ANALYSIS OF BIOFILMS FOR STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS FROM DENTAL ROOT SURFACES OF ADULT PATIENTS WITH ROOT CARIES

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Mohammed Ali Alsamhari ◽  
Mohammed Mohammed Ali Al-Najhi ◽  
Hassan Abdulwahab Al-Shamahy ◽  
Omar Ahmed Ismael Al-dossary
Keyword(s):  
Peer Review ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Brain Heart Infusion ◽  
Mutans Streptococci ◽  
Caries Experience ◽  
Antibiotics Resistance ◽  
Root Caries ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Caries Lesions ◽  
Root Surfaces

Background and objectives: Knowledge of the pathogenicity of the primary etiological factor of root caries, the microbial biofilm, might provide important information for the development of diagnosis and treatment strategies. This study assessed the numbers and revealed the proportion of Mutans streptococci , which is potential important cariogenic organisms, in biofilms collected from lesions at root surfaces with active caries lesions (ARC), inactive caries lesions, and sound root surfaces (SRS). Material and methods: Samples were cultured in MSB agar for Mutans streptococci counts, and brain-heart infusion agar for total viable anaerobic counts. After incubation, the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) was determined and compared between groups by the Mann-Whitney U test with a significance level set at 95%. The proportion of counts of Mutans streptococci in the total viable microorganisms was also analyzed by Chi-square test. 108 samples (36 from each surface) from 36 patients were cultured and analyzed. Results: The mean±SD for the counts of active root caries lesions was 7.47±9.89 10, significantly higher than that of inactive root caries lesions (2.5±0.97) and sound root surfaces (3.03±0.71). In conclusion, a trend towards higher counts was evident for ARC. In the ARC lesions among the dominant oral anaerobic bacteria, we could not identify streptococcal colonies (unspecified) in 11% while in IRC lesions it occurred in 47%, and SRS it occurred in 47%. In addition, in ARC the samples were ≥0.1-≥10 (CFU x10) ≥0.1-≥10 colonies of Streptococcus mutans. Conclusion: In conclusion, a trend towards higher counts was evident for ARC and for most samples, the proportion of Streptococcus mutans was low relative to the viable number of total viable anaerobic microorganisms.                   Peer Review History: Received: 5 September 2021; Revised: 10 October; Accepted: 24 October, Available online: 15 November 2021 Academic Editor:  Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia,  Indones UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency.  Received file:                Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Rawaa Souhil Al-Kayali, Aleppo University, Syria, [email protected] Dr. Tamer Elhabibi, Suez Canal University, Egypt, [email protected] Similar Articles: ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS BIOFILM FORMATION AND DENTAL CARIES EXPERIENCE AND ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE IN ADULT FEMALES CLINICAL FEATURES, AGE AND SEX DISTRIBUTIONS, RISK FACTORS AND THE TYPE OF BACTERIA ISOLATED IN PERIODONTITIS PATIENTS IN SANA'A, YEMEN

scholarly journals Bacterial analysis of biofilms from tooth root surfaces presenting different caries activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-27
Author(s):  
Sandra Liana Henz ◽  
Nailê Teixeira Damé ◽  
Cristiane Neves Portugal ◽  
Marisa Maltz
Keyword(s):  
Brain Heart Infusion ◽  
Mutans Streptococci ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Caries Lesions ◽  
Root Surfaces ◽  
Lactobacillus Spp ◽  
Infusion Agar

This study evaluated the numbers and determined the proportion of mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus spp., which are possible relevant cariogenic organisms, in biofilms recovered from lesions at root surfaces with active caries lesions (ARC), inactive caries lesions, and sound root surfaces (SRS). Samples were cultured in MSB agar for mutans streptococci counts, Rogosa agar for Lactobacillus spp. counts, and brain-heart infusion agar for total viable anaerobic counts. After incubation, the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) was determined and compared between groups by the Mann-Whitney U test with a significance level set at 95%. The proportion of counts of mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus spp. in the total viable microorganisms was also analyzed by Chi-square test. Ninety samples (30 from each surface) from 37 patients were cultured and analyzed. The CFU was similar between mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus spp. These species were present in at least half of the samples and no difference was found in the frequency of isolation of these species. Only 6 samples showed a proportion of more than 10% of mutans streptococci; 4 of the samples were from ARC. Most (93%) SRS samples did not contain viable Lactobacillus spp. The data indicate the low counts of mutans streptococci and Lactobacillus spp. in root surfaces, regardless of the activity of caries lesions.

scholarly journals Effect of dietary sugars on dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus – a pilot study

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Virginia Dutra de OLIVEIRA ◽  
Yasmin Etienne ALBUQUERQUE ◽  
Denise Madalena Palomari SPOLIDORIO ◽  
Cristiane Yumi KOGA-ITO ◽  
Elisa Maria Aparecida GIRO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Caries Experience ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Streptococcus Sobrinus ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Biomass Formation ◽  
Microtiter Plates

