Mutans Streptococci In Saliva Research Articles

The effect of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>, <i>Candida albicans</i> and other cariesogenic factors on the concentration of cathelicidin LL-37 in oral fluid in children with early childhood caries

BACKGROUND: Human antimicrobial peptides play a significant role in innate immunity. In the oral cavity salivary glands and mucosal epithelium produce human antimicrobial peptides, including defensins and cathelicidin LL-37. Cathelicidin is the most significant peptide protecting against different types of infections, controls the activity of commensal bacteria and prevents colonization and growth of pathogenic bacteria. AIM: To determine the concentration of cathelicidin LL-37 in the oral fluid of children 2–5 years old and the oral hygiene index depending on some of the parameters and intensity of the carious process in the oral cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of children aged 2-5 years old; the concentration of catelicidine in the oral fluid was determined by enzyme immunoassay. Moreover, the concentration of Streptococcus mutans in saliva, the presence of Candida albicans in dental plaque, oral hygiene index and the concentration of 25-hydroxycalciferol in venous blood were assessed in these children. RESULTS: The stydy revealed the dependence of the concentration of cathelicidin in the oral fluid on the intensity of the carious process in children as well as on the concentration of Streptococcus mutans in saliva, the presence of Candida albicans in plaque and poor oral hygiene. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that in children with high intensity of caries, the concentration of antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is twice lower than in children with low and medium intensity of early childhood caries.

Comparative evaluation of plaque removal efficacy and quantitative analysis of <em>Streptococcus mutans</em> in saliva after using nylon and charcoal bristles toothbrushes in children: A clinico-microbiological study

Background: Dental biofilms are the primary aetiologic factors in the 2 most prevalent oral diseases, dental caries and periodontal disease. Among all oral hygiene methods available, mechanical plaque removal with a toothbrush is the primary mode of maintaining good oral hygiene.Objectives: Comparative evaluation of plaque removal efficacy and quantitative analysis of Streptococcus mutans in saliva after using nylon and charcoal bristles toothbrushes in children.Method: Forty healthy children aged 8-10 years having decayed-missing-filled-tooth (DMFT) score less than 5 were randomly allocated into two groups, one using charcoal bristles and the other using nylon bristles toothbrush. Loe & Silness Plaque Index was recorded along with saliva sample collection for Streptococcus mutans count before and after using the respective toothbrushes for 1 week.Results: A significant reduction in plaque index was observed in each group with a non-significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans CFU. However, the comparison between the two groups was not statistically significant.Conclusions: This randomised, parallel, singleblinded clinical study demonstrated that both nylon and charcoal bristles toothbrushes significantly enhanced plaque control but there was no significant difference in the two methods. There was no significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans CFU.

Effect of Chitosan on the Number of Streptococcus mutans in Saliva: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to investigate the efficacy of chitosan-containing chewing gums, and to test their inhibitory effects on Streptococcus mutans. The systematic search was performed in three databases (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed) and included English-language randomized-controlled trials to compare the efficacy of chitosan in reducing the number of S. mutans. To assess the certainty of evidence, the GRADE tool was used. Mean differences were calculated with a 95% confidence interval for one outcome: bacterial counts in CFU/mL. The protocol of the study was registered on PROSPERO, registration number CRD42022365006. Articles were downloaded (n = 6758) from EMBASE (n = 2255), PubMed (n = 1516), and Cochrane (n = 2987). After the selection process, a total of four articles were included in the qualitative synthesis and three in the quantitative synthesis. Our results show that chitosan reduced the number of bacteria. The difference in mean quantity was -4.68 × 105. The interval of the random-effects model was [-2.15 × 106; 1.21 × 106] and the prediction interval was [1.03 × 107; 9.40 × 106]. The I2 value was 98% (p = 0.35), which indicates a high degree of heterogeneity. Chitosan has some antibacterial effects when used as a component of chewing gum, but further studies are needed. It can be a promising antimicrobial agent for prevention.

EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIAL OF LICORICE AND XYLITOL CONTAINING SUCROSE FREE HARD CANDIES IN HIGH CARIES RISK PATIENTS

Objectives: To evaluate the effi cacy of sucrose-free hard candies containing xylitol and licorice for preventing dental caries in high-risk individuals. Materials and Methods: Total 80 participants were enrolled based on inclusion criteria. Participants were divided at random into four groups of twenty. Group A consumed stevia-sweetened hard candies including licorice extract, Group B consumed stevia-sweetened hard candies containing xylitol extract, Group C consumed stevia-sweetened hard candies, and Group D consumed sucrose-sweetened hard candies. For the fi rst ten days, participants were asked to eat 2 candies each day; saliva samples were collected at Day 0, after fourteen days following the baseline saliva collection, and after six months after the intervention. Each participant was asked to spit into a sterile plastic container until a suffi cient quantity (5ml) of un-stimulated saliva was collected. It took place between 9 and 10 a.m. For at least an hour before the saliva sample was taken, the individual was requested to abstain from all forms of oral care. The statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 20. Results: Eighty participants finish the experiment and follow the instructions. CFU and pH data for streptococcus mutans in saliva were done as experimental analysis. The mean percentage change in CFU of Streptococcus mutans (%) varied signifi cantly across hard candies over the course of each time period (baseline to fourteen days, P<0.001; fourteen days to six months, P<0.001; and baseline to six months, P<0.001). There was a statistically signifi cant difference in mean salivary pH across various assessment periods within Base line to fourteen days (P<0.001) and Fourteen days to six months (P=0.019) and Base line to six months (P<0.001). The connection between bacterial count and salivary pH was found to be -0.142 (P=0.212) using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Conclusion: Licorice or xylitol extract are used to make sugar-free hard candies that are antibacterial, although the effect wears off with time. Hard candies without sugar have been proven to decrease cariogenic bacteria, while having an essentially neutral effect on pH.

Detection of Streptococcus Mutans in Saliva Using PCR Technique

The purpose of this paper was to detect Streptococcus mutans in saliva in a group of students of the Faculty of Natural Sciences through the PCR technique. The oral cavity is a dynamic environment that undergoes large and rapid fluctuations in pH, nutrient source and availability, oxygen tension, temperature, and osmolality. The ability of Streptococcus mutans to survive in such an environment is attributed to its ability to produce acids as well as glucans from carbohydrates, implicating it in the etiology and progression of dental caries. Detection of Streptococcus mutans using rapid, sensitive and specific methods is very important for early diagnosis and effective assessment of an individual's risk for dental caries. In this study, 30 students, aged 18-20, participated voluntarily, where the average age is 19.07 years, with a standard deviation of 0.57. From analyzing the saliva samples, we found that 86.7% (26/30), SE =0.033, 95%CI (83.7%-89.7%), of them were positive for S. mutans. From the analysis of the χ2 test to see the relationship between the variables taken in the study and the presence of S. mutans, we did not find reliable relationships. PCR, as a molecular biology method, proved to be quite efficient, sensitive and rapid for the detection of Streptococcus mutans from saliva.

Eff ectiveness of Menthol and Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinses on Reduction of Plaque, Gingivitis, and Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva

Introduction: Menthol is a new product made from mint that is the most eff ective approach to avoid infections. There has been little human research on using menthol as a mouth rinse ingredient, and there is little information on the subject. Aim: This study aimed to know the eff ectiveness of menthol and chlorhexidine mouth rinses in reducing plaque, gingivitis, and Streptococcus mutans in saliva among 21 to 45 years old subjects. Material and method: The study is a placebo-control, parallel-group blind randomized clinical trial consisting of a 2-week period. Forty subjects were selected and randomized into 2 groups consisting of 20 subjects: group A (menthol) and group B (chlorohexidine). The subjects were clinically examined for plaque accumulation using the plaque index (Turesky et al.) and gingival infl ammation using the gingival index (loe and silness). The saliva samples were collected for estimation of S. mutans count on the fi rst day of baseline and after the 14th day using an assigned mouth rinse. Results: Menthol mouth rinse showed lower scores in plaque index, gingival index, and S. mutans count compared to the chlorhexidine mouth rinse which was statistically signifi cant (p = 0.05). Mouth rinse with menthol is better compared to mouth rinse with chlorohexidine. Conclusion: Menthol mouthwash has therapeutic potential and can be prescribed by a dentist as part of routine oral hygiene practice

Evaluation of the Effect of Ginger and Chlorhexidine as Mouthwashes on Streptococcus Mutans in Saliva in a Group of Egyptian Children

Evaluation of the Effect of Ginger and Chlorhexidine as Mouthwashes on Streptococcus Mutans in Saliva in a Group of Egyptian Children

Comparative Clinical and Microbiological Study of Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus on the Count of Streptococcus Mutans in Saliva.

