Streptococcus Mutans In Dental Plaque Research Articles

Probiotics, A New Frontier in Oral Health: Unraveling the Efficacy of Probiotic Metabolites vs. Chlorhexidine on Streptococcus mutans in Dental Plaque

The battle against dental caries has long been fought with conventional antimicrobial agents, with Chlorhexidine leading the charge. However, recent research has delved into the potential of probiotic metabolites as an alternative or adjunctive therapy in the quest for better oral health. In this editorial, we explore the emerging evidence surrounding the efficacy of probiotic metabolites compared to Chlorhexidine, specifically targetting local clinical isolates of Streptococcus mutans within dental plaque. Streptococcus mutans, a key player in the formation of dental plaque, has been a prime target for antimicrobial interventions due to its significant role in tooth decay. Chlorhexidine, a widely used antiseptic, has been a stalwart in dental care. However, its efficacy and potential side effects have prompted researchers to seek alternative approaches. Probiotic metabolites, byproducts of beneficial bacteria, have emerged as a promising avenue, with studies suggesting their ability to promote oral health by modulating the microbial balance.1 Recent studies have begun to unravel the intricate interactions between probiotic metabolites and Streptococcus mutans. These investigations have not only explored the direct antimicrobial effects but also the potential for probiotics to influence the overall microbial environment in the oral cavity. The comparison with Chlorhexidine, a gold standard in dental care, adds depth to our understanding of these alternative therapies.2 The evidence supporting the efficacy of probiotic metabolites in controlling Streptococcus mutans is not only encouraging but also challenges the status quo. A study by Gong SG et al. (2023) demonstrated that probiotic metabolites significantly reduced the growth of Streptococcus mutans in vitro, highlighting their potential as a potent antimicrobial agent.3 This finding is particularly promising given the increasing concerns about antibiotic resistance and the need for sustainable alternatives.
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Comparative evaluation of change in the pH and streptococcus mutans count in dental plaque after use of probiotic curd – an in vivo microbiological study

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

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Green Tea Herbal Mouth-wash and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash Against Streptococcus mutans in Dental Plaque - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Aim Several chemical agents can alter the profile of oral microflora but can cause undesirable effects on oral tissues. Green tea Camellia sinensis contains adequate amounts of catechins and polyphenol compounds. It has demonstrated antibacterial antioxidant anti-inflammatory antiviral antimutagenic and anticaries properties.The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of commercially available 0.5 green tea herbal mouthwash with 0.2 chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque samples of school children. Methods This clinical trial was conducted including thirty healthy cooperative children who were randomly divided into two groups Group A 0.2 Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash and Group B 0.5 Green tea mouthwash. Baseline and day 15 post-rinse plaque samples were collected. Streptococcus mutans colony counting was done on day zero and on day 15 and the results were compared statistically.Results Within the group paired t-test analysis showed a significant reduction p lt0.05 of Streptococcus mutans counts from baseline to post-rinse in both 0.2 chlorhexidine 1.68plusmn0.63 95 CI -1.45 to 1.77 and green tea 0.5 1.54plusmn0.16 95 CI - 1.37 to 1.69 groups. Between groups independent t-test analysis did not show any significant difference both at baseline and post-rinse p gt0.05.Conclusion Both 0.2 chlorhexidine mouthwash and green tea 0.5 mouthwash were equally efficient in reducing S. mutans counts. However 0.2 Chlorhexidine mouthwash was marginally better. Green tea mouthwash has the advantage of being non-staining having no taste disturbance and having good participant compliance.

The antibacterial effect of Magnolia mouthwash on the levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background and Objectives:Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases around the world. Inhibitory effects of Magnolia Grandiflora bark extract has been proved on tooth decay both in vitro and by using free sugar chewing gum. This research aimed to examine the effect of Magnolia Grandiflora bark mouth-wash on the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque.Materials and Methods:This crossover, placebo-controlled, clinical trial study, was performed on a total of twenty participants (aged 18 to 35 years) in both control and intervention groups and four phases. The prevalence of S. mutans was measured in a certain volume of volunteer’s dental plaque at the beginning of the project (phase 1), after the first prescription (phase 2), following the washout period (phase 3) and finally after the second prescription (phase 4) by culture on bacteriology medium. Plaque index and saliva sampling were carried out in follow-up visits by a dentist. The data were analyzed using T-Test (paired and independent) quantitatively.Results:There was a significant difference in S. mutans frequency in dental plaque between when the participants used Magnolia mouthwash and when they washed out or used a placebo (p<0.005). Results also showed a significant difference between Magnolia and Placebo groups in the mean count of saliva bacterial colony counts after oral administration in the first and second time (P<0.001 and P<0.004, respectively).Conclusion:The current trial showed that Magnolia Grandiflora %0.3 mouthwash tends to decrease the number of S. mutans in dental plaque significantly. Therefore, its mass production and release to the oral health community are suggested. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and varying treatment are required to substantiate the findings of this study.

