and on levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans. Materials and Methods A total of 60 children requiring any preventive or interceptive orthodontic treatment (appliance therapy) were randomly divided into two groups, as fixed orthodontic appliance group (n = 30) and removable appliance group (n = 30). Preoperative and post operative assessments of patients were done before and after wearing appliances. Assessment was done by determining oral hygiene status and microbiological evaluation of saliva for S. mutans count. S. mutans colonies were counted from saliva cultured on mitis-salivarius-bacitracin (MSB) agar. Statistical Analysis Data that are continuous in nature were summarized as standard deviation and mean. For “within group” comparisons, paired t-tests were used to analyze the continuous data. For “between group” comparisons, unpaired t-tests and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze the continuous data. Results Appliance treatment increases plaque and gingival indices. Plaque and gingival index changes 1 month after deployment of both fixed and removable appliances were essentially the same and statistically non-significant with p-values of 0.412 and 0.965. Bleeding on probing after insertion of both appliances was not statistically significant (p=0.423). S. mutans numbers increased following removable and fixed orthodontics. Fixed appliances had more S. mutans than removable appliances (p=0.014). Conclusion The inherent levels of these microorganisms are related with plaque accumulation due to fixed or removable appliances. Increase in the level of plaque and microorganisms after fixed and removable appliance therapy can hamper optimum oral health and thus is a concern for pedodontists. During orthodontic therapy, cariogenic pathogens should be reviewed, and to prevent cariogenic pathogens from increasing and to maintain oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, proper recall visits, patient and parent education, and regular fluoride application are essential.

Relationship between Dental Caries Experience and the Levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in Saliva of Pregnant Women.

Pregnancy-related changes may increase the risk of dental caries. The Cariogram software program was created to understand this risk better. This study aims to correlate dental caries experience with Streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus levels in saliva using real-time PCR. This case-control analytical study conducted in Erbil City, Iraq, between 2021 and 2023 used a Cariogram to assess tooth decay risk and a real-time PCR assay to detect oral bacteria. Kurdish chewing gum with oil extract was used to stimulate saliva production. The chance of preventing tooth decay was 50.57% in pregnant women and 60.26% in non-pregnant women, with a statistically significant difference. The correlation between caries risk categories and Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus levels in saliva was significant but weakly positive, with strengths of 0.295 and 0.213, respectively. Furthermore, the proportion of pregnant women with Lactobacillus class 2 or Lactobacillus class 3 was significantly higher than that of non-pregnant women (7% and 10% versus 2% and 1%, respectively) with a p of 0.001. The study also found that 82% of pregnant women had a very low or zero amount of Streptococcus mutans compared to 96% of non-pregnant women (p = 0.011). The study concluded that Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus (SM and LBs) could be accurately detected through qPCR, and their counts have a significant positive correlation with caries risk categories. These bacteria are considered important causal agents of dental caries, especially in pregnant women.

Comparative evaluation of change in the pH and streptococcus mutans count in dental plaque after use of probiotic curd – an in vivo microbiological study

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated the decline in Streptococcus mutans level following consumption of Probiotic. However, most of them have tested the salivary levels of microbes. Aim: The aim of present study was to assess the effect of probiotic curd on pH and colony count of Streptococcus Mutans in dental plaque. Subjects and methods: This randomized control trial was conducted on 20 healthy children of 6-12 years of age. The subjects were randomly divided into group 1- probiotic group, who consumed probiotic yogurt for 15 days and group 2 – control group without any additional supplement. The pH and colony count of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque was recorded at baseline and after the intervention period of 15 days. Results: The drastic decline in the Streptococcus mutans level as well as drop in pH of plaque was noticed among the study group whereas no significant difference was seen in the control group. Conclusion: Even a short-term consumption of probiotics has detrimental effect on caries producing organism. Thus, it can be used as a preventive measure to control dental caries with added advantage on the general health.

