-
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2021Caries is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide and is driven by the dysbiosis of dental biofilms adhering to tooth surfaces. The pits and fissured...
Caries is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide and is driven by the dysbiosis of dental biofilms adhering to tooth surfaces. The pits and fissured surfaces are the most susceptible sites of caries. However, information on the taxonomic composition and functional characteristics of the plaque microbiota in the pit and fissure sites is very limited. This study aimed to use metagenomic sequencing analyses to investigate the relationship between the plaque microbiome in the pit and fissure site and caries in adolescents. A total of 20 adolescents with active pit and fissure surface caries were involved as well as 20 age-matched, caries-free teenagers for control tests. Plaque samples were collected from the pit and fissure site and were subjected to metagenomic analyses, in which the microbial communities were investigated. Our results showed that the microbiota diversity was similar between those two groups. At the species level, the relative abundances of , , , , , and were higher in the caries-active group. , , and were relatively more abundant in the caries-free groups. Functional analysis suggested that the metabolic pathway was the most abundant pathway, and the functional traits of the level 2 pathways included amino acid metabolism, metabolism of cofactors, and vitamins and carbohydrate metabolism. Our results also revealed that the caries group displayed several alterations in metabolic pathways, including enriched functions in carbohydrate digestion and absorption. This study suggested that in addition to the specific anatomical structures of the pit and fissured surfaces, the fundamental differences in the plaque microbiome may also be related to the susceptibility of pit and fissure caries.
Topics: Adolescent; Biofilms; Dental Caries; Dental Caries Susceptibility; Dental Plaque; Humans; Metagenomics; Microbiota
PubMed: 34778105
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.740981 -
Journal of Dental Research Jul 2017Dental caries is prevalent, and secondary caries causes restoration failures. This article reviews recent studies on developing a new generation of bioactive resins with... (Review)
Review
Dental caries is prevalent, and secondary caries causes restoration failures. This article reviews recent studies on developing a new generation of bioactive resins with anticaries properties. Extensive effects were made to develop new antimicrobial composites, bonding agents, and other resins containing quaternary ammonium methacrylates to suppress plaque buildup and bacterial acid production. The effects of alkyl chain length and charge density and the antimicrobial mechanisms for chlorhexidine, nano-silver, quaternary ammonium methacrylates, and protein-repellent agents were discussed. Synergistic effects of contact-killing and protein-repellent properties were shown to yield the greatest biofilm-inhibition effects. The combination of antimicrobial, protein-repellent, and calcium phosphate nanoparticle remineralization was suggested to provide maximal anticaries effects. In addition, for use orally, cytotoxicity and biocompatibility were important considerations for the new bioactive materials. Furthermore, rather than kill all bacteria, it would be more desirable to modulate the oral biofilm compositions via bioactive resins to suppress cariogenic/pathogenic species and promote benign species. For widespread clinical use of the new antimicrobial and therapeutic materials, whether they would induce bacterial drug resistance needs to be determined, which requires further study. Nonetheless, the new generation of bioactive anticaries resins with therapeutic and biofilm acid-inhibiting properties has the potential to substantially benefit oral health.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Biofilms; Calcium Phosphates; Cariostatic Agents; Chlorhexidine; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Humans; Methacrylates; Nanoparticles; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Resins, Synthetic
PubMed: 28530844
DOI: 10.1177/0022034517709739 -
Journal of Dentistry Dec 2023To determine the validity and reliability of novel digitalized tools for dental plaque detection and explore the benefits and limitations connected to their use. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To determine the validity and reliability of novel digitalized tools for dental plaque detection and explore the benefits and limitations connected to their use.
DATA
Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews. All human clinical studies comparing dental plaque detection using digitalized systems against a standard reference were included.
SOURCES
PubMed and Scopus were screened from 01 January 2013 to 28 September 2023. Bibliographies of primary studies and principal peer-reviewed scientific journals were manually searched.
STUDY SELECTION
The initial search identified 576 articles, with a total of 13 included in the review, published between 2015 and 2023. Most of the studies included (77 %) were cross-sectional with three being prospective. Digital devices captured 2D and 3D images via cameras and intra-oral scanners, respectively. The Turesky's modified plaque index was the most frequent clinical index. Correlation with clinical examination was moderate to strong, with good to excellent intra- and inter-system agreement.
