Relationship between the IgA antibody response against Streptococcus mutans GbpB and severity of dental caries in childhood

ObjectiveExplore the associations between the severity of dental caries in childhood, mutans streptococci (MS) levels and IgA antibody response against Streptococcus mutans GbpB. Moreover, other caries-related etiological factors were also investigated.Design36–60 month-old children were grouped into Caries-Free (CF, n = 19), Early Childhood Caries (ECC, n = 17) and Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC, n = 21). Data from socio-economic-cultural status, oral hygiene habits and dietary patterns were obtained from a questionnaire and a food-frequency diary filled out by parents. Saliva was collected from children for microbiological analysis and detection of salivary IgA antibody reactive with S. mutans GbpB in western blot.ResultsS-ECC children had reduced family income compared to those with ECC and CF. There was difference between CF and caries groups (ECC and S-ECC) in MS counts. Positive correlations between salivary IgA antibody response against GbpB and MS counts were found when the entire population was evaluated. When children with high MS counts were compared, S-ECC group showed significantly lower IgA antibody levels to GbpB compared to CF group. This finding was not observed for the ECC group.ConclusionsThis study suggests that children with S-ECC have reduced salivary IgA immune responses to S. mutans GbpB, potentially compromising their ability to modify MS infection and its cariogenic potential. Furthermore, a reduced family income and high levels of MS were also associated with S-ECC.     

Quantitative assessment of salivary oral bacteria according to the severity of dental caries in childhood

This study aimed to assess differences in selected oral bacteria in children according to the severity of dental caries. One hundred and thirty-six children, 36–60 months old were divided into three groups according to caries status: caries-free (CF) (n = 47), early childhood caries (ECC) (n = 40) and severe-early childhood caries (S-ECC) (n = 49). Saliva was collected for detection and quantification of selected oral streptococci, Actinomyces naeslundii, Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Scardovia wiggsiae by quantitative-polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that the detection and quantitative levels of S. mutans, S. sobrinus, Bifidobacterium spp. and S. wiggsiae were significantly higher in S-ECC children compared to CF and ECC children, while for S. salivarius were significantly higher in CF compared to ECC and S-ECC children. There was no statistical difference among the clinical groups for S. mitis, S. oralis, A. naeslundii and Lactobacillus spp. levels and detection. S-ECC children had a lower monthly family income, started tooth brushing later and were breastfeed for a longer duration compared to CF children. S. mutans levels were positively correlated with S. wiggsiae and Bifidobacterium spp. levels, lower mother’s education and child bottle-feeding before sleeping and negatively correlated with S. salivarius. It was concluded that in addition to S. mutans, other bacterial species, including bifidobacteria, Scardovia wiggsiae and S. sobrinus, are associated with severity of early childhood caries, although their role in the progress of dental caries remains unclear.     

Increased activity of the antioxidants systems modulate the oxidative stress in saliva of toddlers with early childhood caries

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress levels and the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems in saliva of toddlers with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC).DesignUnstimulated saliva samples were collected at the morning from 0 to 3 year-old S-ECC (n = 30) or caries-free (CF) children (n = 30/group) for evaluation of oxidative stress (OS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), which were measured by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, as well as to assess the activity of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, SOD) and non-enzymatic (uric acid, UA) antioxidant systems, respectively. Data were analyzed by Student’s t-test (p < 0.05).ResultsSignificantly higher protein levels were observed in saliva of S-ECC children (0.083 mg/mL) than in the CF group (0.070 mg/mL). Oxidative damage was significantly lower in saliva of S-ECC children (0.0019 μmol/L/mg protein) than in CF children (0.0039 μmol/L/mg protein), while salivary TAC (61.5 μmol/L), SOD activity (36.6 UE/mL) and uric acid (7.05 mg/mL) were significantly higher in saliva of S-ECC when compared to the CF group (49.1 μmol/L, 26.8 UE/mL and 5.02 mg/mL, respectively for TAC, SOD and UA).ConclusionOxidative stress levels were significantly lower in saliva of S-ECC children, what might be associated with the increased activity of salivary enzymatic (SOD) and non-enzymatic (uric acid) antioxidant systems.     

