Oral Microflora Research Articles

Role of lead in dental diseases

Lead (Pb) is ubiquitous in our environment and causes many pathophysiological health effects, including dental diseases. Dental Pb levels are considered good biological indicators of environmental and occupational Pb exposure. Pb in blood and saliva causes imbalances in the growth of oral microflora. The pH of saliva decreases, interferes with and interacts with bone-seeking elements, changes oral inflammatory parameters, generates reactive oxygen species, causes oxidative damage, and delays the mineralization process, leading to dental diseases. Pb's dental diseases include periodontitis, enamel lesions and defects, fluorosis, Burton's line, and tooth loss. Environmental and physiological factors, including age, gender, tooth type and position, pregnancy and lactation, eating and drinking habits, smoking habits, and exposures from Pb-contaminated residential and occupational areas, affect the distribution of Pb in blood, bone, and saliva, which contributes to dental diseases. However, living and working in Pb free areas can prevent environmental and occupational Pb exposure. Healthy lifestyles and eating habits, prohibiting smoking and alcohol drinking, further help prevent Pb exposure. Also, the fluoridation of water, salt, and milk provide nutritional supplements of trace elements, which can help prevent teeth from absorbing Pb from the environment, thereby reducing the risk of dental diseases.

EVALUATION OF HYGIENIC CONDITION OF THE ORAL CAVITY IN CHILDREN WITH INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS

EVALUATION OF HYGIENIC CONDITION OF THE ORAL CAVITY IN CHILDREN WITH INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS

Features of periodontal diseases in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Systemic diseases of the body, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), play an essential role in the pathogenesis of chronic generalized periodontitis. The main dental symptom of OSA is dry mouth due to oral breathing, which is a significant risk factor for periodontal disease. Purpose. Сlinical and laboratory assessment of periodontal tissues in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Material and methods. The subjects of our study were patients from 35 to 65 years old. In total, 40 patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and 30 patients who made up the comparison group were examined. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were divided into three groups according to the severity of apnea. The first group included patients of women and men with mild apnea, the second group of men and women with moderate apnea, and the third with severe obstructive sleep apnea. Gum bleeding was assessed by the Mulleman-Cowell index, the degree of inflammation in the gum using the papillary-marginal-alveolar index (PMA). The hygiene index was evaluated by Quigle-Hein as modified by Tureski. Results. The hygienic condition of the oral cavity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea was rated as “unsatisfactory”. In the structure of the distribution of periodontal diseases in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, periodontitis of moderate severity prevails, while in the comparison group - periodontitis of mild severity. We also observed a correlation between the severity of apnea and the values of periodontal indices. Index data for mild severity and the data of the comparison group practically did not differ. While in severe apnea, the indices were much higher (average Muhlemann-Cowell index — 1.59±0.3, РМА — 57.49±0.87%) than the comparison group (average Muhlemann-Cowell index — 1.25±0.1, РМА — 38.84±0.93%). When assessing the qualitative composition of the oral microflora by PCR of patients with apnea, a higher number of P. gingivalis and A. Actinomycetemcomitans was revealed compared with the comparison group (p <0.02). Conclusions. According to the results of the dental examination, the prevalence of inflammatory periodontal diseases in patients with obstructive sleep apnea is higher than in the comparison group. The data obtained indicate a more severe periodontal disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnea compared with the comparison group.

Anti-microbial Efficacy of Commercially Available Herbal Dentifrices on Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans

Dental caries is a multi-factorial disease .Various chemically derived antimicrobial agents are incorporated to dentifrices to curb cariogenic microorganisms. There has been renewed interest in naturally occurring products in recent years, the side effects encountered with the use of synthetic formulations led to the surge for novel alternatives. To compare the efficacy of herbal dentifrices on oral microflora using antibiotic susceptibility tests. Two strains of microorganisms- Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans were taken and incubated in Mutans media, Sabouraud Dextrose agar respectively. Different dilutions (1:5, 1:10, 1:15) of several brands of toothpastes with different compositions were made. Sterile discs were incorporated with equal amounts of prepared toothpaste formulations. Then these discs were placed equidistant to each other followed by plates were incubated for 24 hours. Zone of inhibition is found to be higher in Ayush (30 mm), followed by Dant kanti, Colgate vedshakti, Meswak, Dantajeevan and Dabur red showing inhibition zones of 26 mm, 24 mm, 17 mm and 14 mm respectively. Results show that herbal toothpaste formulations were effective in controlling the oral microflora. The antimicrobial properties of the six dentifrices concluded that almost all the commercially available herbal dentifrices had antimicrobial activity to some extent.

