Caries intensity and Streptococcus mutans in the saliva of patients with Turner syndrome

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the caries intensity and Streptococcus mutans (SM) counts in patients with Turner syndrome.

Materials and methods

Nineteen patients aged 20-40 years were clinically and cytogenetically diagnosed with Turner syndrome (45, X). The karyotype was determined by chromosome analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes. The control group comprised 47 healthy women aged 21-40 years. Both groups included non-smokers with no specific diet, such as a vegetarian or vegan diet, who were generally healthy with good oral hygiene and periodontal condition. Patients treated with antibiotics or steroid preparations in the past 6 months or with diseases or conditions that might affect the oral mucosal environment, such as disorders of salivary secretion and diabetes, were excluded from the study. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) scores and SM counts in saliva were determined.

Results

No colony growth of SM was noticed in 53% of patients with Turner syndrome and 4.2% of controls (p < 0.001). Colony counts of SM ≥ 10⁵ in saliva were observed in none of the patients with Turner syndrome but in 66% of controls (p < 0.001). The mean DMFT score was 1.63 ± 2.52 in patients with Turner syndrome and 14.49 ± 6.88 in controls. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with genetic disorders may have different severities of caries and SM counts in saliva compared to those without genetic disorders. Further studies on saliva properties and genes located on the X chromosome could contribute to determining the effect of the X chromosome on the pathological processes in the oral cavity.

Comparative Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Effects of Different Mouthrinses against Streptococcus Mutans: An in Vitro Study

Purpose: To assess the antimicrobial effects of different natural and semi-natural mouthrinses on isolates of S. mutans obtained from the saliva of Saudi children and reference strains of S mutans (ATCC 25175). Study design: Saliva samples were collected from 20 children. Natural and semi-natural mouthrinses included were herbal mix mouthrinse, cranberry mouthrinse, chlorhexidine digluconate mouthrinse, cranberry extract mixed with chlorhexidine digluconate mouthrinse, chlorhexidine digluconate mouthrinse with alcohol (positive control), and distilled water (negative control). The microbiological examination tests were minimal inhibitory concentration, minimal bactericidal concentration, and zone of inhibition for the saliva isolates of S. mutans while zone of inhibition test only for reference strain of S. mutans. Results: For reference strain in a comparison with the distilled water, the herbal mix, cranberry, cranberry mixed with chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine, and chlorhexidine with alcohol showed significantly increased zones of inhibition by 36.38, 36.25, 26.13, 17.75, and 12.38, respectively. For saliva isolates in a comparison with the distilled water, the herbal mix, cranberry, cranberry mixed with chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine, and chlorhexidine with alcohol showed significantly increased zones of inhibition by 38.00, 34.25, 22.94, 16.50, and 16.44, respectively. Chlorhexidine with alcohol showed significantly lower minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration than the other groups. Conclusions: Herbal mix and cranberry mouthrinses could be effective natural alternative to chlorhexidine mouthrinse with or without alcohol in affecting tested parameters.

Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil Obtained from the Seed and Oleo-Gum-Resin of Ferula Assa-Foetida against Oral Pathogens

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil obtained from oleo-gum-resin and seeds of Ferula assa-foetida.

Materials and Methods:

Ferula assa-foetida plants were collected from Tabas, Yazd Province, Iran, during summer 2017. Then, essential oils were obtained from its seeds and oleo-gum-resin using hydrodistillation. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) test was performed to determine the contents of the essential oils. Four different concentrations of each oil were prepared (2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μg/ml), and the antimicrobial activity of each dose against four oral bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus salivarius, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus) was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis test in SPSS 17 software.

Results:

The GC-MS findings exhibited that the main compounds found in essential oils yielded from the seeds and oleo gum resin were (Z) -1-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide and (E) -1-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide. Ferula assa-foetida plant showed a significant antimicrobial effect (P<0.05). The essential oil from Ferula assa-foetida oleo-gum-resin had significantly stronger antibacterial properties compared to the essential oil from Ferula assa-foetida seeds (P<0.001). Both essential oils showed antibacterial properties similar to that of Chlorhexidine. The growth inhibition zone was significantly dependent on the essential oil concentration for all bacteria (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Our study revealed that essential oils from seeds and oleo-gum-resin of Ferula assa-foetida have antimicrobial properties. More laboratory studies are required to reach a definitive conclusion.

