Role of sweeteners in the etiology and prevention of dental caries

2002 ◽  
Vol 74 (7) ◽  
pp. 1293-1300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigeyuki Hamada
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Mutans Streptococci ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Surface Attachment ◽  
Epidemiological Surveys ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Insoluble Glucan ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Glucan Synthesis ◽  
Major Factors

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease that is caused by an interplay of three major factors, i.e., teeth, cariogenic bacteria, and fermentable sugars. Streptococcus mutans and S. sobrinus, collectively termed mutans streptococci (MS), are principal causative agents of dental caries. Initial MS-tooth surface attachment is followed by firm and irreversible adhesion of MS to the tooth surface, accompanied by the synthesis of water-insoluble glucan from sucrose via enzymatic action of glucosyltransferases (GTases). MS induce severe dental caries in rats fed on a high-sucrose diet. Epidemiological surveys indicate that frequent sucrose intakes are associated with high prevalence of dental caries in humans. In contrast, dietary sucrose restrictions and/or use of nonfermentable sucrose substitutes clearly influence the GTase activities of MS, resulting in decreased caries development. Structural isomers of sucrose (i.e., disaccharides composed of glucose and fructose with different linkages) will not function as substrates for GTases of MS, nor be utilized as energy sources by MS. Palatinose and trehalulose are included in this category, and are produced in commercial scales in Japan. Glucose oligomers containing α-1, 6 and/or α-1, 4 linkages are found to inhibit glucan synthesis by MS from sucrose, although these oligomers are hydrolyzed by MS to release acids. Lastly, sugar alcohols, including maltitol and palatinit, are useful as noncaries-inducing sweeteners.

scholarly journals Coimmunization with Complementary Glucosyltransferase Peptides Results in Enhanced Immunogenicity and Protection against Dental Caries

2000 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 2698-2703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin A. Taubman ◽  
Daniel J. Smith ◽  
Cynthia J. Holmberg ◽  
Jean W. Eastcott
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Functional Significance ◽  
Serum Antibody ◽  
Mutans Streptococci ◽  
Streptococcus Sobrinus ◽  
Insoluble Glucan ◽  
Glucan Synthesis ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Antibody Levels

ABSTRACT Peptide constructs from the catalytic (CAT) and glucan-binding (GLU) regions of the mutans streptococcal glucosyltransferase enzymes (GTF) can provide immunity to dental caries infection. A strategy of coimmunization was tested to determine whether protection could be enhanced. Rats were immunized with one of the previously described peptide constructs from the CAT or GLU region of the GTF of mutans streptococci or coimmunized with a combination of these constructs (CAT-GLU). Coimmunized animals demonstrated significantly higher serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and salivary IgA antibody levels to CAT or GTF than rats immunized with either construct alone. To assess the functional significance of coimmunization with these constructs, animals were immunized as above or with Streptococcus sobrinus GTF and then infected with S. sobrinus to explore the effects of immunization on immunological, microbiological, and disease (dental caries) parameters. Serum antibody from the communized group inhibited S. sobrinus GTF-mediated insoluble glucan synthesis in vitro above that of the individual-construct-immunized groups. Immunization with CAT or GLU constructs resulted in significantly reduced dental caries after infection with S. sobrinus compared with sham-immunized animals. Coimmunization produced greater reductions in caries than after immunization with either CAT or GLU. Also, significant elevations in lymphocyte proliferative responses to CAT, GLU, and GTF were observed after coimmunization with CAT-GLU compared with the responses after immunization with the individual constructs. The results suggested that increased numbers of memory T cells, which could proliferate to CAT, were generated by coimmunization. The experiments support the functional significance of these GTF domains in dental caries pathogenesis and present coimmunization as a simple alternative to intact GTF to enhance protective immunity against cariogenic microorganisms.