Subgingival microflora in adolescent females with polycystic ovary syndrome and its association with oral hygiene, gingivitis, and selected metabolic and hormonal parameters

ObjectivesResearch studies suggest that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may influence the composition of the oral microflora in women. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting the number of selected periopathogens in a young cohort of females with PCOS and to assess the association between oral hygiene, subgingival microbiome, gingival health, and metabolic and hormonal parameters.Materials and methodsThirty-two subjects with PCOS and twenty-three healthy controls aged 15–19 years were examined periodontally by a calibrated dentist. A real-time PCR method was used for the identification of 9 subgingival microorganisms. Subjects with PCOS underwent blood tests for determination of FSH, LH, total testosterone, DHEA-S, estradiol, SHBG, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and lipid profile.ResultsGingival index (GI), the proportion of bleeding sites (BOP%), probing depth (PD), and plaque index (PLI) did not differ significantly between cases and healthy age-mates. The control group had significantly higher levels of Peptostreptococcus micros and substantially greater percentage of subjects infected by Treponema denticola. Capnocytophaga gingivalis count was positively correlated with the level of estradiol, while the concentration of HDL-C was negatively correlated with the number of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and orange complex bacteria.ConclusionsPCOS in young patients was not associated with higher pathogenicity of subgingival biofilms.Clinical relevanceFurther studies are needed to explain the relationship between hormonal and metabolic abnormalities, subgingival microflora, and periodontal health in patients with PCOS.

Microbial Profile During Pericoronitis and Microbiota Shift After Treatment.

The microflora of the distal pocket is considered as the major cause of pericoronitis. How the oral microflora changes during pericoronitis and whether different types of impacted third molar harbor the same microflora are still unknown. Saliva, subgingival plaque, and gingival plaque of mandibular third molars (M3Ms) were collected from twelve patients with acute pericoronitis. They were given local irrigation or local irrigation + antibiotics according to symptoms. Samples were harvested at the first visit with pericoronitis, 1 week after treatment, and 6 weeks after treatment. 16S rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction products were generated and sequenced after DNA isolation. Comparison of three sampling sites showed that, the subgingival plaque of M3Ms had most remarkable changes in symptomatic period, including a significant increase in microbial richness, and a convergent trend in microbial composition. After treatment, the subgingival microbiome was altered and largely returned to the state in asymptomatic period. In summary, the distal subgingival microbiota of M3M was most likely to be associated with the pathogenesis of pericoronitis. The post-treatment microbiota shift of M3M proved the effectiveness of treatment. The inclination type of impacted M3Ms and treatment method would also make a difference to the pericoronal microbiota.

Tobacco Consumption in Some Traveling Agencies in Bafoussam in West Region Of Cameroon, Associated To Mouth Cytology and Malondialdehyde (MDA) Profile

Tobacco is mostly regarded as one of the primary etiologic factor in causing oral cancer. Its use affects the pattern of maturation in oral mucosal cells and results in changes in the appearance of the tissues. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several pathologic disorders, including oral premalignant and malignant lesions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tobacco use and assess its effects on oral epithelial cells and oxidant/antioxidant balance in the oral cavities of tobacco consumers in some travelling agencies in Bafoussam West Region Cameroon.
 A cross sectional study with a total of 120 individuals (divided into two groups; group A (n=55) including non-consumers of tobacco above 21 years old and group B (n=65) including tobacco consumers above 21 years old), voluntarily enrolled in the study. After giving their consents and answering a series of questions from questionnaires, saliva samples and buccal smears were collected from their oral cavities. Buccal smears were stained using Papanicolaou staining technique and the presence of hyperkeratosis, tobacco hyperkeratosis, non-specific inflammatory changes and oral microflora were assessed. [MDA] was determined using the Thiobarbituric acid method. The results showed that male tobacco consumers made 48.3% and most of them were aged between 21-31 years old, while female tobacco consumers made 5.7% of the total sample population. Smoking was the method most used by consumers (41.7%) and 66% of them smoked for more than 10 years while 50% smoked more than 10 sticks of cigarette per day. A statistical significant relationship was found between tobacco consumption and oral epithelial changes (p<0.001). Only tobacco consumers presented with tobacco hyperkeratotic buccal smears (20%) when compared with the control group. A good number of hyperkeratotic buccal smears (39.2%) was found in both the case (17.5) and control (21.7%) groups. 24.1% of the total sample population had normal buccal smears, where 8.3% were consumers and 15.8% were non-consumers. Microorganisms were found on buccal smears of 5.9% of individuals and 9.2% had non-specific inflammatory changes. Between tobacco consumption and salivary [MDA] in saliva of tobacco consumers was significantly higher compared to non-consumers (p<0.001). A strongly positive correlation was found between salivary [MDA] and oral epithelial changes (r=0.204, p=0.026 at 0.05CI). In conclusion, tobacco consumption severely increases the risk for developing oral mucosal proliferative lesions, and the level of oxidative stress in the saliva of individuals in the study population.

