Salivary Mutans Research Articles

Comparative Assessment of Herbal Mouthwash with Chlorhexidine on Plaque Accumulation, Gingivitis, and Salivary Streptococcus mutans Growth

ABSTRACT Objectives: The goal of the current study was to assess the effectiveness of a commercially available herbal mouthwash with chlorhexidine on the number of Streptococcus mutans in the saliva, the condition of the gingival tissue, and plaque development. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two adults in all, ranging in age from 20 to 30, were divided into two groups at random. Throughout the 14-day clinical trial, Group A (11) and Group B (11) received 10 mL of test herbal mouthwash and chlorhexidine, respectively. Result: Herbal mouthwash was discovered to be equally as effective as chlorhexidine in lowering the salivary mutans streptococci count and in affecting plaque and gingival scores. Conclusion: Alternatives from the herbal world may show to be a reliable and secure therapy option.

Anti-microbial activity of Green Tea Extracts and Nicotine on the Growth, Biofilm Formation of Salivary Mutans Streptococci (In-vitro study)

Background: The green tea have antimicrobial activity against many types of bacteria It is considered a natural substance with few side effect. Aim of the Study: An in vitro study was carried out to investigate the ability of green tea extract and nicotine to inhibit growth, biofilm formation by salivary Mutans streptococci. Methods: This study included a convenient sample of 40 healthy Iraqi volunteers aged 18–23 years old from College of Dentistry / University of Baghdad. Green tea and nicotine aqueous extract were prepared in different concentration to use in agar diffusion method to detect the activity of extract, and ELISA reader in multi titer plate was used to determine the ability of salivary mutans Streptococci to form biofilm in the presence and absence of the extracts.to measure the biofilm inhibition rate. Results: Mutans Streptococci were sensitive to green tea and nicotine in different concentrations the diameters of the inhibition zone were effective in a dose dependent manner significantly. There was a significant difference between the concentrations of each extracts, antibacterial activity was in a dose dependent manner for the extracts. The minimum bactericidal concentration of green tea was (280 mg/ml) and minimum bactericidal concentration of nicotine was (45mg/ml). The study found that biofilm formation by Mutans Streptococci was markedly decreased in the presence of 1/2 minimum bactericidal concentration of both green tea and nicotine with mean of O.D 590 nm = 0.54 in comparison with green tea extracts and nicotine alone O.D 590 nm = 0.15, 0.68 respectively. Conclusions green tea and nicotine extracts in different concentration effectively reduced the biofilm formation of salivary Mutans streptococci. While the presence of nicotine has negatively impacted on the ability of green tea extracts in the inhibition of biofilm formation by Mutans Streptococci in vitro.

Effect of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners on Antibacterial Activity of Black and Green Tea Aqueous Extracts against Salivary Mutans Streptococci (in-vitro Study).

Herbal medicines, such as plants and their constituents, have been used globally to treat and cure disorders since antiquity, long before the discovery of modern drugs. Some of these items require an addition to make them more appealing to consumers. This study is an in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activity of tea (black and green tea aqueous extracts) against salivary Mutans streptococci, followed by an analysis of the effect of non-nutritive sweeteners on the antibacterial activity of these extracts against salivary Mutans streptococci. The examined bacteria were sensitive to various doses of black and green tea aqueous extract, with the inhibition zone expanding as the concentration of the extracts rose. At a dosage of 225mg/ml for black tea extracts and 200mg/ml for green tea extracts, all Mutans isolates were destroyed. In this trial, 1% stevia or sucralose did not inhibit the antibacterial activity of any tea extract, nor did 5% stevia inhibit the antimicrobial activity of black tea extract. In addition, this concentration inhibits the antimicrobial properties of green tea extracts. In this investigation, it found that increasing the content of nonnutritive sweeteners interfered with the antibacterial activity of black and green tea aqueous extract against salivary Mutans streptococci.

The Effect of Nonnutritive Sweeteners on the Antimicrobial Activity of Eucalyptus Extracts against Salivary Mutans Streptococci (in-vitro Study).