Evaluation of Physical Parameters of Novel Licorice Varnish Versus Fluoride and Combination Varnish: An In-Vitro Study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical properties of locally prepared Licorice varnish (LV), commercially available Fluoride varnish (FV) and a Combination of both Varnishes (CV).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

LV was prepared using authenticated licorice roots. Commercially available FV (Bifluorid 12) was used as a positive control and CV was prepared in six different concentrations of both varnishes. Conventional antibacterial activity assessment, employing disc diffusion and broth dilution methods, was inconclusive. Therefore a novel assessment method was used, whereby the varnish was directly added to a mixture of Brain Heart Infusion broth with Streptococcus mutans and incubated. Physical parameters such as pH, rate of evaporation, viscosity, film forming ability, and cost incurred for preparation were assessed and compared.

RESULTS

FV, LV and CV (except the combination of LV 80% + FV 20%) showed antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans. All three varnishes formed films on the tooth surface as confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Mean pH was in the range of 4-4.5, viscosity 48-52 centipoise (cP), rate of evaporation was 150-160 seconds. They were comparable to each other in the physical parameters tested, except for the shelf life of LV.

CONCLUSION

All three varnishes showed antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans which was established using an innovative method of antibacterial activity assessment. LV was most economical of all but had a shorter shelf life. The results of this study need to be evaluated through an in vivo study.

Presence and count of S. mutans in children with dental caries: before, during and after a process of oral health education

Dental caries is an infectious, multifactorial, localized, transmissible process that leads to the destruction of hard dental tissue. Streptococcus mutans is considered to be the main microorganism associated with its development. The aim of this study was to determine presence and count of S. mutans in saliva samples from children with dental caries before and after an educational process including interviews, lessons, lectures, educational workshops and recreational activities on the importance of oral care and hygiene. Twenty-three 3- to 6-year-old schoolchildren provided 3 unstimulated saliva samples: one before the educational process, one at 3 months and one at 6 months into the educational process. The samples were serially diluted and plated on Mitis Salivarius agar supplemented with bacitracin and 20% sucrose, and incubated anaerobically for 2 days at 37º C. Presumptive S. mutans isolates were identified with biochemical tests. Before the beginning of the educational process, and at 3 and 6 months into the educational process, S. mutans was found, respectively, in 22 (95.6%), 15 (65.2%) and 10 (43.5%) of the 23 children. The S. mutans count was reduced by 64.8% and 86.6% at 3 and 6 months, respectively, compared to the levels found before the educational process. These results indicate that educational intervention produced a significant reduction in S. mutans levels in the saliva of children with dental caries at 3 and 6 months into the educational process.

Effect of tt-farnesol and myricetin on in vitro biofilm formed by Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans

BACKGROUND

Dental caries is considered a multifactorial disease, in which microorganisms play an important role. The diet is decisive in the biofilm formation because it provides the necessary resources for cellular growth and exopolysaccharides synthesis. Exopolysaccharides are the main components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM provides a 3D structure, support for the microorganisms and form diffusion-limited environments (acidic niches) that cause demineralization of the dental enamel. Streptococcus mutans is the main producer of exopolysaccharides. Candida albicans is detected together with S. mutans in biofilms associated with severe caries lesions. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of tt-farnesol and myricetin topical treatments on cariogenic biofilms formed by Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.

METHODS

In vitro dual-species biofilms were grown on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs, using tryptone-yeast extract broth with 1% sucrose (37 °C, 5% CO2). Twice-daily topical treatments were performed with: vehicle (ethanol 15%, negative control), 2 mM myricetin, 4 mM tt-farnesol, myricetin + tt-farnesol, myricetin + tt-farnesol + fluoride (250 ppm), fluoride, and chlorhexidine digluconate (0.12%; positive control). After 67 h, biofilms were evaluated to determine biofilm biomass, microbial population, and water-soluble and -insoluble exopolysaccharides in the ECM.

RESULTS

Only the positive control yielded a reduced quantity of biomass and microbial population, while tt-farnesol treatment was the least efficient in reducing C. albicans population. The combination therapy myricetin + farnesol + fluoride significantly reduced water-soluble exopolysaccharides in the ECM (vs. negative control; p < 0.05; ANOVA one-way, followed by Tukey's test), similarly to the positive control.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, the combination therapy negatively influenced an important virulence trait of cariogenic biofilms. However, the concentrations of both myricetin and tt-farnesol should be increased to produce a more pronounced effect to control these biofilms.