Oral Microbiome and Preterm Birth: Correlation or Coincidence? A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND: Physiological changes that occur during pregnancy involve, as a natural consequence, also modifications of oral microbiome. However, the addition with microbial imbalance due to pre-existing periodontal infection might impair a pathological alteration in the phylogenetic community structure and composition in the oral cavity, exacerbating an inflammatory status, and becoming a potential risk factor for preterm birth. From the empirical findings about the relationship between periodontal pathogens and systemic diseases, a clear interest focused on the potential impact of some periodontal pathogens on the preterm birth risk has emerged.
 AIM: Exploration of the potential interdependence existing between dysbiosis of oral microbiome and changes in maternal-fetal barrier in premature rupture of membranes.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a Medline search was performed for studies focusing on oral microbioma and its association with pre-term birth, and completed by additional hand searching. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. The search was restricted to only reports written in English.
 RESULTS: The electronic search produced 66 items. Six duplicates were found. Among the collected studies, 56 were discarded because they met the exclusion criteria. The articles and reports in our review showed a connection between preterm birth and altered oral microbiome, suggesting a potential key role of Fusobacterium nucleatum, a notable periodontal pathogen involved in several pathological periodontal conditions, in increasing the risk of premature birth.
 CONCLUSIONS: Since F. nucleatum is frequently associated with preterm birth, it is coherent to hypothesize a potential role for the oral microbiota for preterm birth risk. Further studies should be carried out to determine the changes of the oral microflora in pregnancy and to provide comprehensive knowledge of the diversity of oral bacteria involved in preterm birth.

ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL HYGIENE IN TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH DENTURE-RELATED STOMATITIS

Removable orthodontic appliances can be among the causes of microbial irritation in the oral cavity. The aim of the present study was to assess the oral hygiene status of patients with denture-related stomatitis. We carried out comprehensive dental checkup of 17 patients aged 51 to 69 years with denture-related stomatitis was performed. A bacterioscopic laboratory examination was performed for all patients. The denture hygiene index by E. Ambjörnsen has been determined. Denture-related stomatitis of the patients examined was manifested by various clinical signs. The species composition of the oral microflora when wearing removable dentures deviated from normal values. The Candida fungi were revealed in 13 (76.47%) cases; actinomycetes were recorded in 7 (42.2%) cases. We found that 82.35% of the patients with manifestations of denture-related stomatitis did not follow adequate oral hygienic. The study has shown that 3 (17.64%) cases were assessed as having satisfactory hygienic status. Poor denture hygiene (HI = 2.66) was observed in 5 (29.41%) of the cases. The unsatisfactory hygienic status of the dentures was recorded in 9 (52.94%) of cases and averaged 2.2. 15 (88.23%) patients were unaware of the importance of proper denture cleaning and did not use the hygiene algorithm in full. 3 (17.76%) patients did not did not remove dentures at nights, all the patients did not have a special double-sided brush. Only 5 (29.41%) of the respondents used dental elixirs fro mouth rinsing on regular basis. The results have demonstrated the importance of regular adequate care of dentures and strict adhering to an individual hygiene algorithm in full in order to prevent the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. The prevention is a key approach in the prophylaxis of side effects, which might be caused by dental appliances.

