Salivary 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 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.

A Prospective Longitudinal Study of Early Childhood Caries Onset in Initially Caries-Free Children.

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a complex oral disease that is prevalent in US children. The purpose of this 2-y prospective cohort study was to examine baseline and time-dependent risk factors for ECC onset in initially caries-free preschool children. A cohort of 189 initially caries-free children aged 1 to 3 y was recruited. At each 6-mo study visit, children were examined using the ICDAS index; salivary samples were collected to assess mutans streptococci (MS), lactobacilli, Candida species, salivary cortisol (prior and after a stressor), and salivary IgA. Diet and oral health behavior were assessed from parent report. Child and family stress exposure was assessed from measures of psychological symptoms, stressful life event exposure, family organization and violence exposure, and social support. Sociodemographic factors were also considered. A Kaplan-Meier estimator of survival function of time to ECC and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to identify predictors of ECC onset. Onset of ECC was associated with high salivary MS levels at baseline (log-rank test, P < 0.0001). Cox proportional hazards regression showed that the risk of dental caries significantly increased with salivary MS in log scale over the 6-mo period (hazard ratio, 1.08; P = 0.01). Other risk factors in the model did not reach statistical significance. Our results provide prospective evidence that an increase in salivary MS predicts ECC onset in young, initially caries-free children, confirming that a high salivary MS count likely plays a causal role in ECC onset, independent of covariates. These results suggest that we must focus on reducing salivary MS counts in young children and preventing or delaying MS colonization in infants and young children determined to be at risk for ECC.

Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial effects of probiotic milk and probiotic powder on the salivary Streptococcus mutans counts and the plaque scores in children aged 3-6 years: A randomized controlled trial.

Probiotics have been shown to have a positive influence on systemic and oral health. The prevention of dental caries and gingival diseases through the consumption of probiotics has been studied extensively. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of a short-term intake of probiotic milk and powder on the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and the plaque scores in children. In this short-term study, 34 healthy 3-6-year-old children were randomly assigned to group A (control), group B (enKor‑D) or group C (Yakult). The probiotics were taken for 7 days. To screen for the amount of S. mutans measured in colony-forming units per milliliter of saliva (CFU/mL), unstimulated saliva samples were collected and cultured on Mitis Salivarius Agar plates before and after the intervention. The plaque scores were also recorded at preand post-intervention visits. A statistically significant reduction of salivary S. mutans was recorded after the consumption of probiotic milk (Yakult®) and powder (enKor®-D) (p < 0.05), with the decrease being greater for the enKor‑D group. However, only the consumption of Yakult decreased the plaque scores significantly (p < 0.05). A short-term use of Yakult and enKor‑D can have a cariostatic effect by lowering oral microbial load in children with certain risk profiles. Further research is required to confirm this probiotic effect over a long-term period. Prior to prescribing or promoting Yakult or enKor‑D as an adjunct caries prevention therapy for children, a thorough risk evaluation may be needed.

Effect of Probiotics Administration on Oral Health Among Children

Probiotics are by definition live microbial feed supplements that, as shown in clinical trials, improve the host animal's gut microbial balance. Dietary changes, an increase in the consumption of indigestible carbohydrates, and the consumption of live bacteria with human origin are all methods for influencing the microflora. This latter idea is often frequently referred to as replacement therapy or bacteriotherapy. Due to their naturally occurring casein, calcium, and phosphorus content, milk products are regarded safe for teeth and may have positive effects on the salivary microbial composition and the suppression of caries development. Bifidobacteria are common in deep caries lesions in the mouth and may be crucial to the development of caries. Although the impact on people with the greater levels of salivary mutans streptococci has been found to be rather small, yogurt with living bacteria generally had a significantly lowering effect on these bacteria. Lactobacilli are more closely related to carious dentine and the progressing front of caries lesions than to the start of the dental caries process. They have the ability to create low molecular weight bacteriocins with inhibitory activity against a variety of bacterial species, including oral streptococci.