Adherence of Streptococcus Mutans to Microhybrid and Nanohybrid Resin Composites and Dental Amalgam: An In Vitro Study

OBJECTIVES

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a cariogenic microorganism. The restorative materials which harbor a biofilm with high levels of S. mutans can accelerate the occurrence of dental caries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different restorative materials on S. mutans colonization in a simple in-vitro biofilm formation model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirteen discs of each material (nanohybrid resin composite, microhybrid resin composite, and amalgam) were prepared, polished, and sterilized in a gamma radiation chamber. The saliva-free specimens were exposed to the S. mutans bacterial suspension (0.5 McFarland) and were incubated for 4 hours. Afterwards, the specimens were rinsed and sonicated in normal saline. 10μl of the obtained suspension was cultured in a sterile blood agar medium. After 24 hours, the number of colony forming units (CFU) of S. mutans was counted. A sterility test control was considered for each group of materials. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA at 5% significance level.

RESULTS

The means and standard deviations of the logarithmic values of the colonies on the surfaces of amalgam, microhybrid, and nanohybrid resin composites were equal to 3.76±0.64, 3.91±0.52 and 3.34±0.74, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences between the restorative materials in terms of S. mutans adhesion rate. The evaluated resin composites showed comparable numbers of CFUs, which could imply the importance of the polishing procedures.

Investigating the candidacy of the serotype specific rhamnan polysaccharide based glycoconjugates to prevent disease caused by the dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans

Dental caries remains a major health issue and the Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus mutans is considered as the major pathogen causing caries. More recently, S. mutans has been recognised as a cause of endocarditis, ulcerative colitis and fatty acid liver disease along with the likelihood of increased cerebral hemorrhage following a stroke if S. mutans is present systemically. We initiated this study to examine the vaccine candidacy of the serotype specific polysaccharides elaborated by S. mutans. We have confirmed the carbohydrate structures for the serotype specific rhamnan containing polysaccharides from serotypes c, f and k. We have prepared glycoconjugate vaccines using the rhamnan containing polymers from serotypes f and k and immunised mice and rabbits. We consistently obtained a robust immune response to the glycoconjugates with cross-reactivity consistent with the structural similarities of the polymers from the different serotypes. We developed an opsonophagocytic assay which illustrated the ability of the post-immune sera to facilitate opsonophagocytic killing of the homologous and heterologous serotypes at titers consistent with the structural homologies. We conclude that glycoconjugates of the rhamnan polymers of S. mutans are a potential vaccine candidate to target dental caries and other sequelae following the escape of S. mutans from the oral cavity.

Adhesion of Streptococcus Mutans to Glass Ionomer, BisCem Cement and Enamel: An in Vitro Study

OBJECTIVES

Considering the adhesion of some microorganisms such as Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) to restorative materials and the unrecognized consequences of this phenomenon, and due to the controversies in this regard, it is important to discover the materials to which the lowest adhesion of S. mutans occurs. The objective of this study was to assess the level of adhesion of S. mutans to glass ionomer (GI), BisCem Cement and enamel.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this in vitro experimental study, 12 specimens including five GI blocks (GC America Inc., Alsip, IL, USA), five BisCem blocks (Bisco Inc., Schaumburg, IL, USA) and two enamel blocks were exposed to a bacterial suspension (1×10(6) mg/mL). After incubation for one hour at 37°C, the swab samples were taken and cultured in blood agar. The S. mutans colonies were counted by unaided vision after 48 hours of incubation. The results were analyzed using ANOVA followed by the Tukey's test.

RESULTS

The number of colonies attributed to enamel, GI, and BisCem blocks was 24±2, 24.2±2.7 and 14.8±1.7 colonies/mm(2), respectively. There was no difference between enamel and GI in terms of adhesion of S. mutans (P=0.08 and P>0.001, respectively); however, the difference between these two and BisCem was statistically significant (P= 0.00075 and P<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, BisCem cement is superior to GI for the cementation of indirect restorations.

Comparison of Antibacterial Effects of ZnO and CuO Nanoparticles Coated Brackets against Streptococcus Mutans

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

During the orthodontic treatment, microbial plaques may accumulate around the brackets and cause caries, especially in high-risk patients. Finding ways to eliminate this microbial plaque seems to be essential.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial effects of nano copper oxide (CuO) and nano zinc oxide (ZnO) coated brackets against Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) in order to decrease the risk of caries around the orthodontic brackets during the treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Sixty brackets were coated with nanoparticles of ZnO (n=20), CuO (n=20) and CuO-ZnO (n=20). Twelve uncoated brackets constituted the control group. The brackets were bonded to the crowns of extracted premolars, sterilized and prepared for antimicrobial tests (S.mutans ATCC35668). The samples taken after 0, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours were cultured on agar plates. Colonies were counted 24 hours after incubation. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In CuO and CuO-ZnO coated brackets, no colony growth was seen after two hours. Between 0-6 hours, the mean colony counts were not significantly different between the ZnO and the control group (p>0.05). During 6-24 hours, the growth of S.mutans was significantly reduced by ZnO nanoparticles in comparison with the control group (p< 0.001). However, these bacteria were not totally eliminated.