The eucalyptus tree is an excellent source of antimicrobial agents; it is used in many oral cure products. The bitter taste of these agents could compromise their usage. Therefore, fortifying the extracts with non-nutritive sweeteners could be a promising procedure for masking their unpleasant taste. This study was an in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of eucalyptus (alcoholic and aqueous) extracts against salivary Streptococci mutans. It aimed to investigate the effect of non-nutritive sweeteners on the antimicrobial activity of these extracts against salivary S. mutans. The test microbes were sensitive to different concentrations of eucalyptus alcoholic and aqueous extract, and the inhibition zone increased as the concentration of the extracts increased. All the Mutans isolates were killed at a concentration of 75 mg/ml for the alcoholic extract and 175 mg/ml for the aqueous extracts. In this experiment, the concentration of up to 15% stevia and up to 5% sucralose did not affect the antimicrobial activity of eucalyptus alcoholic extract. While the concentration of up to 1% of stevia and sucralose did not interfere with the antimicrobial activity of aqueous eucalyptus extract against salivary S. mutans.An increase in the concentration of non-nutritive sweeteners in this experiment appeared to interfere with the antimicrobial activity of eucalyptus extract against salivary S. mutans.

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.

Antibacterial effect of an herbal toothpaste containing Bamboo salt: a randomized double-blinded controlled clinical trial

BackgroundThe inclusion of herbal antibacterial agents in the composition of toothpastes is becoming increasingly popular, due to lower side effects. The present study intended to investigate the antibacterial efficacy of a herbal toothpaste containing Bamboo salt on cariogenic oral bacteria.MethodsThe present double-blinded parallel randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 dental students (age range: 18–30). Following the baseline saliva sampling, the participants were randomly assigned into the case and control groups, to use the Bamboo salt herbal toothpaste and conventional non-herbal toothpaste, respectively. They were instructed to brush their teeth twice a day using the Bass technique. Saliva sampling was repeated after four weeks. The salivary counts of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus at baseline and 4-week follow-up were determined and presented as the logarithm of colony-forming units per milliliter (log CFU/mL).ResultsA significant decrease in salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus was observed using both toothpastes (*P < 0.001). The difference between the antibacterial efficacy of two toothpaste types on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus was not statistically significant (P = 0.530, and P = 0.137, respectively).ConclusionDue to the comparable efficacy of the investigated herbal toothpaste with conventional toothpaste, it potentially qualifies as a complementary agent for self-care oral hygiene procedures.Trial registration: This trial was registered in the “Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials” (IRCT20210414050964N1) on 21/06/2021.

Effectiveness of Oral Probiotics in Reducing S. Mutans Count in Caries-active Children: A Comparison with Chlorhexidine and Herbal Mouthrinse (Hiora®).

AimThe purpose of this study was to compare the reduction in salivary mutans streptococci counts and to evaluate any change in the salivary pH values after the use of oral probiotics, chlorhexidine, and herbal mouthrinse.MethodOral probiotics, chlorhexidine, and herbal mouthrinse [Hiora®] were evaluated for their efficacy against S. mutans in 75 caries-active children, aged 6-14 years.ResultsThe values obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Oral probiotics showed lesser reduction in the S. mutans count as compared to chlorhexidine but the values were statistically insignificant. Herbal mouthrinse was not as effective as the oral probiotics or chlorhexidine in reducing the S. mutans count.ConclusionOral probiotics show a similar efficacy as the gold standard, chlorhexidine, in reduction of oral S. mutans.How to cite this articleKamble A, Jabin Z, Agarwal N, et al. Effectiveness of Oral Probiotics in Reducing S. Mutans Count in Caries-active Children: A Comparison with Chlorhexidine and Herbal Mouth-rinse (Hiora®). Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S207-S211.

Salivary gland involvement and oral health in patients with coeliac disease.

Coeliac disease (CD) is a chronic immune‐mediated enteropathy triggered by ingestion of gluten. The aim of this study was to investigate if the salivary glands as a component of the mucosal immune system are involved in CD, leading to sialadenitis and salivary gland dysfunction and associated oral manifestations. Twenty patients with CD aged 49.2 (SD 15.5 years) and 20 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls underwent an interview regarding general and oral health, serological analysis, a clinical oral examination including bitewing radiographs, Candida smear, assessment of salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli levels, unstimulated and chewing‐stimulated whole and parotid saliva flow rates, analysis of secretory IgA, and a labial salivary gland biopsy. Xerostomia, mucosal lesions, dry/cracked lips and focal lymphocytic sialadenitis were more prevalent and extensive in patients with CD than in healthy controls. Moreover, the patients had less gingival inflammation and higher whole saliva flow rates than the healthy controls, but did not differ regarding dental health and levels of cariogenic bacteria and Candida. The major salivary gland function appears unaffected, contributing to maintenance of a balanced microbiota and oral health in CD patients. Xerostomia and labial dryness may be related to minor salivary gland inflammation and subsequent impaired mucosal lubrication.