Abstract Introduction Frequent consumption of sugars and the presence of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are correlated with higher caries experience. Objective The aim of this pilot study was to elucidate the effect of different fermentable carbohydrates on biomass formation and acidogenicity of S. mutans and S. sobrinus biofilms. Material and method Single and dual-species biofilms of S. mutans ATCC 25175 and S. sobrinus ATCC 27607 were grown at the bottom of microtiter plates at equal concentrations for 24 h at 37 °C under micro-aerobic atmosphere. Carbohydrates were added at 2% concentration: maltose, sucrose, glucose and lactose. BHI Broth (0.2% glucose) was used as negative control. Acidogenicity was assessed by measuring the pH of spent culture medium after 24 h, immediately after refreshing the culture medium and for the next 1 h and 2 h. Crystal violet staining was used as an indicator of the total attached biofilm biomass after 24 h incubation. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. Significance level was set at 5%. Result All carbohydrates resulted in higher biomass formation in single- and dual-species biofilms when compared to the control group. Sucrose, lactose and maltose showed higher acidogenicity than the control group in both single- and dual-species biofilms after 24 h. Conclusion These findings indicate that the type of biofilm (single- or dual-species) and the carbohydrate used may influence the amount of biomass formed and rate of pH reduction.

Association of the Microbial Flora of Dental Plaque and Saliva with Human Root-surface Caries

1990 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 1463-1468 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Van Houte ◽  
H.V. Jordan ◽  
R. Laraway ◽  
R. Kent ◽  
P.M. Soparkar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Plaque ◽  
Root Surface ◽  
Mutans Streptococci ◽  
Caries Experience ◽  
Group I ◽  
Actinomyces Species ◽  
Streptococcal Species ◽  
Group Ii ◽  
Root Surface Caries ◽  
Root Surfaces

Dental plaque was obtained from one or two sound root surfaces of subjects with different degrees of root-surface caries experience. From subjects with root-surface caries, plaque samples were also obtained from either one incipient or one more advanced lesion. Proportions of the total flora were determined for total streptococci and different streptococcal species, total and different Actinomyces species, and lactobacilli. A sample of saliva was obtained from about one-third of the subjects for determination of the concentrations of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. The main observations were: (1) Subjects without root-surface caries or restorations (group I), as compared with subjects with root-surface caries with or without restorations (group II), were characterized by having a lower prevalence and proportion of mutans streptococci and a higher prevalence and proportion of A. naeslundii in plaque on sound root surfaces; (2) subjects in group I also tended to have a lower salivary concentration of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli than subjects in group II; (3) dental plaque on sound surfaces in group II subjects contained a lower proportion of mutans streptococci than plaque associated with incipient or advanced lesions; and (4) the prevalence and proportion of lactobacilli in plaque associated with sound as well as carious root surfaces were very low. The data reinforce findings from other studies and indicate that, as for coronal caries, the plaque and saliva populations of mutans streptococci specifically are correlated positively with the presence of root-surface caries.

scholarly journals Association between root/coronal caries and individual factors in institutionalised elderly using ICDAS severity and activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarita Usuga-Vacca ◽  
Dairo Javier Marin-Zuluaga ◽  
Jaime Eduardo Castellanos ◽  
Stefania Martignon
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Caries Experience ◽  
Individual Factors ◽  
Root Caries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Root Surfaces ◽  
Exposed Root

Abstract Background Caries in the elderly has been associated with dependence, oral-health status and -care practices. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between root/coronal caries and individual factors among institutionalised elderly people in Bogotá, Colombia, using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System severity and activity criteria (ICDAS). Methods A total of 226 institutionalised elderly were clinically examined for root and coronal caries in 40 institutions. Caries risk was assessed with Cariogram, and demographics, oral health knowledge and practices, oral health-related quality of life and denture-use habits using a questionnaire. Results Participants (mean age: 80.1 ± 9.3 years; 63.7% female) presented a mean number of 10.8 ± 7.3 teeth and 19.4 ± 18.8 exposed root surfaces. Prevalence of Coronal-ICDAS caries experience (C-ICDAS DF) was of 100% and of 54.4% for C-ICDAS D; mean number of C-ICDAS DFS was 16.76 ± 27.36, with 50.9% of subjects having ≥ one active C-ICDAS DS. Prevalence of Root Caries Index was of 49.1% and of R-ICDAS DF of 46%; mean number of R-ICDAS DFS was 2.03 ± 2.78, with 40.3% of subjects having ≥ one active R-ICDAS DS. Most individuals had a systemic condition (94.2%) and required oral-hygiene assistance (58%). Logistic regression analyses showed significant associations (p < 0.05): for coronal active caries when having over six teeth (OR: 2.7), and for root caries, when having coronal caries (OR: 2.41), being a man (OR: 1.95), and having over 14 teeth (OR: 0.30). Those presenting with > eight exposed root surfaces were 4.04 more likely to have root caries and 2.4 times more likely to have active root caries. Conclusion In the institutionalised elderly population in Bogotá significant associations were found, both for the presence as for the activity status of root and coronal caries, with individual clinical factors including coronal caries, exposed root surfaces and number of teeth.