Short-term use of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD11 and the oral microbiome: Low caries RCT study.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of short-term lozenges containing Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus SD11 on cariogenic pathogens and on oral microbiota. This double-blind, randomized, controlled trial included 121 subjects and was randomly divided into the control and probiotic group. All subjects were blindly administered to receive the control- or probiotic L. rhamnosus SD11 lozenges every day for 4 weeks and then followed up for another 4 weeks. After probiotic consumption, the probiotic group had significantly lower levels of Streptococcus mutans and significantly higher levels of total lactobacilli at 4 and 8 weeks compared with the baseline. The 16S rRNA sequencing revealed an increase in bacterial diversity and beneficial bacteria in the Firmicutes phylum, Bacilli class, and a reduction in the mutans streptococci group in the probiotic group. The opposite results were found in the control group. This study did not find any caries increment, nor did the subjects have any side effects after product consumption. With the limitation of a short-time study in low caries children, it showed that L. rhamnosus SD11 could increase beneficial bacteria in the Firmicutes phylum and Bacilli class that might support good oral health in children.

Streptococcus mutans levels in patients who received orthodontic brackets bonded using probiotic impregnated resin composite – a randomized clinical trial

To evaluate the effect of impregnating an orthodontic resin composite with probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) on the levels of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Thirty patients were randomly selected and allotted by block randomization to two groups: an experimental group, who received brackets bonded with probiotic impregnated resin composite and a control group, who received brackets bonded with conventional light cure resin composite. Plaque samples were collected before (ET0 and CT0) and two months (ET1 and CT1) after bonding. Levels of S. mutans were assessed using the colony count method. Two months after bonding of the brackets, the S. mutans levels had decreased with statistical significance in the experimental group (p = 0.001), but not in the control group (p = 0.137). Impregnation of resin composite with probiotic bacteria for the purpose of preventing formation of white spot lesions on enamel holds promise. Long-term evaluation would be necessary to provide confirmatory results.

Identification and Correlation of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis in Caries-active and Caries-free Children: A PCR Study.

Dental caries is currently considered an ecological imbalance within the oral biofilm leading to the dissolution of the tooth's hard tissues. It has been traditionally thought that two species belonging to the Streptococci group, Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Streptococcus sanguinis (SS), are the etiologically responsible for the onset of dental decay. The present in vivo study was conducted on 40 children with caries-active (CA) and caries-free (CF). They were allocated into two groups, group I (CA) = 20 and group II (CF) = 20. The whole saliva was collected into the vials with buffer solution and was stored in cold storage. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done to identify and correlate SM and SS in CA and CF children. Comparison of mean SM level between CA and CF groups showed a statistically significant result at p = 0.001. Spearman's correlation between caries score and SM showed a strong correlation of 0.77 between caries score and SM, which was statistically significant at p = 0.001. Similarly, SS and caries scores showed a weak correlation of 0.22. Simple linear regression analysis to SM and caries score showed a significant increase of 4.74 units for 1 score increase in caries score, which is statistically significant. The presence of SM levels in children with caries is significant, whereas, in CF children, SS levels are present in increased levels. A strong correlation was seen between caries scores and SM. The simple linear regression analysis predicts a statistically significant increase by 4.74 units per increase of 1 score of caries at p < 0.001. As caries increase, SM count increases, but SS count decreases; as SS count increases, there is a reduction in SM counts. Thimmegowda U, Belagatta V, Chikkanarasaiah N, et al. Identification and Correlation of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis in Caries-active and Caries-free Children: A PCR Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):9-15.

High-Throughput Sequencing Analysis of the Changes in the Salivary Microbiota of Hungarian Young and Adult Subpopulation by an Anthocyanin Chewing Gum and Toothbrush Change.