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.

Effect of dissolving xylitol chewable tablets versus xylitol chewing gum on bacterial count and salivary pH in geriatric bedridden patients: A randomized clinical trial

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of using dissolving xylitol chewable tablets versus xylitol chewing gum in geriatric bedridden patients in decreasing bacterial count in both saliva and interdental plaque as well as in increasing salivary pH. Materials and Methods: Overall, 98 patients were included in this randomized clinical trial and they were divided into two groups (n = 49). Group 1 (intervention group) received xylitol chewable tablets (Listerine Ready Tabs), and group 2 (Control group) received xylitol chewing gum (Trident Original). The primary outcome was salivary mutans streptococci count, and secondary outcomes were interdental plaque mutans streptococci count (both were assessed through plate culturing on MSBA media) and salivary pH (measured by a pH meter). All outcomes were assessed at baseline, after 5 min, and after 15 days. Friedmann test was used to show the effect of follow-up periods followed by a multiple comparison with Dunn Bonferroni correction. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare between tested groups for all examined variables. Result: Regarding MS count in both saliva and interdental plaque, there was a statistically significant difference between both groups at baseline and after 5 min; however, after 15 days, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups. Regarding salivary pH, there was no statistically significant difference at baseline and after 5 min between both groups; however, after 15 days, there was a statistically significant difference between both groups. Conclusion: Both xylitol dissolving chewable tablet and xylitol chewing gum have potent antibacterial effects and enhanced salivary pH in geriatric bedridden patients.

Comparison of Antibacterial Effect of Probiotic Yogurt and Xylitol-Containing Chewing Gum in Geriatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of probiotic bacteria in yogurt on Streptococcus mutans (MS) count, plaque adherence and salivary pH compared to xylitol-containing chewing gum in geriatric patients.Materials and methodsTotal number of 96 high caries risk geriatric patients were randomized into two equal groups (n=48). Group 1 (intervention group) received probiotic yogurt (Activia, Danone) once per day, and group 2 (control group) received xylitol chewing gum (Trident original) three times per day. The primary outcome was salivary Streptococcus mutans count and secondary outcomes were interdental plaque Streptococcus mutans count, salivary pH and bacterial adherence.ResultsFor Streptococcus mutans count in saliva and plaque, a statistically significant reduction in the level of MS over all the examined follow up periods of the study in probiotic yogurt group as well as xylitol gum group was found. An intergroup comparison for salivary MS count showed statistically significant difference between the two materials in a two week and a three month period of time and there was no statistically significant difference between both materials at one month time period. Salivary pH results showed statistically significant increase in pH in both groups along the follow-up periods. Bacterial adherence results showed statistically significant reduction in both groups.ConclusionsProbiotic yogurt is an effective antibacterial agent against salivary and plaque bacteria in geriatric patients.

Dental, oral pH, orthodontic and salivary values in children with obstructive sleep apnea

Mouth breathing is a key feature of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The current study evaluated dental, salivary and orthodontic characteristics of children with OSA, and compared them to those of children without OSA. Twenty-two children (mean age 5.3years, 13 males) with OSA and 21 children without OSA who served as a control group (mean age 6.8years, 11 males) underwent dental examinations. The OSA group was classified according to the apnea-hypopnea Index. Clinical examination included plaque index, gingival index, caries status, pH at 7 oral sites, salivary carries bacterial counts and inflammatory cytokine levels. Orthodontics measurements were calculated as the percentage of children with values in the normal range, in each group. The mean values of the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT)/dmft index, the gingival index and the plaque index were higher in the OSA than the control group. Salivary Mutans streptococci and lactobacilli counts were significantly higher in the OSA than the control group; as were pH values in the hard and soft palate, and in the posterior and middle tongue. Significantly lower values were observed in the OSA than the control group for most of the orthodontic variables examined. Similarly, stratification of AHI according to severity shows the lowest values among those with mild OSA, and the highest among those with severe AHI. Compared to a control group, mouth breathing children with obstructive sleep apnea had differences in oral microbiota, greater acidity and poorer dental status. Clinicians should be aware of the various oral disturbances that may accompany OSA, and implement preventive measures.