CONCLUSION

CuO and ZnO-CuO nanoparticles coated brackets have better antimicrobial effect on S.mutans than ZnO coated brackets.

In-vitro activity of saponins of bauhinia purpurea, madhuca longifolia, celastrus paniculatus and semecarpus anacardium on selected oral pathogens

OBJECTIVE

Dental caries, periodontitis and other mucosal diseases are caused by a complex community of microorganisms. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial properties of saponins of four important oil yielding medicinal plant extracts on selected oral pathogens that are involved in such diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Saponins were extracted from Bauhinia purpurea, Madhuca longifolia, Celastrus paniculatus and Semecarpus anacardium and purified. Antimicrobial properties of these saponins against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus salivarius, Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus acidophilus were determined using well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined as the lowest concentration of saponins inhibiting bacterial growth after 14 h of incubation at 37°C. The bactericidal activity was evaluated using the viable cell count method.

RESULTS

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of Madhuca longifolia saponin on Streptococcus mutans MTCC 890, Streptococcus mitis and Staphylococcus aureus was 18.3 ± 0.15/34.4 ± 0.24 μg/ml, 19.0 ± 0.05/32.2 ± 0.0 μg/ml and 21.2 ± 0.35/39.0 ± 0.30 μg/ml, respectively and Bauhinia purpurea saponin on Streptococcus mutans MTCC 890, Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus acidophilus was 26.4 ± 0.20/43.0 ± 0.40 μg/ml, 29.0 ± 0.30/39.6 ± 0.12 μg/ml and 20.2 ± 0.05/36.8 ± 0.23 μg/ml, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The strong antimicrobial activity of Madhuca longifolia and Bauhinia purpurea may be due to the presence of complex triterpenoid saponins, oleanane type triterpenoid glycosides or atypical pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin. Hence, these extracted saponins may be used in food and oral products to prevent and control oral diseases.

The effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with radachlorin and toluidine blue on streptococcus mutans: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVES

Dental caries and periodontal diseases are caused by infection of teeth and supporting tissues due to complex aggregate of bacteria known as biofilm, firstly colonized by streptococci. The main purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of toluidine blue O (TBO) and Radachlorin® in combination with a diode laser on the viability of Streptococcus mutans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bacterial suspensions of Streptococcus mutans were exposed to either 0.1% TBO associated with (20 mW, 633 nm diode laser, continuous mode, 150 s) or 0.1% Radachlorin® and laser irradiation (100 mW, 662 nm diode laser, continuous mode, 120 s). Those in control groups were subjected to laser irradiation alone or TBO/Radachlorin® alone or received neither TBO/Radachlorin® nor laser exposure. The suspensions were then spread over specific agar plates and incubated aerobically at 37°C. Finally, the bactericidal effects were evaluated based on colony formation.

RESULTS

Potential bacterial cell killing was only observed following photosensitization with TBO and 3 j/cm(2) laser exposure (p<0.05), whereas Radachlorin® showed significant reduction in dark condition compared to laser exposure (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

TBO-mediated photodynamic therapy seems to be more efficient than Radachlorin® in significantly reducing the viability of Streptococcus mutans in vitro.

Antibacterial activity of Iranian green and black tea on streptococcus mutans: an in vitro study

OBJECTIVE

Dental caries is a common infectious disease. Streptococcus mutans is the pre-valent decay microorganism. The anti Streptococcus mutans activity of non fermented and semi-fermented tea has been shown. The aim of this study was to determine the anti Streptococcus mutans activity of Iranian green and black tea (non fermented and fermented type).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was experimental. The aerial parts of wild-growing Camellia sinensis were collected from Lahijan province. The methanolic extract of green and black tea were examined on Streptococcus mutans (ATCC3566). Five different concentrations (50mg/ml, 100mg/ml, 200mg/ml, 300mg/ml and 400 mg/ml) of tea extracts were tested using the well assay method. The agar dilution method recommended by the NCCLS standards (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards) was used. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined as the lowest concentration of extract inhibiting visible growth of the organism on the agar media plate. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was detected from MIC.

RESULTS

The Iranian green and black tea had an antibacterial effect on 100 to 400 mg/ml concentrations. The minimum inhibitory concentration of green and black tea was 150 and 50 mg/ml, respectively. The mean diameter of inhibition zone were 9.5 mm and 10.9 mm for methanolic extract of green and black tea, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Both Iranian non fermented (green tea) and fermented (black tea) have anti Streptococcus mutans activity in vitro. The anti Streptococcus mutans activity of black tea appears on a lower concentration than green tea.