Salivary levels of antimicrobial peptides Hnp 1-3, Ll-37 and S100 in Behcet's disease

BackgroundOral ulcer is the cardinal clinical sign and increased neutrophilic activity is a part of the pathogenesis in Behcet's disease (BD). Saliva, as a part of the innate immune response, contains antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are derived from both oral epithelial cells and neutrophils. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between salivary levels of AMPs HNP 1-3, LL-37 and S100 and disease course in patients with Behcet's disease (BD).MethodsFifty-three patients with BD and 44 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. Disease severity score reflecting organ involvement was calculated. Salivary HNP 1-3, LL-37 and S100 levels were measured in unstimulated saliva samples by ELISA.ResultsSalivary HNP 1-3 and S100 levels in BD patients (2715.2 ± 1333.4 μg/ml and 430.6 ± 203.9 ng/ml) were significantly higher compared to HC (1780.6 ± 933.2 μg/ml and 365.3 ± 84.7 ng/ml) (p = 0.000 and p = 0.004, respectively). Although LL-37 levels were also higher in BD than HC (190.9 ± 189.1 vs 143.1 ± 128.9 ng/ml), no significant difference was observed (p = 0.53). Salivary HNP 1-3 and LL-37 levels were associated with the severity of BD (mild disease: 1975.1 ± 1174.2 μg/ml and 115.9 ± 109.4 ng/ml vs severe disease: 2955.7 ± 1305.6 μg/ml and 215.3 ± 203.8 ng/ml, p = 0.020 and p = 0.031, respectively). Salivary LL-37 levels also correlated with the number of monthly oral ulcers (r = 0.5 p = 0.000).ConclusionAn increase in salivary HNP 1-3 and S100 levels might be associated with enhanced local and systemic innate responses in BD.     

Evaluation of the relationship between severe early childhood caries and vitamin D

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between the factors affecting the formation of severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) in preschool children, dental caries and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and to contribute to the literature on this subject.MethodsASA I-II children aged <72 months and their volunteer parents who had no apparent learning disability were included in the study. 25(OH)D, calcium and albumin levels were measured from the serum samples taken from the children. Dft, dfs and plaque scores were calculated after the oral examination of the children. Parents were asked to fill out a questionnaire assessing the child's dietary habits and family demographics.ResultsTotal of 175 children (56% male) participating in the study (n = 98; ECC, n = 77; caries-free). S-ECC was present in 42.8% of children with adequate 25(OH)D levels and 63.4% of children with deficient or insufficient levels. Children with S-ECC had significantly lower mean 25(OH)D levels than those caries-free. A very weak negative correlation was detected between 25(OH)D level and dft score.ConclusionsIt was difficult to confirm the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and S-ECC. Again, there was a weak correlation between the dft score and 25(OH)D levels.     

Does smoking affect gingival crevicular fluid LL-37 levels following non-surgical periodontal treatment in chronic periodontitis?

ObjectiveLL-37 contributes to maintaining the balance between health and disease. Smoking is a risk factor for periodontitis that impairs neutrophil functions. The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) LL-37 levels in smoker and non-smoker chronic periodontitis (CP) patients and controls, as well as the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on GCF LL-37 levels.DesignThirty-one CP patients (16 smokers, 15 non-smokers) and thirty-one controls (16 smokers, 15 non-smokers) were included in the study. CP patients received non-surgical treatment. GCF LL-37 levels and periodontal parameters were assessed at baseline, 1 and 3 months after completion of non-surgical periodontal treatment. GCF LL-37 levels were analyzed by ELISA.ResultsNo significant difference was observed in GCF LL-37 levels between smoker and non-smoker controls (p > 0.05). Smoker CP group had significantly lower GCF LL-37 level than non-smoker CP group at baseline (p < 0.05). GCF LL-37 levels significantly decreased in non-smoker CP group at first week, 1 and 3 months after completion of non-surgical periodontal treatment (p < 0.05) although no significant decrease in GCF LL-37 levels was observed in smoker CP group (p > 0.05). Periodontal parameters were correlated with GCF LL-37 levels in non-smoker CP group (p < 0.05), but not in smoker CP group (p > 0.05).ConclusionsGCF LL-37 levels do not seem to be affected from smoking in periodontal health. However, smoking might have a suppressive effect on GCF LL-37 levels in CP. Non-surgical treatment is effective in decreasing GCF LL-37 levels in non-smoker CP patients but not in smokers with CP.     