Efficacy of Licorice on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Levels vs Chlorhexidine Mouthwash in High Caries Risk Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

To evaluate the efficacy of an innovative herbal licorice mouthwash on reducing salivary Streptococcus mutans levels versus chlorhexidine mouthwash in high caries risk patients. A total number of 52 high caries risk patients were assigned to this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups (n = 26) according to the type of mouthwash (G): Patients in group G1 used the mouthwash containing chlorhexidine, while patients in group G2 used the mouthwash containing the innovative licorice extract. Afterward, each group was further divided into three subgroups according to the time (T): T0 represents the baseline, T1 represents the time immediately after using the mouthwash, and T2 represents the time 1 week after using the mouthwash. Furthermore, pH and plaque index were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed using a Chi-square test for categorical data, Shapiro-Wilk test for numerical data, and one-way repeated measures ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test for intragroup comparisons. The significance level was set at p ≤0.05 for all tests. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 26 for Windows. It was found that in high caries risk patients, there was no significant difference between licorice and chlorhexidine mouthwashes regarding Streptococcus bacterial count. Moreover, it was found that licorice mouthwash stimulates salivary flow, and thus, it raises salivary pH in patients with high caries risk. However, the plaque index of chlorhexidine showed better results. Additionally, there was a positive weak correlation between bacterial count and plaque index. Licorice mouthwash may demonstrate a promising antibacterial effect that can be a suitable alternative for current synthetic mouthwashes. Natural herbal mouthwash could be incorporated in dental preventive measures and could be used as cavity-fighting compound. It introduces a minimal health hazard substitute for conventional synthetic preventive measures.

Effects of Hawley, Essix, and Vivera® retainers on salivary properties, oral hygiene, and Streptococcus mutans levels: A prospective clinical pilot study

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of various removable orthodontic retainer materials on clinical and microbiological parameters, specifically on saliva characteristics, oral hygiene, and salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Materials and Methods: This study consists of two parts: An in vitro study and in vivo prospective clinical pilot study. The in vitro study measures surface roughness and S. mutans adhesion of three orthodontic retainer materials: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) used in traditional Hawley removable retainers, polypropylene (PP), and polyurethane (PU) used in vacuum-formed retainers. In the clinical pilot study, 20 subjects, on completion of orthodontic treatment were randomized into three groups to receive PMMA, PP, or PU removable orthodontic retainers. They were compared with control subjects with no orthodontic treatment and retainers. Quantitative analysis of salivary S. mutans using real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to screen for differences during retainer issue (T0) and 8–15 weeks later (T1). Salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, and plaque scores were also recorded at these two periods for comparison. Results: PMMA had significantly greater surface roughness and S. mutans adhesion than PP and PU (P = 0.027). The PMMA group displayed significantly greater amounts of salivary S. mutans count when compared to the PP (0.001) and PU (P = 0.011) groups. Conclusion: PMMA retainers showed increased S. mutans adhesion and intra-oral colonization of S. mutans compared to PP and PU retainers. The results validate further clinical testing for a relationship between caries risk and type of retainer prescribed.

Clinical Efficacy of Single Use of Three Different Mouthrinses on the Level of Streptococcus mutans in Saliva

The aim of this cross-sectional population-based clinical study was to assess the effect of single use of three different mouthrinses on the level of salivary Streptococcus mutans of 8 to 10-year-old Saudi children. Convenient samples of 52 Saudi children aged 8-10 years were randomly allocated into four groups of 13 each. Saliva samples were collected to assess the level of S. mutans at baseline before rinsing with the assigned mouthrinse or control. Three mouthrinses, Avalon Avohex, Listerine Miswak, and Optima Aloe Dent Mouthrinse, were randomly distributed to the children. Each participant was instructed to rinse for 2 minutes using 10 mL of the assigned mouthrinse. Saliva samples were collected after rinsing and colony forming unit (CFU) of S. mutans per mL of saliva was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed to compare S. mutans count at baselines and postintervention values of each experimental group and control using paired t-test and one-way ANOVA. All statistical analyses were set at a significance level of p < 0.05. All test groups showed a reduction in salivary S. mutans compared to that at baseline. Statistically significant reduction (p > 0.05) in bacterial count was seen in Avalon Avohex group. A single-time rinse of chlorhexidine extract mouthrinse for 2 minutes effectively reduced the number of S. mutans of 8 to 10-year-old Saudi children. Rinsing with chlorhexidine extract mouthrinse should be considered as a potential method in prevention of dental caries in children.

Observational Study Regarding the Relationship between Nutritional Status, Dental Caries, Mutans Streptococci, and Lactobacillus Bacterial Colonies.

The prevalence of dental caries and obesity is high as both raise significant health problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between dental caries, the number of salivary colonies forming units of Mutans Streptococci (MS) and Lactobacillus (LB), and the nutritional status in a group of children from Transylvania. This observational study used a sample of 154 school children, aged 9 to 12 years. The prevalence of caries was measured using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index for deciduous teeth (dmft index) and for permanent teeth (DMFT index). Height and weight were assessed for each subject, and their body mass index (BMI) percentile was calculated. Salivary levels of Mutans Streptococci (MS) and Lactobacillus (LB) were determined using the CRT Bacteria Test from Ivoclar Vivadent. In our study, we found a positive association between the BMI percentile, MS count, LB count, tooth brushing frequency, and the incidence of dental caries in children aged 9 to 12 years old. Future preventive programs should include nutrition control in order to prevent both the apparition of dental caries and obesity in children.