The sour cherry contains anthocyanins, which have bactericide action against some oral bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Sour cherry also has antibiofilm action against Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Our earlier research proved that chewing sour cherry anthocyanin gum significantly reduces the amount of human salivary alpha-amylase and Streptococcus mutans levels. The microbiota of a toothbrush affects oral health and regular toothbrush change is recommended. A total of 20 healthy participants were selected for the study. We analysed saliva samples with 16S rRNA sequencing to investigate the effect of 2 weeks (daily three times, after main meals) of chewing sour cherry anthocyanin gum-supplemented by toothbrush change in half of our case-control study cohort-after scaling on human oral microbiota. A more stable and diverse microbiome could be observed after scaling by the anthocyanin gum. Significant differences between groups (NBR: not toothbrush changing; BR: toothbrush changing) were evaluated by log2 proportion analysis of the most abundant family and genera. The analysis showed that lower level of some Gram-negative anaerobic (Prevotella melaninogenica, Porphyromonas pasteri, Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. vincentii) and Gram-positive (Rothia mucilaginosa) bacteria could be observed in the case group (BR), accompanied by build-up of health-associated Streptococcal network connections.

Relationship between dental fluorosis, dental caries and salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans.

Worldwide, dental caries is an endemic infection and a significant public health problem. Fluoride reduces caries by helping to prevent demineralisation, by remineralising early carious lesions, and by decreasing the activity and growth of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Fluoride intake above the optimal levels leads to a condition known as dental fluorosis, which causes hypo-mineralisation of the tooth. Some studies have revealed that the severity of fluorosis is directly proportional to caries, but some showed opposite results. Hence, with these contradicting results, this study was undertaken to identify the relationship between different grades of dental fluorosis, dental caries and the most common cariogenic bacteria S. mutans in saliva. A total of 90 subjects within 14- to 16-year age range were selected and categorised depending on the severity of fluorosis into three groups: group I (mild), group II (moderate) and group III (severe) based on modified Dean's fluorosis index criteria (1942). Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected using the oral rinse technique and processed for quantification of S. mutans using Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin Agar medium. The number of colony-forming units (CFUs) was determined using a colony counter and expressed as ≥102, ≥103, ≥104 and ≥105 CFUs per ml of the sample, in accordance with the scale recommended by the manufacturer (HiMedia Laboratories). The severity of the caries was measured using decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT). Observations revealed that the overall DMFT was directly proportional to the level of S. mutans titres. It was observed that 67 to 73% of participants showed fewer colony counts (102 and 103) with minimal DMFT scores and 27 to 33% showed higher counts (104 and 105) with higher DMFT scores in all the groups. 105 CFUs of group III showed the highest mean DMFT scores (2.9) with an increased number of involved subjects than group II (2.3) and group I (1.5). In all, male participants had higher bacterial titres and DMFT scores than females. Fluoride in the drinking water served as anticariogenic agent regardless of the severity of fluorosis. Severe fluorosis with a higher incidence of caries and increased CFUs of S. mutans clearly indicates the importance of preventive measures and early treatment to reduce the severity of fluorosis and prevalence of dental caries.

Bacterial profile in children with early childhood caries

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is the most common chronic infectious disease of childhood in the world, caused by the interaction of the host (oral cavity), substrate, microbes, and time. Bacteria as microbes that play a role in the formation of ECC have been widely studied. This study aims to determine the bacterial profile in children with ECC and to compare the oral microbial profiles in children with ECC and caries-free children (CF). Methods: This study uses a scoping review method. Article searches were performed on the PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases, using the keyword and Boolean operator "(early childhood caries) AND (profile bacterial OR bacterial) AND (children)." The initial search obtained 1356 articles. All articles were then selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria using the PRISMA procedure to receive 14 articles. Results: Analysis of 14 articles showed that 11 articles reported that Streptococcus mutans had high levels of ECC in children. Other bacteria with lesser numbers were Provetella, Veillonella, S. wiggsae, S. sobrinus, Lactobacillus, Leptrotrichia shahii, and Leptrotrichia IK04. Neisseria, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus salivarius, and Leptotrichia buccalis were found in CF children. Other bacteria such as Hemophilus paraphrohaemolyticus HK411, Neisseria sicca 4320, Neisseria sp. oral clones AP132, Actinobacillus pleuro-pneumoniae MCCM 00189, and Streptococcus sp. ASCE06 oral clone was found in CF children but not in ECC children, while Lactobacillus sp C56 was found in half of ECC children and not in CF children. Conclusion: Streptococcus mutans levels in children with ECC are high, so they are assumed to be the main bacteria causing ECC. The bacterial profiles of ECC and CF children are different in species diversity. KEYWORDS: Early Childhood Caries, Bacterial, Children