CONCLUSIONS
Within the limitations of this scoping review, image analysis-based plaque detection systems demonstrated good correlations with clinical plaque indices, using both 2D and 3D imaging systems. Whilst digital plaque detection devices offer advantages in terms of procedural standardization and reproducibility, they also have limitations, therefore currently, their application should be underpinned by a comprehensive clinical examination.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Digital plaque detection tools, that provide standardized measurements and store acquired images, facilitate more informed feedback to patients. This objective analysis may enhance clinician confidence in their utility for clinical trials and other applications.
Topics: Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Dental Plaque; Prospective Studies; Dental Plaque Index; Imaging, Three-Dimensional
PubMed: 37939996
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104772 -
European Journal of Orthodontics May 2022Fixed orthodontic appliances might result in dental adverse effects, if sufficient oral hygiene is not maintained. Since recommendations on toothbrushing times are... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
Fixed orthodontic appliances might result in dental adverse effects, if sufficient oral hygiene is not maintained. Since recommendations on toothbrushing times are lacking scientific justification in orthodontic populations, the aim of the present study was to comparatively quantify the duration of toothbrushing with a manual and a powered toothbrush in two distinct age groups.
TRIAL DESIGN
Two-centre, two-period crossover balanced randomized clinical trial with computer-generated numbers and blinding at the outcome-assessing level.
METHODS
Children and adults with fixed appliances with at least 22 aligned teeth were recruited at a university clinic and private practice in Bavaria, Germany. Plaque was disclosed with staining tablets and participants brushed their teeth with their habitual technique in front of a mirror and without interference until staining was, to their own satisfaction, completely removed. The primary outcome was duration of toothbrushing in seconds. Secondary outcomes were percentage plaque reduction and questionnaire data on dental attitudes and behaviours. Data were analysed with linear mixed models.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight participants were randomized to the first and 27 to the second toothbrush sequence. The combined effect of age and toothbrush on the duration of toothbrushing was evident (n = 52, F(1, 50.8) = 5.1, P = 0.028). Children brushed 14.5 seconds less [n = 28, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -31.3 to 2.3, P = 0.090], yet adults 13.3 seconds more (n = 24, 95% CI = -4.6 to 31.3, P = 0.143) with the manual than powered toothbrush. Brushing times ranged from 2 minutes and 45 seconds to 3 minutes and 17 seconds with plaque reduction at 76% and good dental attitudes and behaviours.
CONCLUSIONS
Both children and adults with fixed appliances might equally reach an effective plaque reduction with either manual or powered toothbrushes and their habitual brushing technique in around three minutes, if plaque is visible.
REGISTRATION
DRKS-German Clinical Trials Register ID: DRKS00012463.
FUNDING
Oral-B Procter & Gamble.
Topics: Adult; Child; Dental Plaque; Dental Plaque Index; Equipment Design; Humans; Orthodontic Appliances, Fixed; Single-Blind Method; Toothbrushing
PubMed: 34849694
DOI: 10.1093/ejo/cjab075 -
BMC Veterinary Research Aug 2020Dogs' saliva is a complex mixture of inorganic and organic constituents, rich in proteins. Therefore, knowing the saliva composition of these animals is extremely...
BACKGROUND
Dogs' saliva is a complex mixture of inorganic and organic constituents, rich in proteins. Therefore, knowing the saliva composition of these animals is extremely important to identify the presence of proteins that may be involved in physiological and pathological mechanisms of their oral cavity. The present study aimed to characterize the proteomic profile of saliva from dogs with and without dental calculus.
RESULTS
Saliva samples were collected from 20 dogs. Before the collection, a visual clinical examination was performed and 8 subjects (40%) did not present any signs of dental calculus, while 12 (60%) presented dental calculus. After saliva collection, the samples were submitted to protein quantification (mBCA), and then they were prepared for analysis by nLC-ESI-MS/MS. A total of 658 unique proteins were identified, of which 225 were specific to dogs without dental calculus, 300 were specific to dogs with dental calculus, and 133 were common to all subjects. These proteins presented functions including transportation, immune response, structural, enzymatic regulation, signal transduction, transcription, metabolism, and some proteins perform functions as yet unknown. Several salivary proteins in dogs with dental calculus differed from those found in the group without dental calculus. Among the abundant proteins detected in periodontal affected cases, can be highlighting calcium-sensing receptor and transforming growth factor beta. Enrichment analysis reveled the presence of Rho GTPases signaling pathway.