DEFB1 polymorphisms and salivary hBD-1 concentration in Oral Lichen Planus patients and healthy subjects

ObjectivesThe aetiology of Oral Lichen Planus (OLP), a chronic inflammatory disease of oral mucosa, is not yet well understood. Since innate immunity may be hypothesized as involved in the susceptibility to OLP, we studied human beta defensin 1 (hBD-1) an antimicrobial peptide constitutively expressed in the saliva, looking at functional genetic variants possibly able to diminish hBD-1 production an consequently conferring major susceptibility to OLP.DesignWe analysed three DEFB1 polymorphisms at 5′ UTR, −52G > A (rs1799946), −44C > G (rs1800972), −20G > A (rs11362) and two DEFB1 polymorphisms at 3′UTR, c*5G > A (rs1047031), c*87A > G (rs1800971), with the aim of correlating these genetic variants and hBD-1 salivary level in a group of OLP patients and in healthy subjects. We also evaluated hBD-1 salivary concentrations, using ELISA, in OLP and healthy controls.ResultsWe compared hBD-1 concentrations in OLP and healthy subjects: hBD-1 concentration was significantly higher in OLP patients respect to control.When considering the correlation between DEFB1 polymorphisms genotypes and hBD-1 expression levels, significant results were obtained for SNPs −52G > A (p = 0.03 both in OLP patients and healthy individuals) and −44C > G (p = 0.02 in OLP patients).ConclusionshBD-1 production was different between OLP and healthy subjects (not age-matched with OLP). DEFB1 gene polymorphisms, −52G > A and −44C > G, correlated with hBD-1 salivary concentrations.     

Concentrations of interleukin-32, interleukin −10, interleukin −6, and TNF-alfa are higher in saliva of children with early childhood caries

AimTo investigate if the levels of interleukin-32 (IL-32), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the saliva are associated with early childhood caries.MethodsA total of 56 patients aged between 36 and 71 months with dental caries and without caries were included in this study. The patients’ caries status was evaluated according to the dmft and dmfs indices. IL-32, IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the saliva samples of the patients were measured by ELISA.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in the oral hygiene and nutritional habits, plaque index, and gingival index values between the ECC and control groups evaluated in the study (p > 0.05). The ECC group's salivary IL-32, IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were statistically significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe high levels of IL-32, IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α detected in the saliva of children with ECC reveal that these cytokines may play a potential role in ECC pathogenesis. Salivary levels of IL-32, IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α are associated with early childhood caries in children.     

Association of parental-reported vitamin D supplementation with dental caries of 3-year-old children in Poland: a cross-sectional study

Objective

The study aimed to assess the association between parental-reported vitamin D supplementation and caries in a national sample of 3-year-olds in Poland.

Materials and methods

A total of 1900 children, representing all provinces of Poland, were invited. The questionnaires concerned vitamin D supplementation, socio-demographics, and oral health behaviours. Based on dental examination, caries scores (dmft/dmfs), prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and severe ECC (S-ECC) were calculated. The Spearman’s correlation, linear regression and logistic regression were used to assess the association between various factors and caries (p < 0.05).

Results

A total of 1638 children were tested. Of this number, 99.1% infants were supplemented with vitamin D. Supplementation had been continued seasonally in 55.2% children. ECC/S-ECC prevalence were significantly lower in children receiving vitamin D (ECC 38.3% vs. 44.7%, OR = 0.77; S-ECC 20.5% vs. 27.1%, OR = 0.69; p < 0.05). Mean dmft/dmfs were lower in those with supplementation (1.54 ± 2.72 vs. 2.24 ± 3.55; 2.40 ± 5.56 vs. 3.72 ± 7.56, respectively; p < 0.001). After controlling for confounding factors, supplementation was not significantly associated with caries; only dt/ds were still associated. Maternal education, sweetened beverages before bedtime, bottle use were significantly associated with S-ECC.

Conclusions

Lower caries prevalence was observed in those with vitamin D supplementation. The association between parental-reported vitamin D and ECC/S-ECC was not significant in Polish children. Decayed teeth and supplementation were still associated. Dietary habits can modify the association with caries.

Clinical relevance

There may be an association between vitamin D supplementation and lower caries in children. Parents should supplement their children during periods of significant growth and development.