Assessment of Salivary Mutans Streptococci Counts to Atraumatic Restorative Treatment Among Children: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Introduction Besides the survival rate of restorations, the effect of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) on bacterial count is also important. After ART restoration, the bacterial count drops due to the fluoride's antibacterial activity and hence it can decrease the chances of further decay. The present studyassessed salivary mutans streptococci counts for six months of evaluations subsequent to ARTamong 12-15-year-old children attending schools in Piparia village, Vadodara district. Methods ART was performed on 32 children and followed up after six months to evaluate the success rate of ART. Saliva collection and microbial analysis were performed five times from every participant, before ART restoration placement, seven days, 30 days (one month), 90 days (three months) and 180 days (six months) post-restoration. Results At baseline, the mean colony forming units (CFU) was 48.30 ± 46.58, which reduced to 32.64 ± 30.40 at one week, which showed a 32% reduction in colony counts. This further reduced to 18.60 ± 20.81 at one month, marking a further 43% reduction in colony counts. This again reduced to 13.63 ± 18.04 at three months, which showed a 27% reduction in colony counts. CFU came to 16.23 ± 23.34 at six months, which showed a 19% increase in colony counts. Comparison of baseline mean CFU (48.30 ± 46.58) to six months mean CFU of streptococcus mutans (SM) (16.23 ± 23.34) showed a 66% reduction in colony counts. A statistically significant difference was found between numerous intervals of time of CFU of streptococcus mutans. Conclusion The findings reveal that ART is a clinical treatment that can be used to treat caries in young children, and it helped significantly reduce Streptococcus Mutans levels in saliva.

Nickel Release and the Viability of Streptococcus mutans Corresponding to Low Risk of Dental Caries in Artificial Saliva Containing Orthodontic Appliances: In Vitro Study.

The aims of this study were to determine the effect of different levels of Streptococcus mutans that correspond to a low risk of dental caries on nickel release and to determine the viability of S. mutans. Simulated fixed orthodontic appliances composed of copper nickel titanium, nickel titanium, or stainless steel were immersed in Klimek artificial saliva for 10 days with or without S. mutans inoculation on day 7. Same levels of S. mutans cultures (4 × 104 cfu/mL) were inoculated into the artificial saliva without orthodontic appliances. Nickel release was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The archwire surface was analyzed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The density of S. mutans significantly increased in the artificial saliva without orthodontic appliances (P < .05). Appliances with nickel titanium alloys showed higher nickel release in the artificial saliva with or without S. mutans than those with copper nickel titanium or stainless steel archwires (P < .05). However, S. mutans increased nickel release only in orthodontic appliances with stainless steel archwires (P < .05). Although atomic force microscopy showed that the surface of as-received stainless steel archwires was smoother than that of nickel titanium or nickel titanium archwires, S. mutans increased the surface roughness of only the SS archwires. S. mutans adhered to all archwire types. While corrosion or corrosion-related processes may have decreased the growth capacity of S. mutans, reciprocally, S. mutans influenced corrosion. Rough surfaces can also promote corrosion; therefore, the surface roughness of metal alloy orthodontic appliances should be evaluated to determine their corrosion behavior.