CONCLUSIONS
This research identified salivary proteins, that should be further investigated as potencial biomarkers of chronic periodontits with dental calculus formation in dogs.
Topics: Animals; Dental Calculus; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Male; Periodontitis; Proteome; Salivary Proteins and Peptides
PubMed: 32814559
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-020-02514-0 -
Clinical and Experimental Dental... Dec 2022Streptococcus mutans is the main cariogenic pathogen in the oral cavity, considered to contribute toward oral diseases. S. mutans is predominantly entrapped in plaque... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
Streptococcus mutans is the main cariogenic pathogen in the oral cavity, considered to contribute toward oral diseases. S. mutans is predominantly entrapped in plaque biofilms.
OBJECTIVES
In this study, we surveyed the antibacterial activity of natural compounds in terms of the biofilm production of S. mutans.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We extracted the studies related to natural compounds affected on S. mutans biofilm from different databases.
RESULTS
Disruption of S. mutans viability in biofilms by a potent new pharmacological factor could inhibit and remove cavities. Various antibacterial agents are needed to destroy biofilms that remove both pathogens and commensal bacteria, and also exert inhibitory effects on many bacterial species.
CONCLUSIONS
An effective therapeutic agent for dental caries has to be capable of removing pathogens and their biofilms. Specific virulence attributes of S. mutans exist; hence, natural compounds that have excellent properties to combat such pathogens need to be selected.
Topics: Humans; Streptococcus mutans; Dental Caries; Biofilms; Dental Plaque; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 36281582
DOI: 10.1002/cre2.673 -
Caries Research 2016The management of occlusal caries still remains a major challenge for researchers as well as for general practitioners. The present paper reviews and discusses the most... (Review)
Review
The management of occlusal caries still remains a major challenge for researchers as well as for general practitioners. The present paper reviews and discusses the most up-to-date knowledge and evidence of the biological principles guiding diagnosis, risk assessment, and management of the caries process on occlusal surfaces. In addition, it considers the whole spectrum of the caries process on occlusal surfaces, ranging from the molecular ecology of occlusal biofilms to the management of deep occlusal caries lesions. Studies using molecular methods with focus on biofilms in relation to occlusal caries should explore the relationship between the function and the structural composition of these biofilms to understand the role of occlusal biofilms in caries development. State-of-the-art measures to evaluate risk for occlusal caries lesion activity, caries incidence, and progression should include the assessment of the occlusal biofilm and the stage of tooth eruption. Careful clinical examination of non-cavitated lesions, including assessment of the lesion activity status, remains the major tool to determine the immediate treatment need and to follow on the non-operative treatment outcome. Even medium occlusal caries lesions in the permanent dentition may be treated by non-invasive fissure sealing. By extending the criteria for non-invasive treatments, traditional restoration of occlusal surfaces can be postponed or even avoided, and the dental health in children and adolescents can be improved. Selective removal (incomplete) to soft dentin in deep carious lesions has greater success rates than stepwise excavation. Selective (complete) removal to firm dentin has a lower success rate due to increased pulp exposure.