     

Association study for the role of Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 3 gene polymorphisms in dental caries susceptibility

ObjectiveVarious exogenous and endogenous risk factors have been described as contributing to dental caries susceptibility. In the last decade it has been established that both pro and active forms of host derived Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are present in the oral cavity. MMPs role in caries development has been hypothesized. The aim of this study was to analyse MMP2 (rs2287074) and MMP3 (rs679620) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their role in caries susceptibility.DesignThe two SNPs were analysed by PCR- restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in a sample of 102 ethnic Bulgarian volunteers (42 males and 60 females), all students in Sofia Medical University.ResultsStatistical analysis of the MMP2 SNP showed significant differences for the genotype frequencies between the caries free (CF, DMFT = 0) and low caries experience (LCE, DMFT ≤ 5) groups. Analysis for the non-synonymous MMP3 SNP found significant differences between both CF vs caries experience groups (LCE+ high caries experience (HCE, DMFT ≥ 5)) and LCE vs HCE groups. The presence of allele G decreased the risk of HCE about 4 times.ConclusionsMMP2 and MMP3 genes are likely to be involved in caries susceptibility in our population. However, as dental caries is a multifactorial disorder and several genes are likely to have influence on it, it is reasonable to expect that SNPs, even those proven to be functional like rs679620, potentially play a significant, but not major role in the disease outcome.     

The association of Enamelin,Lactoferrin, and Tumour necrosis factor alpha gene polymorphisms with high caries susceptibility in Chinese children under 4 years old

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the role of ENAM rs3796703, LTF rs1126478, and TNF-α rs1800629 in high caries susceptibility.DesignThe present case–control study included 1005 unrelated children under 4 years old: 505 with severe caries (dmft index ≥4) and 500 who were caries-free (dmft index = 0 and without white-spot lesions). Questionnaires were obtained from parents and gardians about the children’s diet and oral behavioural habits. All the children received dental examinations and oral swabbing for human genomic DNA collection. ENAM rs3796703, LTF rs1126478, and TNF-α rs1800629 were genotyped by Sanger sequencing.ResultsThe frequency of the ENAM rs3796703 T allele (6.7% in the caries group and 4.2% in the caries-free group), CT genotype (12.7% in the caries group and 8.4% in the caries-free group), TNF-α rs1800629 A allele (4.8% in the caries group and 6.8% in the caries-free group), and AG genotype (8.7% in the caries group and 13.2% in the caries-free group) were significantly different between the caries and caries-free groups (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the LTF rs1126478 allele frequency and genotype distribution between the two groups. The ENAM rs3796703 CT genotype increased caries susceptibility by 60.9% compared to the CC genotype (β = 0.746, OR = 1.609), and the TNF-α rs1800629 AG genotype reduced caries susceptibility by 47.4% compared to the GG genotype (β = −0.642, OR = 0.526). In terms of habits covariates, prolongation of night feeding time by 1 month increased caries susceptibility by 3.3% (β = 0.033, OR = 1.033); additionally, sweets and acidic drinks consumption 1–2 times per day increased caries susceptibility by 218.2% (β = 1.158, OR = 3.182), and consumption 3 or more times pe/r day increased susceptibility by 883.5% (β = 2.286, OR = 9.835) compared to non-consumption. Topical fluoride application decreased caries susceptibility by 43.0% (β = −0.562, OR = 0.570).ConclusionsThe ENAM and TNF-α genes are likely associated with caries experience in Chinese children. The ENAM rs3796703 CT genotype might be involved in caries susceptibility, while TNF-α rs1800629 AG genotype might be involved in caries protection.     

The impact of salivary lactoperoxidase and histatin-5 on early childhood caries severity in relation to nutritional status

IntroductionEarly childhood caries is a multifactorial disease. Saliva plays an important role in initiation and protection against caries, and its composition is greatly affected by nutritional status. This study was conducted to determine the impact of salivary lactoperoxidase and histatin-5 on the severity of ECC in relation to nutritional status.Materials and methodsThe sample consisted of 120 children aged 5 years, classified into eight groups: mild ECC in underweight children, mild ECC in normalweight children, moderate ECC in underweight children, moderate in ECC normal weight children, severe ECC in underweight children, severe ECC in normalweight, caries-free (control) underweight children and caries-free normalweight children. Each group consisted of 15 children. Stimulated saliva was collected. Salivary lactoperoxidase was analysed using Human LPO/ Lactoperoxidase ELISA Kit (CLIA)-LS-F29892, and salivary histatin-5 was analysed using Human Histatin-5 ELISA Kit MBS705083_48T.ResultsLactoperoxidase and histatin-5 concentrations were significantly higher in caries-free children than in children with ECC, and they were higher in children with mild ECC than in children with moderate ECC or in children with severe ECC. They were significantly higher among children with normal weight than among those who were underweight (p < 0.01). ECC and nutritional status recorded non-significant interactions with both LPO and HST-5 (p > 0.01), but there was significant interaction between these two variables and LPO and HST-5 together (p < 0.01). The Pearson's correlation coefficient test recorded significant negative correlations between ECC severity and both salivary lactoperoxidase and histatin-5 among the eight study groups, whereas significant positive correlations were recorded between BMI values and both salivary lactoperoxidase and histatin-5 among the eight study groups.ConclusionSalivary lactoperoxidase and histatin-5 may be affected by nutritional status, and these two parameters may play an important role in caries prevention at high concentrations. There is interaction between these two parameters and ECC severity and nutrition.     