Orthodontic bonding procedures significantly influence biofilm composition

BackgroundBecause changes in surface properties affect bacterial adhesion, orthodontic bonding procedures may significantly influence biofilm formation and composition around orthodontic appliances. However, most studies used a mono-species biofilm model under static conditions, which does not simulate the intraoral environment and complex interactions of oral microflora because the oral cavity is a diverse and changeable environment. In this study, a multi-species biofilm model was used under dynamic culture conditions to assess the effects of the orthodontic bonding procedure on biofilm formation and compositional changes in two main oral pathogens, Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.MethodsFour specimens were prepared with bovine incisors and bonding adhesive: untreated enamel surface (BI), enamel surface etched with 37% phosphoric acid (ET), primed enamel surface after etching (PR), and adhesive surface (AD). Surface roughness (SR), surface wettability (SW), and surface texture were evaluated. A multi-species biofilm was developed on each surface and adhesion amounts of Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and total bacteria were analyzed at day 1 and day 4 using real-time polymerase chain reaction. After determining the differences in biofilm formation, SR, and SW between the four surfaces, relationships between bacteria levels and surface properties were analyzed.ResultsThe order of SR was AD < PR < BI < ET, as BI and ET showed more irregular surface texture than PR and AD. For SW, ET had the greatest value followed by PR, BI, and AD. S. mutans and P. gingivalis showed greater adhesion to BI and ET with rougher and more wettable surfaces than to AD with smoother and less wettable surfaces. The adhesion of total bacteria and S. mutans significantly increased over time, but the amount of P. gingivalis decreased. The adhesion amounts of all bacteria were positively correlated with SR and SW, irrespective of incubation time.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, changes in SR and SW associated with orthodontic bonding had significant effects on biofilm formation and composition of S. mutans and P. gingivalis.

Antimicrobial efficacy of herbal, homeopathic and conventional dentifrices against oral microflora: An in vitro study

Antimicrobial efficacy of herbal, homeopathic and conventional dentifrices against oral microflora: An in vitro study

Comparative analysis of microbiota of oral fluid in patients with psychoneurological disorders using toothpaste with the enzyme «bromelain»

Relevance. The complex of actions for decrease in growth of diseases of the maxillofacial region includes the reorganization of the mouth, creating an individual program for hygiene and prevention. Among the large number of types of therapeutic and preventive hygiene products for patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, given the burdened somatic status, the program should include safe for use basic and additional means.Purpose. Comparative assessment of oral fluid microorganisms in patients with psychoneurotic disorders before and after 6 months of using toothpastes with the enzyme «bromelain».Materials and methods. A comparative analysis of the oral fluid microflora in patients with high intensity and activity of the cariosity, with positive (psychoneurological disorders) anamnesis and without comorbidities has been carried out. The mouths of all studied patients were sanitized, and a program of personal oral hygiene using hygienic toothpastes and with the enzyme «bromelain» was developed.Results. The conducted research does not prove the bactericidal effect of the enzyme «bromelain» on oral microflora, however, a significant decrease of the total number of viable bacteria, changes in the species composition, and the degree of hemolecular properties indicates an indirect bacteriostatic effect of this enzyme in the composition of the toothpastes, which can be considered as a positive effect on the decrease of caries activity in patients with «negative» dental status (caries intensity index &gt; 9, hygiene index by the method of Yu.A. Fedorov and V.V. Volodkina &gt; 2 points, 3rd degree of caries activity by T.F. Vinogradova), including in patients with psychoneurological disorders.Conclusion. The use of enzyme «bromelain» in toothpastes in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders contributes not only to the safe and intensive cleavage of soft plaque, but also to a positive effect on the microbiota of the oral fluid, which is a favorable prognostic criterion for reducing the activity of the carious process.

Antibiotic susceptibility of cultivable aerobic microbiota from the oral cavity of Echis carinatus from Odisha (India)