Evaluation of salivary parameters and Streptococcus’ Mutans count in children with cerebral palsy in Egypt: a case control study

BackgroundChildren with cerebral palsy (CP) are at high risk for dental caries. Alteration of some salivary properties encountered among them compared to healthy children, could play a role in this elevated risk.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to assess salivary physicochemical properties; including total antioxidant (TAC), flow rate, viscosity, pH and buffering capacity, as well as Streptococcus mutans level among children with CP, also to correlate these variables to their caries experience.Materials and methodsThis case control study included 80 children with CP, study group (SG) and matched number of healthy children for control group (CG). Interview-based questionnaire, clinical examination, salivary biochemical and microbiological investigations using MALDI-TOF were done.ResultsIn SG, the caries experience in primary teeth dmft and S. mutans log value were significantly higher than CG (P = 0.039, P = 0.002) while unstimulated salivary flow rate, buffering capacity and salivary TAC were significantly lower (P < 0.0001). Multivariate linear regression showed that the presence of CP was significantly associated with the greatest variation in caries experience in the primary teeth and permanent teeth. Higher unstimulated salivary flow rate, or an increase in buffering capacity by 1 ml of acid/ml of saliva were associated with lower number of the affected primary and permanent teeth. On the other hand, One-unit increase in S. mutans log count and higher salivary TAC were associated with higher caries experience.ConclusionChildren with CP have higher caries experience (dmf) due to lower salivary protective factors and higher S. mutans counts.

Comparative Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy of Emblica Officinalis Lollipop Against Streptococcus Mutans Counts in Institutionalized Visually Impaired Children.

BackgroundAmong the 1.21 billion population of India, 26.8 million individuals have disabilities, and around five million are visually impaired. These children encounter problems related to oral health maintenance, thus further leading to dental problems. Even though Pediatric dentists treat visually impaired children for their oral problems, they emphasize mainly on the prevention of dental caries. Dental caries has a multifactorial etiology, and dentists are unable to find a complete solution for its prevention. However, reducing Streptococcus mutans has been seen to reduce the caries rate in the past. The use of the herbal product Emblica officinalis to reduce Streptococcus mutans levels has been documented. An affordable delivery system is required to use Emblica officinalis for its anticaries action. Thus, a unique delivery system of herbal sugar-free lollipops containing Emblica officinalis extract was made and can effectively deliver antimicrobial action in visually impaired children.AimTo evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Emblica officinalis lollipop on Streptococcus mutans counts and pH levels in institutionalized visually impaired children.MethodA total of 60 institutionalized visually impaired children (age: 4 to 14 years) were selected. The study consisted of two groups (experimental “Emblica officinalis lollipop” and control “placebo lollipop”), and the children were divided equally into both groups. Children from the study and control groups were subjected to the respective lollipops twice daily for seven days. Streptococcus mutans count and pH count were evaluated at baseline and after seven days post-intervention of the respective lollipop.ResultsThe results showed that in both groups, Streptococcus mutans count was reduced post-intervention. However, the efficacy of the study group (Emblica officinalis lollipop) in inhibiting the Streptococcus mutans count was better than the control group (placebo lollipop). An increase in the pH level was seen post-intervention for both the study and control groups. And on the intergroup comparison, no statistical significance was found.ConclusionThe use of Emblica officinalis lollipop is effective in inhibiting the Streptococcus mutans count when compared with the placebo lollipop. While marginal pH change was seen in both groups. Thus, the herbal modality most acceptable without any pharmaceutical concerns should be chosen. Emblica officinalis lollipops can be used in institutionalized visually impaired children to reduce the oral Streptococcus mutans count and maintain a healthy oral cavity.