Construction of a New Fusion Anti-caries DNA Vaccine

2009 ◽  
Vol 88 (5) ◽  
pp. 455-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Niu ◽  
J. Sun ◽  
M. Fan ◽  
Q.-A. Xu ◽  
J. Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Dna Vaccine ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Mutans Streptococci ◽  
Cell Surface Protein ◽  
Insoluble Glucan ◽  
Antigenic Domains ◽  
Glucan Synthesis ◽  
Glucan Binding Domain

Mutans streptococci (MS) are generally considered to be the principal etiological agent of dental caries. MS have two important virulence factors: cell- surface protein PAc and glucosyltransferases (GTFs). GTFs have two functional domains: an N-terminal catalytic sucrose-binding domain (CAT) and a C-terminal glucan-binding domain (GLU). A fusion anti-caries DNA vaccine, pGJA-P/VAX, encoding two important antigenic domains, PAc and GLU, of S. mutans, was successful in reducing the levels of dental caries caused by S. mutans in gnotobiotic animals. However, its protective effect against S. sobrinus infection proved to be weak. Does the DNA vaccine need an antigen of S. sobrinus to enhance its ability to inhibit infection? To answer this question, in this study, we cloned the catalytic ( cat) fragment of S. sobrinus gtf-I, which demonstrated its ability to inhibit water-insoluble glucan synthesis by S. sobrinus, into pGJA-P/VAX to produce a new anti-caries DNA vaccine.

scholarly journals Cationic Lipid Content in Liposome-Encapsulated Nisin Improves Sustainable Bactericidal Activity against Streptococcus mutans

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 360-366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuo Yamakami ◽  
Hideaki Tsumori ◽  
Yoshitaka Shimizu ◽  
Yutaka Sakurai ◽  
Kohei Nagatoshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Cationic Lipid ◽  
Cationic Liposome ◽  
Bactericidal Effect ◽  
Insoluble Glucan ◽  
Inhibitory Efficiency ◽  
Bactericidal Activities ◽  
Glucan Synthesis ◽  
Sustained Inhibition

An oral infectious disease, dental caries, is caused by the cariogenic streptococci Streptococcus mutans. The expected preventive efficiency for prophylactics against dental caries is not yet completely observed. Nisin, a bacteriocin, has been demonstrated to be microbicidal against S. mutans, and liposome-encapsulated nisin improves preventive features that may be exploited for human oral health. Here we examined the bactericidal effect of charged lipids on nisin-loaded liposomes against S. mutans and inhibitory efficiency for insoluble glucan synthesis by the streptococci for prevention of dental caries. Cationic liposome, nisin-loaded dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine/phytosphingosine, exhibited higher bactericidal activities than those of electroneutral liposome and anionic liposome. Bactericidal efficiency of the cationic liposome revealed that the vesicles exhibited sustained inhibition of glucan synthesis and the lowest rate of release of nisin from the vesicles. The optimizing ability of cationic liposome-encapsulated nisin that exploit the sustained preventive features of an anti-streptococcal strategy may improve prevention of dental caries.

scholarly journals ARE CARIOGENIC BACTERIA THE MAJOR RISK FACTOR TO DENTAL CARIES IN PATIENTS WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS?

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-123
Author(s):  
Eduardo RODRIGUES ◽  
Nuno LARANJEIRA ◽  
Gonçalo NUNES ◽  
Lídia ROQUE-RAMOS ◽  
Ana VIEIRA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Salivary Flow ◽  
Buffering Capacity ◽  
Mutans Streptococci ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Cariogenic Bacteria ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Lactobacillus Spp

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: High prevalence of dental caries in ulcerative colitis (UC) has been attributed to diet and changes in salivary environment. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize the prevalence of dental caries, salivary flow rates, salivary buffering capacity and cariogenic bacteria counts of Mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus spp and to evaluate their relationship with drug therapy, disease activity and duration. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with UC patients followed in a tertiary center. Participants were submitted to a questionnaire (including demographic data, oral hygiene, eating habits) and a clinical observation with assessment of plaque index and Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index. Unstimulated/stimulated saliva was collected. Medical records, disease activity (Partial Mayo Score) and disease duration were collected. Laboratory data included salivary flow rates, salivary buffering capacity (CRT® buffer) and cariogenic bacteria count (Mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus spp) in saliva using the CRT® bacteria test (results: high or low counts). RESULTS: Thirty UC patients were recruited. Oral hygiene routines were daily teeth brushing once or more (96.7%) and fluoride toothpaste (73.3%). Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index (mean 16.17±6.428) was not affected by the frequency of soft drinks, cakes, sweets and sugars between meals (P>0.2). Long-term disease showed a trend towards higher prevalence of caries (P=0.06). Most presented normal salivary flow rates, unstimulated (73.3%) and stimulated (60.0%), and high salivary buffering capacity (66.7%). Any association was found with age, gender, disease activity, disease duration and drug therapy. High Mutans streptococci and low Lactobacillus spp count were observed in 73.3% and 60% of patients, respectively. Patients with active disease (100%) and longer duration (88.9%) displayed higher Mutans streptococci count. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dental caries observed in UC patients was significant and did not seem to be influenced by their eating habits. The high prevalence of Mutans streptococci count may be a major risk factor for dental caries and may be looked as part of the UC dysbiosis. Dental care of UC patients should be planned according with this microbiota variation.