During a snake bite, the microbes may get transferred to the bite site and may cause secondary infection along with envenomation. The knowledge on the oral bacterial flora of snakes constitutes information important for snake bite management. The inadequately studied oral microflora of snakes differ geographically, temporally and among the members of the same species. The objective of this study is to determine the pattern of oral bacterial flora of Saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) and their susceptibility to antibiotics. Oral swabs were collected from nine healthy Saw-scaled vipers, subjected to microbiological, biochemical and molecular characterization. Additionally, these isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using ICOSA-20-Plus and ICOSA-20-Minus. A wide range of pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella arizonae, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Proteus penneri, Alcaligenes faecalis; Citrobacter diversus, C. freundii, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus anthracis, Staphylococcus sciuri and Achromobacter xylosoxidans were isolated as new additions to the floral diversity of saw scale viper. Most of the isolates were sensitive towards amikacin, azithromycin, imipenem, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, ofloxacin, sparfloxacin, tobramycin, levofloxacin, kanamycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol while resistant to amoxyclav, cephalothin, cefpodoxime, Co-Trimoxazole, oxacillin and penicillin. The present study revealed that the bacterial flora of the oral cavity of Saw-scaled viper is resistant to many common antibiotics, which are often used for the treatment of snake-bite victims.

Sucrose promotes caries progression by disrupting the microecological balance in oral biofilms: an in vitro study

Sucrose has long been regarded as the most cariogenic carbohydrate. However, why sucrose causes severer dental caries than other sugars is largely unknown. Considering that caries is a polymicrobial infection resulting from dysbiosis of oral biofilms, we hypothesized that sucrose can introduce a microbiota imbalance favoring caries to a greater degree than other sugars. To test this hypothesis, an in vitro saliva-derived multispecies biofilm model was established, and by comparing caries lesions on enamel blocks cocultured with biofilms treated with sucrose, glucose and lactose, we confirmed that this model can reproduce the in vivo finding that sucrose has the strongest cariogenic potential. In parallel, compared to a control treatment, sucrose treatment led to significant changes within the microbial structure and assembly of oral microflora, while no significant difference was detected between the lactose/glucose treatment group and the control. Specifically, sucrose supplementation disrupted the homeostasis between acid-producing and alkali-producing bacteria. Consistent with microbial dysbiosis, we observed the most significant disequilibrium between acid and alkali metabolism in sucrose-treated biofilms. Taken together, our data indicate that the cariogenicity of sugars is closely related to their ability to regulate the oral microecology. These findings advance our understanding of caries etiology from an ecological perspective.

АНАЛИЗ ВЫРАЖЕННОСТИ МИКРОБНОЙ АДГЕЗИИ ПАТОГЕННЫХ ГРИБОВ С. ALBICANS НА ПОВЕРХНОСТИ ТЕРМОПЛАСТИЧЕСКОГО МАТЕРИАЛА ДЛЯ ОРТОПЕДИЧЕСКИХ КОНСТРУКЦИЙ

Subject: The paper deals with measured biomedical characteristics of samples of a prosthodontic thermoplastic polymer, in regards to certain potentially pathogenic species of oral microflora. Evaluation and comparative analysis of С. albicans adhesion and colonization activity on the prosthodontic material surface were undertaken.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The research used the following reference strains: C. albicans, S. aureus, S. epidermidis and Escherichia coli. The biofilms were visualized by means of a plate reader, PowerWave X (USA) after staining with 0.1% aqueous solution of gentian violet and alcohol extraction of the dye. The bacteria were tested for viability by direct inoculation of selective media.&#x0D; Results: С. albicans was found to produce a more prominent film on the thermoplastic polymer than other potentially pathogenic microorganisms.&#x0D; Conclusions: Satisfactory biomedical characteristics of the thermoplastic material allow it to be used for prosthodontic purposes.

Relationship between Polishing Techniques and Bacterial Count on Different Denture Base Materials

Introduction: Wearing of dentures cause alteration in the oral microflora and increasing in number of bacteria and candida. The polished and fitting surfaces of the denture are both affected. Different polishing techniques influence the total count of bacterial accumulation on the denture surface. Aim: To count the bacterial colonies after polishing three denture base materials before and after six months of denture wearing by different polishing techniques. Materials and Method: Eighteen patients were randomly selected for construction of maxillary partial denture. They were divided into 3 groups: Group 1: Patients received conventional heat-cured PMMA (Acrostone) denture. Group 2: Patients received thermoformed polyamide (NEWULTRA) denture. Group 3: Patients received thermoformed acetal (Bio Dentaplast) denture. In each group, three patients had their dentures polished by pre polishing with brown rubber disc and fine pumice with wet rag wheel, and the other three patients with the same technique but followed by tripoli compound with dry rag wheel. Evaluation of bacterial counting was conducted before denture wearing and after six months of denture wearing. Swabs were taken from the palate of the patients and bacteria were counted. Findings: No significant difference was found between technique no. I and no. II in decreasing the bacterial count between the tested materials. Thermoformed polyamide showed the highest bacterial count after six months of wearing denture polished by technique no. II followed by thermoformed acetal and heat-cured PMMA. Conclusion: The second polishing technique produced less surface roughness and bacterial colonization on the tested materials than the first one.