Association of otitis media with dental caries in children: a systematic review

Introduction: Otitis media, also known as middle ear infection, refers to any inflammation of the middle ear. It may be attributable to bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenzae (most commonly involved), though viruses can also cause middle ear infection. It affects the pediatric group during the first three years of life, with 80% youngsters having had one otitis media episode at the minimum by age three years, 50% having had at least three episodes, while a smaller number experience their first episode after age three years. This phenomenon has also been linked to an increased presence of Streptococcus mutans which in turn raises the risk of acquiring dental caries.&#x0D; Objective: To determine whether an association exists between middle ear infection and the high occurrence of Streptococcus mutans that ultimately leads to dental caries in children and causes poor oral hygiene problems.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: A comprehensive and well-organized search of published articles was conducted in February 2022. The investigation was conducted using the Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. Articles that fulfilled the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were appraised with respect to the key objectives of the review.&#x0D; Results: Based on the findings of the studies highlighted in this systematic review, not only was there a positive correlation between middle ear infection and dental caries, but some data were also supplied on the nature of the link between early childhood caries and middle ear infection.&#x0D; Conclusion: Increased Streptococcus mutans levels in early childhood together with other contributory risk factors such as middle ear infection could enhance the incidence of early childhood dental caries.

Antimicrobial efficacy of Xylitol, Probiotic and Chlorhexidine mouth rinses among children and elderly population at high risk for dental caries - A Randomized Controlled Trial.

SummaryIntroductionChlorhexidine is considered the most potent chemotherapeutic agent against Streptococcus mutans. However, its side effects due to prolonged use, indicates need for alternatives. The study intended to assess and compare antimicrobial efficacies of probiotic, xylitol and chlorhexidine mouth rinses in children and elderly.MethodsThe study was a Double blind Randomized Controlled Trial conducted among residential school children aged 5-12 years and elderly greater than 60 years residing in old age homes. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04399161). 30 participants each among children and elderly were chosen based on eligibility criterion (high risk for caries). They were further randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 participants in each group. Participants were asked to rinse with 15 ml of freshly prepared mouth rinses once daily for 2 minutes for 14 days. Antimicrobial efficacy was determined by assessing change in Streptococcus mutans levels in dental plaque.ResultsSignificant reduction in Streptococcus mutans counts were observed in both children and elderly (Chlorhexidine: mean difference = 3.11 log10CFU/g, p = 0.022, Xylitol: mean difference = 0.93 log10CFU/g, p = 0.046, Probiotic: mean difference = 1.91 log10CFU/g, p = 0.023 in children); (Chlorhexidine: mean difference = 2.23 log10CFU/g, p = 0.004, Xylitol: mean difference = 1.39 log10CFU/g, p = 0.009, Probiotic: mean difference = 1.61 log10CFU/g, p = 0.018 in elderly). Intergroup comparison showed no significant difference.ConclusionsAntimicrobial efficacy of xylitol and probiotic mouth rinses were comparable to that of chlorhexidine in both children and elderly. Probiotics could potentially be more efficacious than xylitol among children.

Effectiveness of the Lorodent Probiotic Lozenge in Reducing Plaque and Streptococcus mutans Levels in Orthodontic Patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial

Orthodontic patients are at a significant risk for oral diseases due to increased plaque accumulation and oral bacterial dysbiosis. We aimed to determine the efficacy of the commercially available Lorodent Probiotic Complex at reducing plaque accumulation and Streptococcus mutans bacterial levels in adolescent orthodontic patients. Sixty adolescents undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment for a minimum of 6 months were recruited in a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. They received either Lorodent probiotic lozenge (intervention, n = 30) or placebo lozenge (control, n = 30) orally every day for a 28-day administration period. Participants were assessed at four appointments (T1–T4) over a total of 56 days. Compliance and lozenge satisfaction were monitored. Saliva samples and supragingival plaques were collected for evaluation of S. mutans levels. Clinical assessment using a Plaque Index (PI) was used. Compliance with lozenge intake of all participants was over 90%. There was no significant change in the PI and composite PI scores in both placebo and probiotic groups at each time frame (all p > 0.05) or the relative S. mutans DNA levels in the saliva and plaque between the probiotic and placebo groups. The findings of high compliance and satisfaction with the probiotic lozenges combined with the study's rigorous design offer a baseline for subsequent testing of further potential probiotics (of varying formulations, concentrations), especially in adolescents.