Comparative Clinical and Microbiological Study of Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus on the Count of Streptococcus Mutans in Saliva.

Antimicrobial effectiveness of Nano Silver Fluoride Varnish in reducing Streptococcus mutans in saliva and plaque biofilm when compared with Chlorhexidine and Sodium Fluoride Varnishes.

BackgroundThis in vivo study was done to investigate the antimicrobial effectiveness of Nano Silver fluoride, Sodium fluoride and Chlorhexidine when used as a varnish on Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) in saliva and plaque biofilm. Material and Methods120 caries free subjects, aged 8-10 years were randomly assigned to four different groups (n=30) - group I: Control, group II: Chlorhexidine varnish (CHX), group III: Sodium fluoride varnish (NaF), group IV: Nano Silver fluoride varnish (NSF). Varnish application was done once at baseline. Saliva and plaque samples were collected at baseline (T0), at the end of 1 month (T1) and 3 months (T3) to evaluate S.mutans levels by culture method, optical density and PCR. OHI-S Index was also recorded for clinical evaluation. ResultsNSF, CHX and NaF were effective against S.mutans activity. The intragroup comparision of CFU/ml and OD/ml count showed a highly significant reduction from baseline to 3 months for all the 3 varnish groups (p=0.001). PCR result revealed that maximum reduction was seen in NSF and CHX followed by NaF group. ConclusionsNSF reduces S.mutans level in both saliva and plaque biofilm and it is more advantageous than CHX and NaF as it has dual properties of acting as an antibacterial as well as a remineralizing agent. Key words:Chlorhexidine, Nano Silver fluoride, Sodium fluoride, S. mutans, varnish.

Effect of Xylitol Chewing Gum on Presence of Streptococcus mutans in Saliva

BACKGROUND: Oral disease ranks third among the most serious diseases in the world, after cancer and cardiovascular disease. Vietnamese population has suffered from various dental and oral diseases, of which the most common have been identified to be cavities and inflammation around the teeth. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using xylitol gum on the status of Strepptococus mutans bacteria in saliva. METHODS: The study design was an uncontrolled clinical study conducted at the Hanvinco Texture Factory (Hanoi). Two hundred and fifty-four subjects between the ages of 18 and 63 were included in the clinical trial. These subjects brushed their teeth for 2 weeks before providing a saliva sample for S. mutans. The 80 subjects with the highest number of salivary S. mutans were recruited for the further analysis (at least 104 CFU/ml). After each clinical intervention, participant chewed Lotte xylitol gum after each meal, two capsules each time and 1 time in the evening (total 4 times/day), continuously for 4 weeks. Saliva samples were quantified for S. mutans by real-time PCR method. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis of S. mutans bacteria in saliva of 254 subjects showed that 19.7% had S. mutans detected within 105 CFU/ml of saliva. These result shows that nearly 20% of the subjects examined have a high risk of tooth decay. After continuous use of xylitol chewing gum 4 times a day for 4 weeks by 80 subjects, it showed a decrease in the number of S. mutans in the saliva of participants, and the difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The use of xylitol chewing gum taken 4 times/day is effective in reducing the number of S. mutans bacteria in saliva when combined with brushing your teeth.

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.

Probiotic milk probably reduces the quantity of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and plaque, and its effects is probably sustained after discontinuation

Probiotic milk probably reduces the quantity of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and plaque, and its effects is probably sustained after discontinuation

Antibacterial activity of fluoride varnishes containing different agents in children with severe early childhood caries: a randomised controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial activity of fluoride varnishes containing different agents in children with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). The study was conducted in 92 children with S-ECC. Patients who completed dental treatment under general anaesthesia were included in the study. Patients were divided randomly into four groups: 5% sodium fluoride (SF) control group (n= 23), 5% SF with tricalcium phosphate (TCP) (n= 23), 5% SF with xylitol-coated calcium and phosphate (CXP) (n= 23) and 5% SF with casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) (n= 23). Saliva mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LB) levels were evaluated by taking saliva samples at baseline (T0), 1month (T1) and 3months (T2) after treatment. All groups showed a significant decrease in MS and LB levels at T1 (P< 0.05) except the CXP group. Only the TCP group exhibited significantly decrease MS and LB levels indicating less than 105CFU at both T1 and T2 compared with the other groups (P< 0.05). Fluoride varnish with TCP provided significantly more reduction in MS and LB levels than other fluoride varnishes. Fluoride varnish with TCP had a significant antibacterial effect against cariogenic bacteria until the end of the third month. Long lasting antibacterial effect provides additional advantage for reducing bacteria levels in children. NCT03625310.