Salivary Characteristics, Individual Casual Parameters, and Their Relationships with the Significant Caries Index among Korean Children Aged 12 Years

This study aimed to investigate the salivary characteristics and individual daily living patterns in Korean children aged 12 years and evaluate their relationships according to the significant caries (SiC) index. The study sample consisted of 52 healthy Korean children. The subjects were allocated into a low caries-affected (low CA) group and a high caries-affected (high CA) group, according to the SiC index. Children underwent a standardized oral examination, and parents completed the questionnaires. Stimulated salivary samples were collected to evaluate the salivary pH, salivary flow rate, and salivary levels of Mutans streptococci (MS) and Lactobacilli (LB). The low CA group did not significantly differ from the high CA group for salivary flow rate and salivary pH. However, there were significant differences in salivary MS levels between the two groups (p < 0.05). Among the individual casual parameters, the prevalence of a sugar-associated primary energy source between meals was significantly higher in the high CA group than in the low CA group (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this study, different levels of salivary MS and the consumption of different foods were observed in the low CA and high CA groups. The implications of these findings should be considered for caries susceptibility.

Oral health status and microbial load of Streptococcus mutans in children with Cerebral palsy in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a childhood debilitating condition which impairs the physical and mental ability of an individual to maintain oral health. The objective of the present study was assessment of dental neglect and burden of treatment needs of children affected with CP as compared to normal children in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. A sample size of 104 children of age group of 6-14 years was selected, in which 52 children of CP (case group) and 52 normal school children (control group) were recruited. Children from both groups were examined, and calculation of drug master files (DMFS), defs, oral hygiene index (OHI), and gingival index was done. The presence of trauma and malocclusion was assessed. Present caries activity was assessed by the level of Streptococcus mutans present in saliva in both groups. Treatment needs were then assessed based on intraoral findings. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 software. Student's t-test and nonparametric statistical tests such as Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney test were used as per the nature of variables studied for statistical analysis with the level of significance denoted at P < 0.05. The mean DMFS, gingival index, OHI, and treatment needs were observed to be higher in the CP group. Increased S. mutans levels were observed in saliva of CP patients. Defs score, trauma, and malocclusion were not statistically significantly higher in CP group as compared to the control group. Cerebral palsy group had a poor oral and gingival health, a higher DMFT and burden of treatment needs and an increased risk of further caries progression due to high caries activity indicated by increased level of salivary Streptococcus mutans than the control group.

Streptococcus mutans Level Estimation in Saliva before and after Consumption of Chewable Probiotics among School Children

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization (WHO) deemed probiotics to be the next most important immune defence system. Also known as the “friendly bacteria”, these lactobacilli-derived food supplements are the current trending weapons to fight against Streptococcus mutans, the prime causative organism for dental caries. AIM: To compare the levels of salivary mutans streptococci in children before and after short-term consumption of dental probiotic chewable containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus salivarius M18. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed on 10 healthy subjects in the age group of 6-12 years who were followed for 7 days. The assessment of S. mutans in saliva was done at baseline, 1 hour after consumption of probiotic chewable and after 7-day of intervention period using mitis salivarius bacitracin agar. The colonies of S. mutans were identified and counted using a digital colony counter.RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction of salivary S. mutans was recorded after consumption of the probiotic chewable on the 7th day in the probiotic group. Results were found to be statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) when the differences in the reduction of mutans streptococci counts with probiotic chewable and plain chewable on the 7th day were compared. CONCLUSION: The following study, based on its observations, does conclude that short term consumption of probiotic chewable displays a significant reduction in the level of salivary Streptococcus mutans in children. Thus, keeping in mind the idea that prevention is always better than cure, the awareness regarding probiotics as a therapy to prevent dental caries should be made among both dental practitioners, especially paediatric dentists as well as parents.

Salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli and other salivary indices in patients wearing clear aligners versus fixed orthodontic appliances: An observational study

This study aimed to investigate salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacilli, and other salivary indices in subjects wearing clear aligners (CA) in comparison with multibrackets orthodontic appliances (MB). A sample of 80 participants (46 males and 34 females) was included in the study: 40 subjects (aged 20.4±1.7 years) were treated with CA, and 40 (aged 21.3±1.7 years) were treated with MB. Plaque index (PI), salivary flow, buffering power of saliva, and salivary levels of S. mutans and Lactobacilli were evaluated prior to start of orthodontic treatment (t0), after 3 months (t1) and 6 months (t2). CA patients maintained PI at level 0 over time, while MB participants experienced a statistically significant increasing trend of PI over time. In addition, at t2, 37.5% of MB participants (15 subjects over 40) showed risky salivary levels (CFU/ml>105) of S. mutans (odds ratio = 7.40; 95% C.I. = 1.94-28.25; chi-square = 10.32; p = 0.001) as well as Lactobacilli (odds ratio = 23.40; 95% C.I. = 2.91-188.36; chi-square = 15.31; p = 0.0001). Comparing all the data, subjects treated with CA achieved lower salivary microbial colonization after 6 months of treatment compared with MB. Different additional strategies for plaque control and salivary microbial colonization must be triggered considering the type of orthodontic appliance.

Evaluating the effect of probiotics on salivary microflora: A clinical controlled trail

Objective: Probiotics are dietary supplements of live microorganisms thought to be healthy for the host organism. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of probiotic administered in the form of multi-strain suspension on the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli in children of mixed dentition period. Materials and Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo study was done. Saliva samples were collected at baseline and after 15 days of the study, microbial cultures were done to count the number of colony forming unit. This data was tabulated and analyzed. Result: There was a significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans count in the study group after 15 days as compared to its initial count and placebo group. But no significant difference was observed in Lactobacilli count between the two groups. Probiotics reduced the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans in children of mixed dentition period. Conclusion: The application of probiotics may in the near future, provide the end of new cavities. Keywords: Probiotics, Randomized, Salivary, Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli.

Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus Proportion in the Saliva of the patients Undergoing Extraction Procedure

To assess the influence of salivary bacterial flora in the complete loss of tooth structure leading to extraction. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus that leads to tooth extraction. If the etilogy is known prophylactic measures or the steps to retain the tooth can be initiated at the early stage of the lesion. Dental extraction is the process of removal of tooth from the dental socket in the alveolar bone. It is performed for wide variety of reasons the most common reason is tooth that has become unrestorable through tooth decay and the surrounding tissues. This is caused by both facultative anaerobes and obligate anaerobes. This study is aimed to assess the contribution of two major populations of bacterial species in saliva that contributes to tooth loss. The study comprised of 60 subjects divided into three groups, 20 healthy individuals, 20 individuals both male and female reporting for restoration due to dental caries and 20 subjects both male and female reported for tooth removal were randomly selected. The saliva samples were collected in sterile container and subjected for microbiological analysis. The study was conducted in the year 2019. There was a significant increase in the mutans and lactobacillus in the patients coming for dental extraction. This study concludes that there is a many fold increase in the total bacterial count of the saliva and there is also a significant proportionate increase in Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli. Further study can be conducted to demonstrate that penetration into deeper layers and bone structures.

Effectiveness of chitosan mouthwash on plaque formation and levels of salivary Streptococcus and Lactobacillus count: an in vivo study

Background: The objectives of the present study were to clinically evaluate the effectiveness of chitosan mouthwash on Plaque formation and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity against salivary Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Lactobacillus (LB).Methods: A total of 20 participants with decay-missing-filled index ≥4 and simplified oral hygiene index score &gt;1.3 were recruited for the study after taking informed consent. All the participants were provided a bottle of chitosan mouthwash in addition to their usual oral hygiene procedure. Baseline salivary SM and LB levels were determined, using chair-side CRT® bacteria test prior giving chitosan mouthwash and after 14 days, during which children are advised to use 10 ml of mouthwash for 60 seconds two times daily. Plaque index score recorded using Silness and Loe plaque index. Paired t-test (or corresponding non-parametric) and percentage comparison method using cross tables were used for statistical analysis.Results: The baseline plaque index score of 0.758 and after 14 days of mouthwash use, it reduced to 0.434. The mean difference in the plaque index showed significant reduction in the plaque score (i.e., with the difference of 0.324). The results showed the antiplaque effects with a short duration of 14 days use of chitosan (CH) mouthwash. The antibacterial activity demonstrated a range of inhibitory effect on salivary SM and LB.Conclusions: CH showed an evident strong effect against salivary SM and LB levels and controlling the plaque biofilm formation. So water soluble CH can be used in new formulations for oral applications not only as antimicrobial agent but also for plaque biofilm control.

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.

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.

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.