Effects of probiotic and fluoride mouthrinses on Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque around orthodontic brackets: A preliminary explorative randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background:Although it is shown that probiotic agents might reduce Streptococcus mutans, no study has evaluated this effect in the form of probiotic mouthrinse. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of probiotic experimental mouthwash Lactobacillus plantarum versus sodium fluoride and placebo mouthwashes on the number of S. mutans present in dental plaque around orthodontic brackets in fixed orthodontic patients.Materials and Methods:This study was a randomized clinical trial. The total of 38 patients participate consisting of 12 patients in the fluoride group, 13 in the probiotic, and 12 in the placebo group. They were given mouthwashes to use twice a day for 2 weeks. Plaque sampling was performed using the 4-pass technique in all three groups in two stages: before the intervention and after 2 weeks of using the mouthwash. The number of bacteria present in the dental plaque was then reported based on the number of colonies grown on agar medium. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon tests (α = 0.05).Results:Gender distribution, mean age, and protocol adherence were not significantly different among all three groups. After the intervention, the number of S. mutans present in the dental plaque followed an increasing manner in the placebo (P = 0.005) and probiotic (P = 0.158) groups and decreased in fluoride group (P = 0.025).Conclusion:The L. plantarum probiotic mouthwash was ineffective in reduction of S. mutans in dental plaque. However, fluoride mouthwash is considerably effective against S. mutans and thus recommended.

Effect of Fluoride-releasing Elastomers on Mutans Streptococci in Dental Plaque: An In Vivo Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride-releasing elastomeric modules in the control of Streptococcus mutans levels in the oral cavity. The study consisted of 30 patients, with two experimental periods of three weeks and a three-week washout period between experimental periods. At the first visit, fluoridated modules were placed around brackets on 12 11 33 and non-fluoridated ones on 21 22 43. During the 2nd visit, the modules were removed and sent for a microbiological analysis. Non-fluoridated modules were placed on all brackets for one visit to allow for a washout period. At the 3rd visit, fluoridated elastomeric modules were placed around brackets on 21 22 43 and non-fluoridated on 12 11 33. At the 4th visit, the procedures at the 2nd visit were repeated. A mean comparison between bacterial counts of fluoride-releasing and non-fluoridated elastomeric modules in both the trials were done by the Mann-Whitney U test, which showed the result to be significant (p < 0.001). The mean comparison of bacterial counts between fluoride-releasing and non-fluoridated elastomeric modules in a specific area was done by the Wilcoxon signed rank test, which showed the result to be significant (p < 0.001). A comparison between bacterial counts of fluoride-releasing elastomeric modules in both trials were done by the Mann-Whitney U test, which also showed a significant result (p < 0.001). The sustained-release fluoridated elastomeric modules are effective in reducing the levels of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque around the brackets for a time period of 21 days. The sustained-release fluoridated modules were effective in reducing the CFU of S. mutans and are also stable at the end of 21 days of the experimental period. But the action of fluoride released from the modules is localized, temporary, and requires constant maintenance of these modules over the brackets throughout the treatment period.

Sugar-free hard confectionery with at least 90% erythritoland reduction of dental plaque which reduces therisk of dental caries: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.

Following an application from Cargill R&D Centre Europe, submitted for authorisation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Belgium, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to sugar‐free hard confectionery with at least 90% erythritol and reduction of dental plaque which reduces the risk of caries. The food proposed by the applicant as the subject of the health claim, sugar‐free hard confectionery with at least 90% erythritol, is sufficiently characterised. In the context of this application, the weight of dental plaque, and/or the counts of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque, and/or the concentration of organic acids in plaque (primarily acetic acid and lactic acid) can be considered as risk factor(s) in the development of dental caries, as long as evidence is provided that the consumption of the food that is the subject of the health claim reduces one or more of the proposed risk factors and the incidence of dental caries. One human intervention study did not show an effect of sugar‐free hard confectionery with at least 90% erythritol on the incidence of dental caries in children on either mixed or permanent dentition. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between the consumption of sugar‐free hard confectionery with at least 90% erythritol and reduction of dental plaque which reduces the risk of dental caries.