Comparative Evaluation of Oral Health Status in Healthy Children and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

AbstractObjective Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is regarded a severe neuropsychiatric disorder. The objective of this study was to compare the status of the oral health between children with and without ASDs.Methods A total of 95 children (44 with ASD and 51 without ASD) were included. dmft/DMFT (d/D: decay; m/M: missing; f/F: filling; t/T: teeth) scores and plaque data of all participants were recorded. Saliva Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli load were determined using CRT bacteria.Results Streptococcus mutans load was &gt;105 CFU in 54.5% of the ASD group and 43.1% in the non-ASD group. Lactobacilli load was &gt;105 CFU in 47.70% of the ASD group and 49.0% in the non-ASD group. There was no statistically significant difference in the S. mutans or lactobacilli loads between the ASD and non-ASD groups. A total of 83.1% of the ASD group had caries, with dmft = 3.25 and DMFT = 5.10. In the non-ASD group, 81.10% of patients had caries, with dmft = 3.10 and DMFT = 4.90; 38.6% of the ASD group and 29.4% of the non-ASD group had no clinical signs of periodontal disease.Conclusion The examination of the amount of saliva S. mutans and lactobacilli at intervals with these patients will provide quantitative data to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health care.

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis of Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans in Saliva of Oral and Laryngeal Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Clinical Study.

Context:Radiotherapy leads to radiation-induced caries. There is limited knowledge about the quantification of cariogenic bacteria in the saliva of irradiated cancer patients.Objective:The aim of this study is to check salivary pH, flow rate, and the assessment of Streptococcus mutans in the saliva of irradiated oral and laryngeal cancer patients using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).Settings and Design:This was time-bound study which consisted of 26 cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (13-oral cancer 13-laryngeal cancer).Subjects and Methods:Resting saliva samples were gathered from oral (Group-I) and laryngeal (Group-II) cancer patients immediately before radiotherapy and after completion of radiotherapy (dose-60 Gy). pH of saliva and the salivary flow rate was measured. S. mutans were analyzed using qRT PCR.Statistical Analysis Used:Data were analyzed using SPSS software 20. Paired t-test was used to evaluate salivary pH, flow rate, and amount of S. mutans pre- and post-radiotherapy for Group I and II. Independent t-test was used to compare salivary pH, flow rate, and S. mutans pre- and post-radiotherapy between Group I and II.Results:Salivary pH and flow rate significantly reduced postradiotherapy in oral and laryngeal cancer patients (P < 0.001). The amount of S. mutans statistically increased postradiotherapy in oral cancer patients (P = 0.001). While S. mutans count was statistically insignificant in laryngeal cancer patients (P = 0.091). There was a significant increase in the amount of S. mutans in Group I when compared with Group II (P = 0.002).Conclusion:Amount of S. mutans increased postradiotherapy in oral cancer patients. While the salivary pH and salivary flow rate reduced postradiotherapy.

Analysis of the leading pathogenetic factors of dental caries in children with celiac disease

To identify the leading pathogenetic factors of dental caries in children with celiac disease. The study included 48 children with a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease at the age of 8-16 years. All the children were examined by a dentist, the oral cavity was sanitized, recommendations for oral care were given. All children followed a gluten-free diet and brushed their teeth at least once a day. The control group consisted of children (27 people) at the same age who did not have celiac disease. It was found that children with celiac disease have high rates of dental caries in comparison with children without this disease. The leading pathogenetic factors affecting the hard tissues of the teeth is a lack of vitamin D, a high titer of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and a low salivation rate.

Reduction of Streptococcus mutans by probiotic milk: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