Salivary human beta-defensins and cathelicidin levels in relation to periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a well-defined risk factor of periodontitis and it can affect expression of human beta-defensins (hBDs) and cathelicidin (LL-37) as well. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of periodontitis and T2DM on salivary concentrations of these antimicrobial peptides.

Material and methods: Unstimulated saliva samples, together with full-mouth periodontal recordings were collected from 92 individuals with periodontitis (63 with T2DM and 21 smokers) and 86 periodontally healthy controls (58 with T2DM and 21 smokers). Salivary hBD-1, -2, -3, LL-37, and advanced glycalization end products (AGE) concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Among the periodontitis patients, T2DM group demonstrated lower levels of hBD-1 (p?=?.006), hBD-2 (p?<?.001) and hBD-3 (p?<?.001), and higher levels of LL-37 (p?<?.001) compared to systemically healthy controls. When only periodontally healthy controls were included into the analysis, higher hBD-1 (p?=?.002) and LL-37 (p?<?.001) levels were found in T2DM patients in comparison to systemically healthy controls. Salivary LL-37 levels were associated with HbA1c and periodontitis, while hBD-2, hBD-3 and levels associated only with HbA1c.

Conclusion: In the limits of this study, hyperglycaemia can be proposed as a regulator of salivary hBD and cathelicidin levels. Periodontitis, on the other hand, affects only salivary LL-37 levels.     

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis colonization correlated with caries experience in children

The aim of this study was to examine the colonization of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis in the oral cavity and the association with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). Saliva and plaque samples were collected from 14 S-ECC children and 8 caries-free (CF) children. All S-ECC children were S. mutans positive; 100% of CF children and 93% of S-ECC children were S. sanguinis positive. The children's caries severity was positively correlated with levels of S. mutans (p < 0.001), total oral streptococci (p < 0.01), total cultivable oral bacteria (p < 0.05), and children's age (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the interaction of S. sanguinis with S. mutans was a significant factor associated with the caries status in children, suggesting that the relative levels of these two microorganisms in the oral cavity play an important role in caries development.     

Risk behaviors and its association with caries activity and dental caries in Japanese children

The aim of this study was to assess risk behaviors and its association with caries activity and dental caries in Japanese children. The subjects were 392 young Japanese children who underwent dental health check-up at 18, 30 and 42 months of age. Oral examinations, Cariostat tests and dental health questionnaires were carried out at each time. The caries prevalence of children was 1.5% at 18 months, 9.9% at 30 months and 28.1% at 42 months. Caries activity based on the Cariostat scores of children was correlated with caries status (caries-free/carious) at 42 months. In children with caries during each examination period at 42 months, eating snacks while playing was ranked as the most important behavioral risk (P < 0.001), followed by breast-feeding (P < 0.01), non setting of time for snacks (P < 0.05) and frequency of snacks (P < 0.05) at 18 months old; non brushing by mother (P < 0.05) and eating snacks while playing (P < 0.05) were ranked highest at 30 months old. In addition, eating snacks while playing (P < 0.001) at 42 months old was the only a significant factor for children with caries. Caries activity and risk behaviors were associated with caries experience at different age periods of childhood.     

Randomized clinical trial on effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride and glass ionomer in arresting dentine caries in preschool children

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of annual topical application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) solution, semi-annual topical application of SDF solution, and annual application of a flowable high fluoride-releasing glass ionomer in arresting active dentine caries in primary teeth.MethodsA total of 212 children, aged 3–4 years, were randomly allocated to one of three groups for treatment of carious dentine cavities in their primary teeth: Gp1-annual application of SDF, Gp2-semi-annual application of SDF, and Gp3-annual application of glass ionomer. Follow-up examinations were carried out every six months to assess whether the treated caries lesions had become arrested.ResultsAfter 24 months, 181 (85%) children remained in the study. The caries arrest rates were 79%, 91% and 82% for Gp1, Gp2 and Gp3, respectively (p = 0.007). In the logistic regression model using GEE to adjust for clustering effect, higher caries arrest rates were found in lesions treated in Gp2 (OR = 2.98, p = 0.007), those in anterior teeth (OR = 5.55, p < 0.001), and those in buccal/lingual smooth surfaces (OR = 15.6, p = 0.004).ConclusionAnnual application of either SDF solution or high fluoride-releasing glass ionomer can arrest active dentine caries. Increasing the frequency of application to every 6 months can increase the caries arrest rate of SDF application.Clinical significanceArrest of active dentine caries in primary teeth by topical application of SDF solution can be enhanced by increasing the frequency of application from annually to every 6 months, whereas annual paint-on of a flowable glass ionomer can also arrest active dentine caries and may provide a more aesthetic outcome.     