Risk factors of early childhood caries among children in Beijing: a case-control study.

BackgroundThe prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) among children in Beijing, China, has been increasing continuously though slowly. However, there is limited information about ECC in Beijing. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors of dental caries among preschool children in Beijing.MethodsFor this case-control study, using a convenience sampling method, 787 children aged 3 and 4 years old were recruited; 386 children with caries constituted the early childhood caries (ECC) group and 401children without caries formed the caries-free (CF) group. Dental caries was diagnosed at the tooth surface level by two calibrated examiners according to the WHO 1997 criteria. A structured questionnaire was filled in by the children’s main guardians. Mutans streptococci in non stimulated saliva and plaque were measured with the Dentocult SM Strip. Negative binomial regression was used for multivariate analysis.ResultsAnalysis of the data showed that level of mutans streptococci in dental plaque and history of dental visit were significantly correlated with the prevalence of caries and the mean dmfs score.ConclusionsHigh level of plaque mutans streptococci is a risk factor for ECC in preschool children in Beijing. And longitudinal studies are needed to identify the causal relationships between the levels of mutans streptococci in dental plaque and caries development.

The effect of silver ion-releasing elastomers on mutans streptococci in dental plaque

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of silverized elastomers on mutans streptococci in dental plaque.MethodsForty patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were randomly placed into 1 of 2 groups. We examined the maxillary right and left central incisors and premolars, and the mandibular right and left canines of all participants. We ligated the right maxillary and left mandibular teeth of the participants in group 1 with silverized elastomers and ligated their contralateral teeth with conventional elastomers. We ligated the left maxillary teeth and right mandibular teeth of group 2 participants with silverized elastomers. Each participant visited the clinic 4 times at 3-week intervals. We applied the elastomers to the teeth on one side of each patient's mouth during their first visit. During the second visit, the elastomers were removed for microbiological analysis and replaced with steel ligatures. During the third visit, we used silverized elastomers to ligate the teeth contralateral to those treated on the first visit. The elastomers were removed during the fourth visit, and microbiological analyses were performed. We compared the quantity of bacteria on silverized and conventional elastomers at the 0.05 level of significance.ResultsThe percentage of mutans streptococci was not significantly different in cultures of dental plaque from the silverized and the conventional elastomers (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThere was no significant difference between the antimicrobial effect of the silverized elastomers and that of the conventional elastomers.

Practice-based study of the cost-effectiveness of fissure sealants in Finland

Objective To retrospectively analyze the cost-effectiveness of sealant treatment in two health centers with different caries preventive strategies in Finland using a practice-based research protocol. Materials and methods The data of digital dental records were data-mined and analyzed retrospectively in the health center in Kemi where the preventive strategy was sealing selectively only high-caries risk patients, and in Vantaa where all patients were routinely sealed. Risk group determination in Kemi was based on the presence of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque. Supervised use of xylitol was an additional caries preventive measure in Kemi. The subjects were divided into all-sealed and non-sealed groups in the beginning of the follow-up according to the sealant treatment status of their first permanent molars. The mean cumulative cost of restorations and sealing treatment was counted in children at 12 years of age. Results Sealing of risk children in Kemi resulted in a total cost of 185€ per child whereas the respective cost of routinely sealed children in Vantaa was 235€. The cost of restorations was 76€ in Kemi and 150€ in 5 years in Vantaa. Risk determination and the use of xylitol did not affect significantly the total treatment cost in Kemi. Conclusion The significant reduction in the cost of dental treatment can be achieved by leaving non-risk subjects unsealed and sealing only high-caries risk individuals.

Quantitative detection of Streptococcus mutans in the dental plaque of Japanese preschool children by real-time PCR

To detect quantitatively the total bacteria and Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque by real-time PCR with prbac, Sm and GTF-B primers, and to compare their presence with the prevalence of dental caries in Japanese preschool children. Human dental plaque samples were collected from the labial surfaces of the upper primary central incisors of 107 children. The dental status was recorded as dft by WHO caries diagnostic criteria. Positive dt and dft scores by the Sm or GTF-B primer were significantly higher than negative scores (P < 0.01). The proportions of Strep. mutans to the total bacteria from sound, and sound and/or filled upper primary incisors were significantly lower than those from decayed or filled, and decayed incisors, respectively (P < 0.01). The ratios of Strep. mutans to total bacteria in plaque detected by real-time PCR with Sm and GTF-B primers were closely associated with the prevalence of dental caries in Japanese preschool children. These assays may be useful for the assessment of an individual's risk of dental caries.