To investigate the effects of probiotics, Lactobacillus paracasei SD1, on the quantities of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and plaque samples of preschool children. This randomized trial recruited 487 preschool children from eight childcare centers. Participants were assigned to receive a 6-month course of placebo milk daily (group I), probiotic milk either daily (group II) or three days a week (triweekly, group III). The absolute quantities of S. mutans and total lactobacilli in the saliva and plaque samples at baseline (T0), after intervention (T6), and 6 months after discontinuation (T12) were assessed by qPCR. Of 487 children, 354 completed all follow-up periods. However, only 268 children (3.2 ± 0.8 years old; groups I = 86, II = 89, and III = 93) provided adequate saliva for qPCR. Whereas the quantities of S. mutans were significantly decreased in groups II and III compared to group I in the saliva and plaque samples at T6 and T12, those of total lactobacilli were significantly increased (p < 0.0167). There was no difference in the quantities of S. mutans or total lactobacilli between groups II and III at any period. Significant changes in the quantities of S. mutans and total lactobacilli lasted until T12 compared to T0 (p < 0.0167). Probiotic administration daily or triweekly reduces S. mutans quantities, whereas it increases total lactobacilli quantities that persists at least 6 months after discontinuation in the saliva and plaque samples of preschool children. Daily or triweekly consumption of L. paracasei SD1 supplemented in milk may help prevent dental caries in preschool children.

Effect of CPP-ACP on Streptococcus mutans in saliva of high caries-risk preschool children: a randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of CPP-ACP in reducing salivary S. mutans levels and compare its effect as a dentifrice to use of a fluoride dentifrice alone, or with the sequential use of a combination of both agents (fluoride, then CPP-ACP) in three groups of preschool children over a 6-month period. This was a double-blinded clinical trial, the sample (n = 127, age 4.6 ± 0.47years), with high caries risk, was randomized into three groups which applied different agents twice daily; fluoride toothpaste (500ppm, n = 50), CPP-ACP (10% w/v, n = 38), and combination group (n = 39) applied fluoride, then CPP-ACP. S. mutans salivary levels were measured by GC Saliva-Check Mutans™. Within groups, a significant decrease in S. mutans-positive children (SMPC) occurred in fluoride and combination groups at 3-months, (P < 0.05), and in all groups at 6-months, (P < 0.05). The highest reduction in SMPC occurred in the CPP-ACP group, however, there were no significant differences in SMPC between groups at all study intervals, (P > 0.05). Although all agents were effective, CPP-ACP showed the highest reduction in SMPC over 6-months.

Chapter 10: Probiotic Bacteria and Dental Caries.

The World Health Organization has defined probiotics as "Live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host." Traditionally, probiotic microorganisms (mainly Lactobacillus ssp. and Bifidobacterium ssp.) have been used to prevent or treat diseases in the gastrointestinal tract. In the past 20 years, there has been an increased interest in possible oral health effects of probiotics. In vitro studies have shown promising results with growth inhibition of mutans streptococci (MS) and Candida albicans. There are only a few clinical studies with caries development as the primary outcome while more studies have been focusing on control of caries risk factors or so-called surrogate outcomes. Several studies have evaluated the effects of probiotic bacteria on MS in saliva and/or plaque, and a number of probiotic strains show ability to reduce the number of MS. Probiotic bacteria have not been shown to permanently colonize the oral cavity; in early-in-life interventions or in subjects with a mature microbiota. To date investigated strains are transiently present in saliva during and shortly after an intervention. There are eight randomized controlled clinical trials with dental caries as outcome and probiotic strains, administration, duration of the intervention, and target group varied. In a majority of the studies (75%), the interventions resulted in caries reduction in the treatment groups. Although a majority of these studies suggest a caries-preventive effect of probiotic bacteria, more long-term clinical studies are needed in this field before probiotics could be recommended for preventing or treating dental caries.

Effects of a functional food supplemented with probiotics on biological factors related to dental caries in children: a pilot study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a functional food supplemented with probiotics on biological factors related to dental caries in children aged 3-5years. A repeated measures pilot study was conducted with children who have consumed a commercial milk containing two lactic acid bacteria as probiotics (WP milk) for a period of 3months and another period of 3months consuming a milk without probiotics (NP milk). Salivary pH, plaque index, pH variation before and after a sugar rinse, quantification of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and demineralisation of the carious lesions were determined at the beginning and at the end of both milk ingestion periods. Regarding WP milk, a non-significant decrease in terms of the concentration of S. mutans and pH variation (p > 0.05), a significant decrease (i.e. acidification) in salivary pH (p < 0.01) and a remineralisation of 39.4% of the caries were found. On the other hand, for NP milk, a non-significant increase in terms of the concentration of S. mutans, pH variation, salivary pH (p > 0.05) and a remineralisation of 64.2% were found. Lactic acid probiotics can contribute to the decrease in the number of cariogenic microorganisms. However, the appropriate selection of the bacteria type with regard to its acidogenicity is fundamental to avoid the generation of an effect contrary to that expected, e.g. a significant decrease in salivary pH.