scholarly journals Salivary Mucins Protect Surfaces from Colonization by Cariogenic Bacteria

2014 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 332-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erica Shapiro Frenkel ◽  
Katharina Ribbeck
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Defense Mechanism ◽  
Tooth Enamel ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Oral Diseases ◽  
Surface Attachment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Planktonic Form

ABSTRACTUnderstanding how the body's natural defenses function to protect the oral cavity from the myriad of bacteria that colonize its surfaces is an ongoing topic of research that can lead to breakthroughs in treatment and prevention. One key defense mechanism on all moist epithelial linings, such as the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs, is a layer of thick, well-hydrated mucus. The main gel-forming components of mucus are mucins, large glycoproteins that play a key role in host defense. This study focuses on elucidating the connection between MUC5B salivary mucins and dental caries, one of the most common oral diseases. Dental caries is predominantly caused byStreptococcus mutansattachment and biofilm formation on the tooth surface. OnceS. mutansattaches to the tooth, it produces organic acids as metabolic by-products that dissolve tooth enamel, leading to cavity formation. We utilize CFU counts and fluorescence microscopy to quantitatively show thatS. mutansattachment and biofilm formation are most robust in the presence of sucrose and that aqueous solutions of purified human MUC5B protect surfaces by acting as an antibiofouling agent in the presence of sucrose. In addition, we find that MUC5B does not alterS. mutansgrowth and decreases surface attachment and biofilm formation by maintainingS. mutansin the planktonic form. These insights point to the importance of salivary mucins in oral health and lead to a better understanding of how MUC5B could play a role in cavity prevention or diagnosis.

scholarly journals Synthetic antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) against S. mutans and S. sobrinus inhibit caries formation

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Kausar Alam ◽  
Li Zheng ◽  
Ruirui Liu ◽  
Silvana Papagerakis ◽  
Petros Papagerakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Passive Immunization ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Antigen Binding ◽  
Streptococcus Sobrinus ◽  
Immunization Strategies ◽  
Caries Model ◽  
Causative Agents

Abstract Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are the main causative agents of human dental caries. Current strategies for treating caries are costly and do not completely eradicate them completely. Passive immunization using nonhuman antibodies against Streptococcal surface antigens has shown success in human trials, however they often invoke immune reactions. We used phage display to generate human antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) against S. mutans and S. sobrinus. These Fabs were readily expressed in E. coli and bound to the surface S. mutans and S. sobrinus. Fabs inhibited sucrose-induced S. mutans and S. sobrinus biofilm formation in vitro and a combination of S. mutans and S. sobrinus Fabs prevented dental caries formation in a rat caries model. These results demonstrated that S. mutans and S. sobrinus Fabs could be used in passive immunization strategies to prevent dental caries. In the future, this strategy may be applied towards a caries therapy, whereby Fabs are topically applied to the tooth surface.

Inhibition by Hop Bract Polyphenols of Cellular Adherence and Water-insoluble Glucan Synthesis of Mutans Streptococci

1997 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 332-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Motoyuki Tagashira ◽  
Keiko Uchiyama ◽  
Tomoaki Yoshimura ◽  
Masayuki Shirota ◽  
Nobuo Uemitsu
Keyword(s):  
Mutans Streptococci ◽  
Insoluble Glucan ◽  
Glucan Synthesis

Anticariogenic Properties of the Extract ofCyperus rotundus

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (03) ◽  
pp. 497-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyeon-Hee Yu ◽  
Da-Hong Lee ◽  
Se-Jeong Seo ◽  
Yong-Ouk You
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Dental Plaque ◽  
Acid Production ◽  
Cyperus Rotundus ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Active Constituents ◽  
Insoluble Glucan ◽  
Glucan Synthesis ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Tuber Extract