The complex oral microflora of high‐risk individuals and groups and its role in the caries process

The involvement of the oral biofilm in the caries process requires re-evaluation. The essential role of mutans streptococci (Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus) in the caries process is not proven. Acid production by dental plaque is not dependent upon the presence of mutans streptococci; caries occurs in the absence of these species and their presence does not necessarily indicate caries activity. Other oral bacteria, non-mutans streptococci, Actinomyces spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., are acidogenic and aciduric. They outnumber mutans streptococci in dental plaque, and there are data which support a role for these bacteria in the initiation and progression of caries. Molecular studies demonstrate the great diversity and complexity of the flora associated with caries. Many taxa identified have not been cultured and the role of these taxa is not known. We have, in mutans streptococci, good markers of disease but not necessarily the aetiological agents of the disease. Considerably more research is required to investigate the transition of tooth surfaces from being intact and sound to the white spot lesion stage. A combination of conventional and molecular approaches are required to elucidate the involvement of an individual taxon and of microbial populations with particular traits in the caries process.

Typing of Mutans Streptococci by Arbitrarily Primed PCR in Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment

The aim of this study was to clarify the genotypic stability of mutans streptococci (MS) longitudinally during orthodontic treatment. Plaque samples were obtained from the supragingival smooth surface of the upper right teeth at four stages: prior to and after 1, 3 and 6 months of orthodontic treatment. Levels of total viable count, total streptococci and MS in dental plaque of 17 patients were recorded. Streptococci isolated from dental plaque samples were identified as MS on the basis of their morphological and biochemical properties. DNA was prepared from 713 strains of MS and the strains were then identified with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) again. Arbitrarily primed PCR (AP-PCR) fingerprinting was applied in determining the genotypes of MS. The results indicated that levels of total viable count, total streptococci and MS increased significantly after the fixed appliances were bonded. A maximum of 3 different genotypes were found in an individual. All the genotypes were found again after the application of the fixed appliances in 17 patients. A new AP-PCR typing pattern was found after the application of fixed appliances for 1 month in patient 1. That strain was not detected either prior to or after 3, or 6 months of treatment. The result indicated that the MS clones were very stable during orthodontic treatment.

Protective Effect of Topically Applied Fluoride in Relation to Fluoride Sensitivity of Mutans Streptococci

The aim of the present in vitro experiments was to determine whether the protection of enamel by topically applied fluoride against demineralization by bacterial acids would depend on the fluoride sensitivity of the bacteria. Glucose-agarose gel suspensions of fluoride-sensitive and fluoride-resistant mutans streptococci were placed on bovine enamel specimens with different amounts of fluoride. One group of specimens was untreated, a second group had been pretreated with a F-lacquer, and a third group had been pretreated with the F-lacquer and rinsed subsequently with a KOH-solution, to remove deposited CaF2. After 22-hour incubations at 37 degrees C, the amounts of calcium and lactate and the pH of the agarose gels were determined. This procedure was repeated on three consecutive days. Two parent S. mutans strains, one parent S. sobrinus strain, and five fluoride-resistant derivatives were tested. Both pretreatments gave a significant protection to the enamel specimens. For the S. mutans strains, the degree of protection did not depend on the fluoride sensitivity of the strains. For the S. sobrinus strains, the results suggested a reduced protection against demineralization by the fluoride-resistant derivatives. Only from the second group of enamel specimens was enough fluoride released for inhibition of bacterial metabolism. Presumably, it was released by the dissolution of CaF2. It is concluded that a possible adaptation of mutans streptococci in dental plaque to frequent exposures to fluoride will not necessarily decrease the caries-preventive effects caused by topically applied fluoride agents.

Latex agglutination test for detection of mutans streptococci in relation to dental caries in children

A simple and rapid system based on a latex agglutination (LA) reaction was devised for the detection of mutans streptococci in dental plaque. Latex particles were sensitized with antibodies against whole cells of Streptococcus mutans strains MT8148 (serotype c), MT703R ( e) and OMZ175 ( f) and Strep. sobrinus strains B13 ( d) and 6715 ( g). These sensitized particles were agglutinated within a few minutes after addition of 1.0–10ng serotype-specific antigen from the homologous organisms or the nitrous acid extract of whole cells at 10 5–10 6c.f.u. The LA test specifically differentiated not only mutans streptococci from the other oral streptococci but also Strep. sobrinus from Strep. mutans. The LA test was also applicable to extracts of plaque from 206 human subjects who harboured mutans streptococci. In clinical trials, the outcome of the LA test correlated significantly with the number of mutans streptococci found in plaque ( p < 0.0001), which was quantified by the selective cultivation of mutans streptococci. Furthermore, the LA test discriminated between Strep. mutans and Strep. sobrinus from human dental plaque. The sensitivity and the specificity of the LA test for detection of mutans streptococci were 78.9 and 100%. The degree of reactivity in the LA test correlated significantly with the number of decayed tooth surfaces ( p < 0.0001) and decayed and filled tooth surfaces ( p < 0.0001). These results suggest that the LA test could be useful clinically for the detection of mutans streptococci in dental plaque as well as serving as a caries-activity test.