Effect of drops containing Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289) on plaque acidogenicity and other caries-related variables in orthodontic patients

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of probiotics on biofilm acidogenicity and on the number of salivary Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in orthodontic patients.MethodsThis RCT was conducted on 28 young adults who were undergoing orthodontic treatment. The short-term prospective clinical trial lasted for three weeks. The test group rinsed daily with drops containing two Lactobacillus reuteri strains diluted in water, while the placebo group used drops without probiotics. The subjects were enrolled eight months since the beginning of orthodontic treatment. Plaque-pH, saliva and dental biofilm samples were obtained at baseline, one week and three weeks post intervention.ResultsTwenty-seven subjects successfully completed the trial period, only one drop out in the test group. No side effects were reported. A statistically significant increase in plaque pH at three weeks post-intervention was found for the test group (p < 0.05), while insignificant changes in the pH value were found for the placebo group in comparison to baseline (p > 0.05). In addition, the AUC7.0 showed a significant difference at three weeks between the test and placebo (p = 0.00002). The three-week samples of stimulated whole saliva showed a statistically insignificant difference in the number of S. mutans and lactobacilli between the two groups (p > 0.05). The qPCR analysis showed the ability of the two strains to get colonized in the dental biofilm without a significant effect on the microbial counts.Conclusion/clinical implicationsA mixture of Lactobacillus reuteri has the ability to reduce the pH fall at the three-week follow-up. However, the short-term use of probiotics does not appear to have an effect on the number of salivary Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in saliva and on the dental biofilm.Trial registrationClinicaltrial.gov (Identifier: NCT04593017/ (19/10/2020)).

Effect of ingestion of black tea on salivary mutans streptococci- a randomised clinical trial

Effect of ingestion of black tea on salivary mutans streptococci- a randomised clinical trial

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.

The effect of brushing with Salvadora persica (miswak) sticks on salivary Streptococcus mutans and plaque levels in children: a clinical trial

BackgroundThe aim of the randomized double-blinded clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of tooth brushing with Salvadora persica (miswak) sticks on Streptococcus mutans count and the mean plaque score relative to brushing with fluoridated tooth paste (FTP).MethodsOur sample included 94 healthy, high caries-risk, 8 to 9-year-old students recruited from a government school, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between February and April 2016. Subjects were randomly grouped into test (provided with miswak sticks) and control groups (provided with FTP and soft brushes). Both groups were introduced to a preparatory period (PPP) of 3 weeks. Plaque score and saliva sampling were conducted prior to the PPP and in follow-up visits by a single, calibrated and blinded dentist.ResultsBoth groups showed a statistically significant decrease in the mean plaque score across the study (P = 0.007 and P = 0.001, respectively). In addition, subjects in the test group with abundant S. sanguinis increased from zero to six after 3 months.ConclusionsSalvadora Persica (miswak) and brushing with FTP significantly reduced plaque scores among school children. In addition, Salvadora persica was found to change the proportions of salivary bacteria in favor of species with less risk of inducing caries.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID #: NCT04137393.

Correlation between salivary mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and the severity of early childhood caries

Background/PurposeMutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LB) are associated with dental caries, but the acquisition of these organisms in young children with early childhood caries (ECC) and severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) has only been partly described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the salivary MS and LB levels of preschool children with ECC and S-ECC, and the correlation of MS, LB levels with caries severity. Materials and methodsThe study population was comprised of children from 3 to 6 years of age who visited the Pediatric Dental clinic of TCVGH. Oral examinations were performed, and whole unstimulated salivary samples were collected for buffer capacity, MS and LB counts by using commercially available diagnostic kits (CRT bacteria kit). The participants were divided into mild (dmft < 6), moderate (dmft:6–9) and severe caries (dmft > 9) groups; the salivary microbiological tests and buffer capacity were compared. ResultsA total of 72 children with a mean age of 4.5 years participated in this study. The salivary test showed that the higher the salivary MS level the more severe the caries status in children (P = 0.001). There was also a tendency toward a higher salivary LB level in children with more severe caries, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.088). There was no significant correlation between buffer capacity and caries status. ConclusionThe salivary MS level in preschool children was significantly correlated with the severity of early childhood caries.

Indicators of Risk for Dental Caries in Children: A Holistic Approach.