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is known as the causative bacteria in the formation of dental plaque and dental caries. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of Cyperus rotundus (C. rotundus) tuber extract on the growth, acid production, adhesion, and water-insoluble glucan synthesis of S. mutans. The growth and acid production were reduced by the extract of C. rotundus in a dose dependent manner. The extract of C. rotundus markedly inhibited the adherence of S. mutans to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite beads (HAs). The adherence was repressed by more than 50% at the concentration of 0.5 mg/ml of the extract and complete inhibition was observed at the concentration of 4 mg/ml of the extract. On the activity of glucosyltransferase (GTFase) which synthesizes water-insoluble glucan from sucrose, the extract of C. rotundus showed more than 10% inhibition at a concentration of 2 mg/ml. These results suggest that C. rotundus may inhibit cariogenic properties of S. mutans. Further studies are necessary to clarify the active constituents of C. rotundus responsible for such biomolecular activities.

scholarly journals GAMBARAN STATUS KARIES GIGI ANAK USIA 11-12 TAHUN PADA KELUARGA PEMEGANG JAMKESMAS DI KELURAHAN TUMATANGTANG I KECAMATAN TOMOHON SELATAN

e-GIGI ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hansen Ch. Wala
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Infection Process ◽  
Tooth Surface ◽  
Who Criteria ◽  
Epidemiological Surveys ◽  
Dental Hard Tissues ◽  
Hard Tissues ◽  
Adults And Children

Abstract: Dental caries is one of the gum diseases which is commonly found in the community (adults and children). The infection process is progressive and accumulated on dental hard tissues characterized by tissue damage which begins from the tooth surface and extends into the pulp. This study aimed to describe the caries status in children aged 11 to 12 years old that belonged to the members of Jamkesmas in Tumatangtang 1 village, Tomohon Selatan. As subjects, there were 54 childrens aged 11 to 12 years old obtained by using total sampling method. This was a descriptive observational study. Measurement of dental caries status was conducted by using an index score of caries. Caries index is a number that indicates the number of dental caries in a person or group of people. The measurement includes the number of decayed teeth (Decay), number of extracted teeth due to caries (Missing) and the number of patched teeth (Filling). DMF - T Index is the simplest and most commonly used in epidemiological surveys of dental caries. The results showed that from the DMF – T index of all samples, the total index D (Decay) 159, M (Missing) 45, and F (Filling) 0. Based on WHO criteria, the average 3.8 belonged to the category of fair caries status. The average of DMF-T index of boys was categorized as fair caries status, meanwhile of girls was categorized as high caries status. Conclusion: Caries status of children aged 11-12 years old that belonged to the members of Jamkesmas in Tumatangtang 1 village, Tomohon Selatan was categorized as fair status.Keywords: caries status, children, DMF-T indexAbstrak: Karies gigi merupakan penyakit gigi dan mulut yang paling banyak ditemukan di masyarakat baik dewasa maupun anak. Infeksi yang terjadi bersifat progresif dan terakumulasi pada jaringan keras gigi yang ditandai kerusakan jaringan, dimulai dari permukaan gigi hingga meluas ke arah pulpa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui gambaran status karies gigi anak berusia 11-12 tahun pada keluarga pemegang Jamkesmas di kelurahan Tumatangtang I kecamatanTomohon Selatan. Subjek penelitian sebanyak 54 anak yang diperoleh dengan metode total sampling. Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif observasional. Pengukuran status karies gigi dari 54 anak ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan skor indeks karies yaitu angka yang menunjukkan jumlah gigi karies seseorang atau sekelompok orang. Pengukurannya meliputi jumlah gigi yang rusak (Decay), jumlah gigi yang telah dicabut karena karies (Missing), dan jumlah gigi yang ditambal (Filling). Indeks DMF-T merupakan indeks yang paling sederhana dan paling umum digunakan dalam survei epidemiologi karies gigi. Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan dari pemeriksaan DMF-T pada 54 anak didapatkan total indeks D (Decay) berjumlah 159, M (Missing) berjumlah 45, dan F (Filling) tidak ada, dengan indeks DMF-T rata-rata 3,8 (kategoristatus karies sedang berdasarkan kriteria WHO). Indeks DMF-T rata-rata pada anak laki-laki tergolong kategori status karies sedang, sedangkan pada anak perempuan tergolong kategori status karies tinggi. Simpulan: Status karies anak umur 11-12 tahun pada keluarga pemegang Jamkesmas di Kelurahan Tumatangtang 1 Kecamatan Tomohon Selatan berada pada kategori status karies sedang.Kata kunci: status karies, anak, indeks DMF-T

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