Comparison of MSB Agar with TYCSB Agar for Isolation of Mutans Streptococci in Dental Plaque from Japanese Children

Comparison of MSB Agar with TYCSB Agar for Isolation of Mutans Streptococci in Dental Plaque from Japanese Children

Fluoride and Mutans Streptococci in Plaque Grown on Glass Ionomer and Composite

The aim of this study was to compare the levels of fluoride and mutans streptococci in plaque grown on glass ionomer (Ketac-Fil) and composite (Silar) restorations in vivo. From tunnels left under the brackets bonded either with glass ionomer or composite, 14-day-old plaque samples were collected 14, 28, and 42 days after bonding. For glass ionomer the mean counts of mutans streptococci in plaque were 0.5 x 10(3), 6.7 x 10(3), and 8.8 x 10(3) CFU at the first, second, and third collection, respectively, whereas for composite restorations the corresponding values were 32.1 x 10(3), 14.6 x 10(3), and 120.6 x 10(3) CFU. For glass ionomer the mean concentrations of fluoride were 19,985, 5,788, and 5,019 ppm at first, second, and third collections of 14-day-old plaque samples, respectively, whereas for composite restorations the mean concentrations of fluoride were about 200 ppm throughout the study. The results show that the fluoride level in plaque growing on glass ionomer is much higher than that on composite restorations which seems to affect the level of mutans streptococci in dental plaque.

Caries Development in Children in Relation to the Presence of Mutans Streptococci in Dental Plaque and of Serum Antibodies against Whole Cells and Protein Antigen I/II of Streptococcus mutans

Twenty-eight children, aged 0.8-3.8 years, were studied with respect to the presence of mutans streptococci (MS) in dental plaque and the amount and avidity of specific serum IgG and IgM antibodies against whole cells and streptococcal protein antigen I/II (SA I/II) of Streptococcus mutans. The presence or absence of MS in dental plaque at the median age of 1.9 years predicted the caries development during a 2.7-year follow-up period with a sensitivity and specificity of 73 and 92%, respectively. The caries predictive value of a positive finding of MS at this age was as high as 92%. Almost all children had detectable amounts of serum IgG and IgM antibodies against whole cells and SA I/II of S. mutans, irrespective of the presence of detectable levels of this bacterium in dental plaque. These antibodies increased with age. The antibody levels did not differ significantly between children who were MS-negative or MS-positive. However, in MS-free children as well as in the whole study group, total specific and high-avidity antibodies of IgG class against whole cells correlated positively with antibodies against SA I/II. In MS-infected children such an association was observed for IgM but not for IgG antibodies. This different serum antibody profile in MS-negative and -positive children may be related to the mode of immunization with S. mutans.

Prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and dental decay in school children from Siena (Italy).

Epidemiological indexes of dental decay and prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque were studied in a group of 255 schoolchildren aged 6-11 from a suburban area near Siena (Italy). Mutans streptococci were isolated from 17.4% of subjects: a significant correlation with dental decay indexes and with the presence of active caries was observed.

Free arachidonic acid source for PGE 2 and TXB 2 production in guinea pig peritoneal macrophages exposed to insoluble glucan from Streptococcus mutans

1. 1. Macrophages are an important source of the lipid mediators arachidonic acid (AA) and its metabolites that are produced during inflammation. 2. 2. Previously, we reported that insoluble glucans from Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque could induce macrophages to secrete PGE 2 and TXB 2. 3. 3. Studies were undertaken to identify the phospholipid substrates that can serve as a source of AA in macrophages exposed to the insoluble glucan. 4. 4. When macrophage cell prelabelled with [ 3H]AA, stimulation with insoluble glucan resulted in a loss of label mainly from phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylinositol (PI). 5. 5. In addition, the PC-, and Pi-specific phospholipase A 2-mediated mechanisms for AA release may be activated in guinea peritoneal macrophages exposed to the insoluble glucan from S. mutons.