Determinants of early childhood caries in low-income African American young children

PURPOSE: The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the association between early childhood caries (ECC) and severe ECC (S-ECC) and social, dietary, and behavioral risk factors. METHODS: A representative sample of low-income 0- to 5-year-old children was selected from Detroit. Children and their caregivers were examined for the presence and severity of dental caries. Trained interviewers administered questionnaires assessing social, dietary, and behavioral factors. RESULTS: A total of 1,021 child and caregiver dyads were examined in wave 1. Of these, 788 (77%) were re-examined in wave 2. ECC and S-ECC were highly prevalent in this cohort By 2 years of age, 7% of the children had ECC without S-ECC (ECC-only) and 27% had S-ECC. The regression model found that age of the child and caregiver, child's gender, and caregivers' fatalistic oral health beliefs were significantly associated with higher odds ratios of developing ECC-only and S-ECC. Consumption of soda beverages was associated with developing S-ECC. Religiosity was protective against ECC-and S-ECC. CONCLUSIONS: Early childhood caries and severe early childhood caries are highly prevalent in low-income African American children. Intake of soda beverages by the children and the caregivers' fatalistic oral health beliefs and religiosity were significant determinants of ECC and S-ECC.     

De novo synthetic short antimicrobial peptides against cariogenic bacteria

ObjectiveAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown the ability to inhibit planktonic bacteria and biofilms. The objectives of this study were to de novo design and synthesize a series of cationic, amphipathic α-helical AMPs that would be shorter, less cytotoxic, and more potent than existing AMPs against cariogenic bacteria.DesignThree short AMPs (GH8, GLLWHLLH-NH₂; GH12, GLLWHLLHHLLH-NH₂; and GH16, GLLWHLLHHLLHLLHH-NH₂) were designed, synthesized and characterized structurally. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) against eight major cariogenic bacteria were tested to select the most promising peptide. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the bacterial membrane after treatment with selected peptides. The bactericidal kinetics, effects on biofilm and cytotoxity were further investigated.ResultsOf the three AMPs, GH12 had the most balanced structural parameters and a high content of α-helical structure. GH12 had a MIC of 4.0-8.0 μg/mL and MBC of 8.0-32.0 μg/mL. The corresponding values for the other two AMPs were 2- to 64- fold higher. In time-kill assays, GH12 killed all bacterial strains within 60 min at 4- fold MBC. SEM observed lysis and pore formation of the cytomembrane after treatment with GH12. 8.0 μg/mL GH12 inhibited Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that GH12 effectively reduced the biomass of 1-day-old S. mutans biofilm. Cytotoxicity assays indicated that GH12 showed little toxic effect on the viability of human gingival fibroblasts.ConclusionThese results indicate that GH12 shows antimicrobial activity against cariogenic bacteria and biofilms in vitro.     

Prevalence of dental caries in Early Head Start children as diagnosed using teledentistry

PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to assess caries prevalence by means of teledentistry in 12- to 60-month old children enrolled in Early Head Start inner-city child core centers. METHODS: Images of the primary dentition were obtained by trained telehealth assistants using on intraoral camera. Images were entered into a Web-based storage and retrieval program. They were transmitted to a secure, remote-site computer and evaluated by a calibrated pediatric dentist. RESULTS: Of 162 children screened, 93 were caries free and 69 had early childhood caries (ECC). Of these, 28 had severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). The mean dfs score for all 162 children was 1.88. The mean dfs score for the 69 ECC children was 4.42. The mean dfs for the subgroup of 28 S-ECC children was 7.61. Caries scores of S-ECC children were statistically significantly different from caries scores of the entire cohort and from caries scores of the ECC children. CONCLUSIONS: This study's results show that: (1) almost half of the preschoolers enrolled in the study were affected by dental caries; (2) only a few children had ever had a dental visit; and (3) teledentistry offers a potentially efficient means of screening high-risk preschool children for signs of early childhood caries.