Association of Streptococcus mutans collagen binding genes with severe childhood caries.

An important factor in the assessment of caries risk is the presence of specific oral microflora, especially Streptococcus mutans. Some S. mutans strains possess proteins capable of binding collagen, such as the Cnm and Cbm proteins. The aim is to determine the presence of S. mutans strains carrying collagen binding proteins in a group of subjects with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). S. mutans strains isolated from 15 S-ECC children were analyzed for collagen binding domains (cbd) of the cnm (cbd/cnm) and cbm (cbd/cbm) genes and their ability to bind to collagen. S. mutans strains positive for cbd/cnm or cbd/cbm were only found in 3 subjects with the most severe caries profile, with one subject having both cbd/cnm and cbd/cbm, and the other two with one of each. cnm/cbm-positive S. mutans strains bound to collagen substrate more avidly compared with negative S. mutans strains from each of the three groups. Our findings of an association between the presence of the collagen binding domains of the cnm/cbm genes in plaque S. mutans and the most aggressive form of caries profile in children offer a potential strategy to identify an individual's risk for caries progression. Our study should be replicated in other settings and communities in longitudinal and longer-term studies. Our data offer a potential tool in the caries risk management and assessment in children.

Investigation of Oral Microflora of Infants

Investigation of Oral Microflora of Infants

LPS-induced premature osteocyte senescence: Implications in inflammatory alveolar bone loss and periodontal disease pathogenesis.

Cellular senescence is associated with inflammation and extracellular matrix tissue remodeling through the secretion of proteins termed the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Although osteocyte senescence in older individuals in the skeleton is well recognized, whether young alveolar osteocytes can also become senescent is unknown. This is potentially important in the context of periodontal disease, which is an inflammatory condition caused by a gradual change from symbiotic to pathogenic oral microflora that can lead to tooth loss. Our aim was to identify whether senescent osteocytes accumulate in young alveolar bone and whether bacterial-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can influence cellular senescence in alveolar bone. An osteocyte-enriched cell population isolated from alveolar bone expressed increased levels of the known senescence marker p16Ink4a, as well as select SASP markers known to be implicated alveolar bone resorption (Icam1, Il6, Il17, Mmp13 and Tnfα), compared to ramus control cells. Increased senescence of alveolar bone osteocytes was also observed in vivo using the senescence-associated distension of satellites (SADS) assay and increased γH2AX, a marker of DNA damage associated with senescent cells. To approximate a bacterial infection in vitro, alveolar osteocytes were treated with LPS. We found increased expression of various senescence and SASP markers, increased γH2AX staining, increased SA-β-Gal activity and the redistribution of F-actin leading to a larger and flattened cell morphology, all hallmarks of cellular senescence. In conclusion, our data suggests a model whereby bacterial-derived LPS stimulates premature alveolar osteocyte senescence, which in combination with the resultant SASP, could potentially contribute to the onset of alveolar bone loss.

Can coffee combat caries? An in vitro study.

Background:Dental caries is a multifactorial disease caused by oral microflora, diet and oral environment. Oral microflora is crucial in initiation and progression of caries. An important strategy in the prevention of dental caries is to inhibit Streptococcus mutans, a caries causing bacteria. Use of natural products in the disease prevention has been increasing recently. One among such products is coffee which has anticariogenic properties against S. mutans. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the anticariogenic efficacy of coffee against S. mutans.Materials and Methods:The study is carried out using saliva samples collected from 120 healthy individuals of 18–25 years' age group divided into two groups (carious and noncarious). S. mutans is isolated from the saliva samples, cultured on mitis salivarius–bacitracin agar plates and used for checking the inhibitory activity of coffee in different formulations on these bacteria.Results:Our study results showed that coffee, when used alone, has highest antibacterial activity against S. mutans and its anticaries activity reduces when it is mixed with milk and sugar (P < 0.01).Conclusion:Our study proved that coffee has anticariogenic activity against S. mutans.