Topics: Biofilms; Dental Caries; Dental Occlusion; Dental Plaque; Dental Pulp; Dentition, Permanent; Denture, Partial, Removable; Disease Progression; Humans; Incidence; Pit and Fissure Sealants; Risk Factors; Tooth Eruption
PubMed: 27658123
DOI: 10.1159/000448662 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2021Current studies suggest that cariogenic bacteria in dental plaque influence the severity of COVID-19 complications since the oral cavity is a reservoir for respiratory... (Review)
Review
Current studies suggest that cariogenic bacteria in dental plaque influence the severity of COVID-19 complications since the oral cavity is a reservoir for respiratory pathogens potentially responsible for the development of hospital-acquired pneumonia. This article focuses on the association between dental plaque and COVID-19 concerning the influence of altered oral biofilm on the risk of increased severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, it concentrates on the usefulness of propolis, with its apitherapeutic antibacterial properties, for treating oral bacterial infections co-occurring with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A review of the literature on PubMed, Cochrane Library and Medline between 2000 and 2021 revealed 56 published articles indicating that a link between dental plaque and COVID-19 complications was probable. Furthermore, they indicated that propolis may minimize COVID-19 severity by reducing dental plaque accumulation. The possibility that improved oral health could reduce the risk of COVID-19 complications should be of interest to scientists.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Biofilms; COVID-19; Dental Caries; Dental Plaque; Humans; Mouth Diseases; Oral Health; Propolis; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 34576987
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185516 -
Indian Journal of Dental Research :... 2022Dental caries is a global oral health problem caused due to localized demineralization of the enamel. Chemical plaque control is used as an adjuvant to mechanical plaque... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Dental caries is a global oral health problem caused due to localized demineralization of the enamel. Chemical plaque control is used as an adjuvant to mechanical plaque control in removing biofilm, thereby preventing dental caries. In recent times, there has been a renewed interest in nature-based products. This systematic review aimed to analyse the existing literature to compare the effectiveness of herbal and conventional dentifrices on prevention of dental caries. A search was done in the databases of PubMed and Google Scholar in July 2020 for the related topic. A hand search was done from the references of primary studies and other clinical trial registry sites. Randomized control trials, comparative clinical trials, and in vitro studies in which the effectiveness of herbal and conventional dentifrices on prevention of dental caries were included after review by the reviewers. The systematic search revealed a total of thirty-two publications from which ten publications were included. Five studies were clinical studies and five were in vitro studies. All the studies used microbiological analysis for the determination of cariogenic microorganisms in plaque and saliva, whereas one study used pH of plaque and saliva. Among the included studies, all studies had a high risk of bias with level 2 evidence. With the evidence available, it can be concluded that herbal dentifrices and fluoride dentifrices have similar antimicrobial activity against cariogenic microorganisms.
Topics: Humans; Toothpastes; Dental Caries; Dentifrices; Fluorides; Dental Enamel; Dental Plaque; Cariostatic Agents
PubMed: 36656198
DOI: 10.4103/ijdr.ijdr_404_21 -
Clinical and Experimental Dental... Feb 2023To summarize the available evidence on the efficacy of power-driven interdental cleaning tools (PDICTs) as an adjunct to tooth brushing compared to tooth brushing alone... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To summarize the available evidence on the efficacy of power-driven interdental cleaning tools (PDICTs) as an adjunct to tooth brushing compared to tooth brushing alone or tooth brushing combined with any other non-PDICT in terms of interproximal plaque and gingival bleeding reduction in gingivitis patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed in three databases until March 20, 2022 with the following main eligibility criteria: (1) randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) with (2) at least 28 days of follow-up in (3) gingivitis patients. Interproximal plaque and bleeding values were defined as the primary outcome variables and used for pair-wise meta-analyses.
RESULTS
Sixteen RCTs were identified including data from 1258 participants at the final evaluation. Eight studies each investigated the effect of either a liquid-based or mechanical PDICT; one of these studies tested additionally a combined liquid-based and mechanical PDICT. Tooth brushing combined with a liquid-based PDICT compared to tooth brushing alone did not result in better interproximal plaque values but in significantly lower interproximal bleeding values. Tooth brushing combined with either a liquid-based PDICT or with a mechanical PDICT compared to tooth brushing and flossing achieved comparable interproximal plaque and bleeding values. The majority of studies reporting on patient compliance/preference favored the use of a PDICT, and except for a single study, which was reporting soft tissue trauma in two subjects from improper use of a mechanical PDICT, none of the studies reported adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
Daily use of PDICT as an adjunct to tooth brushing significantly reduces interproximal bleeding. This effect appears comparable to that of flossing, while PDICT may achieve higher patient acceptance/compliance.
Topics: Humans; Dental Devices, Home Care; Toothbrushing; Gingivitis; Dental Plaque; Gingiva
PubMed: 36562267
DOI: 10.1002/cre2.691