Dental caries in children is a major public health problem worldwide, with a multitude of determinants acting upon children to different degrees in different communities. The objective of this study was to determine maternal, environmental, and intraoral indicators of dental caries experience in a sample of 6- to 7-y-old children in South East Queensland, Australia. A total of 174 mother-child dyads were recruited for this cross-sectional study from the Griffith University Environments for Healthy Living birth cohort study. Maternal education, employment status, and prepregnancy body mass index were maternal indicators, and annual household income was taken as a proxy for environmental indicators. These were collected as baseline data of the study. Clinical data on children's dental caries experience, saliva characteristics of buffering capacity, stimulated flow rate, and colony-forming units per milliliter of salivary mutans streptococci were collected for the oral health substudy. Univariate analysis was performed with 1-way analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Caries experience was the outcome, which was classified into 4 categories based on the number of carious tooth surfaces. Ordinal logistic regression was used to explore the association of risk indicators with caries experience. Age (P = 0.021), low salivary buffering capacity (P = 0.001), reduced levels of salivary flow rate (P = 0.011), past caries experience (P = 0.001), low annual household income; <$30,000 (P = 0.050) and <$60,000 (P = 0.033) and maternal employment status (P = 0.043) were associated with high levels of dental caries. These data support the evidence of associations between maternal, environmental, and children's intraoral characteristics and caries experience among children in a typical Western industrialized country. All of these need to be considered in preventative strategies within families and communities. The results of this study can be used by clinicians, epidemiologists, and policy makers to identify children who are at risk of developing dental caries. With consideration of costs for treatment for the disease, this information could be used to plan cost-effective and patient-centered preventive care.

The Dental Caries Experience in Relation to Salivary Flow Rate, SIgA and Mutans Streptococci Bacteria in Smoker and Non-Smoker Patients

Background: Dental caries is a localized, progressive destructive, largely irreversible microbial based disease of multifactorial nature; these factors include (host, microbes and food) they influence differently on the initiation and progression of dental caries. The aims of the study: was to evaluate the effect of smoking on salivary flow rate, secretory immunoglobulin (SIgA) level and viable count of mutans streptococci (M.S) bacteria in oral cavity and their relation to dental caries experience. Material and method: The samples were collected from 80 male students ranging in ages from 18-22 years old. Where they divided in to two groups, 40 non-smokers (control group) and 40 smokers (study group). Unstimulated salivary samples were collected. Salivary flow rate was estimated and viable count (CFU/ml) of mutans streptococci was determined. The diagnosis and recording of dental caries were done according to WHO, 1987 criteria and the level of SIgA was determined by ELISA. Result: the result revealed that the salivary flow rate and SIgA level were lower in smoker group than non-smoker, while the means value of dental caries experience Decay, Missing and Filling tooth (DMFT) and (CFU/ml)of M.S were higher in oral cavity of smoker group than non-smoker group. Conclusion: the smoking has negative effect on salivary flow rate, SIgA and increase the viable bacterial count of M.S and dental caries in smoker patients

Assessment of dental caries and salivary nitric oxide levels in children with dyspepsia

BackgroundThe increase in nitric oxide (NO) levels in the oral cavity and saliva have been associated with various oral diseases; however, the gastro-salivary interaction of NO remains controversial. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine and compare salivary NO levels of dyspeptic and non-dyspeptic healthy children and to conduct an evaluation of its association with dental caries.MethodsSeventy children with dyspepsia (dyspeptic group) and 30 children without any gastrointestinal complaints (control group) were included in the study. Two biopsies from the gastric tissues were collected from dyspeptic children for histopathologic examination. Oral examination involved the assessment of dental caries, gingival index, plaque index, buffering capacity, salivary flow rate and pH. Salivary Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacilli sp. counts were performed by commercial kits. For the comparison of the normal distribution between dyspeptic and control groups, Student t-test and for the comparison of the non-normal distribution, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney-U tests were used. Chi-square test was used for comparison of qualitative data and the Pearson correlation test was used to evaluate the association between certain variables. Significance was assessed at p < 0.05 level.ResultsHelicobacter pylori (H.pylori) were found in gastric biopsies of 84.2% (59/70) of the dyspeptic children. While the mean salivary NO values did not differ significantly between gastric H.pylori positive, negative and control groups, the salivary NO level of the dyspeptic group (213.7 ± 51.68 μmol/dL) was found to be significantly higher than the control group (185.7 ± 16.66 μmol/dL). No significant relationship was found between the mean salivary NO values, DMFT/dmft numbers and other oral parameters.ConclusionsThe association of dental caries and salivary NO levels could not be considered specific in the current study. Although there were no statistically significant differences between salivary NO levels of gastric H.pylori positive, gastric H.pylori negative and control groups, greater salivary NO levels among dyspeptic children compared with the control group demonstrated that the concentration of NO in the saliva could be used as a biological marker in dyspepsia, which could lead to the improvement of more specified, uncomplicated and susceptible methods for analysis.