scholarly journals CLINICAL FEATURES, AGE AND SEX DISTRIBUTIONS, RISK FACTORS AND THE TYPE OF BACTERIA ISOLATED IN PERIODONTITIS PATIENTS IN SANA'A, YEMEN

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaled A AL-Haddad ◽  
Mohammed Mohammed Ali Al-Najhi ◽  
Al-Kasem Mohammed Abbas ◽  
Ameen Abdullah Yahya Al-Akwa ◽  
Hassan Abdulwahab Al-Shamahy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Caries Experience ◽  
Antibiotics Resistance ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Dental Clinics ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Molar Incisor Hypomineralization

Background: Periodontitis is an inflammation caused by plaque in the surrounding dental structures. It is a major factor in adult tooth loss. There is lack of information on associated clinical features, risk factors and microbial etiology of periodontitis in Sana’a, Yemen. Aim: The study focused on associated clinical features, risk factors and the separation and classification of bacteria in periodontitis and associated risk factors amongst patients attending dental clinics is Sana’a city.  Methods: First, 296 patients were admitted to the dental clinic at the Republican University Hospital and private dental clinics in Sana'a during a period of nearly one year, which began in December 2019 AD and ended in November 2020 AD, when they were diagnosed with dental diseases, then 49 of them were selected who are suffering from periodontitis, of whom 22 are males and 27 are females. Sterile paper points were used for the sample collection. Standard culture and biochemical techniques were used for the isolation and identification. Structured questionnaires were used to record clinical features, demographic variables and other risk factors of periodontitis. Results: A total of 130 microorganisms were isolated from 49 patients with periodontitis. Male patients accounted for 14.4% and females 18.9% of the all 296 patients who attended our clinics.  There was no important association between sex and periodontitis occurrence while there was significant association the younger age groups (45.4% in <26 years of age). The most common signs and symptoms were swollen or puffy gums (91.9%), bleed easily gums (96%), halitosis (96%), painful chewing (87.8%), pus between teeth and gums (71.4%), loose teeth or loss of teeth (44.9%), gingival recession (83.7%), spitting out blood when brushing or flossing teeth (79.6%), and tender gums (93.9%). Conclusion: This study is new in Sana'a city. The clinical features of preiodentitis in Yemen and the risk factors are similar to those reported in the literature elsewhere, but the isolated bacteria differ in frequency from those reported elsewhere, as some upper respiratory tract pathogens such as Streptococcus pyogenes are commonly isolated in this study. Knowledge of the clinical features, bacterial causes of gum disease, and risk factors is the key to successful periodontal therapy.                     Peer Review History: Received 8 January 2021; Revised 5 February; Accepted 25 February, Available online 15 March 2021 UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency.  Received file:                Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. Tamer Elhabibi, Suez Canal University, Egypt, [email protected] Dr. Rawaa Souhil Al-Kayali, Aleppo University, Syria, [email protected] Rola Jadallah,  Arab American University, Palestine, [email protected] Prof. Dr. Gorkem Dulger, Duzce University, Turkey, [email protected] Similar Articles: RISK FACTORS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES AMONG YEMENI YOUNG DENTAL PATIENTS KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF MOLAR INCISOR HYPOMINERALIZATION AMONG DENTAL PRACTITIONERS IN SANA’A CITY- YEMEN PREVALENCE OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN DENTAL INFECTIONS AND THE OCCURRENCE OF MRSA IN ISOLATES ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS BIOFILM FORMATION AND DENTAL CARIES EXPERIENCE AND ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE IN ADULT FEMALES

scholarly journals ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS BIOFILM FORMATION AND DENTAL CARIES EXPERIENCE AND ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE IN ADULT FEMALES

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdalhaq Hussin Alhasani ◽  
Ramy Abdulrhman Ishag ◽  
Ameen Abdullah Yahya Al-Akwa ◽  
Hassan A. Al-Shamahy ◽  
Mohammed A A. Al-labani
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Oral Cavity ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Permanent Teeth ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Caries Experience ◽  
Antibiotics Resistance ◽  
Unique System ◽  
Review Reports

Objectives: The aim of this study was to consider the potential association between the formation of salivary streptococcus biofilms and the incidence of caries, as well as with the occurrence of antibiotic resistance among adult mothers in Sana'a, Yemen.  Study design: A total of 261; 25-35 year old females were chosen. Clinical examination of females were performed to estimate dental caries experience with the Silness-Loe index, as well as stimulated saliva were collected to assess biofilm production by the phenotypic method i.e. Tissue culture palate methods (TCPM). Finally, antibiogram susceptibility pattern of isolated S. mutans was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method for 6  β-Lactam antibiotics (ampicillin, penicillin, amoxicillin, cefotaxime, methicillin and cefazolin) and 4 non β-Lactam antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycin, lincomycin and vancomycin). Results: When isolated S. mutans were exposed to biofilm detection by TCP method, 31 (12.2%) showed high biofilm formation capacity, 46 (18%) showed moderate biofilm formation capacity, while 184 (72.2%) showed non / weak formation capacity of biofilm. The overall rate of biofilm formation was 30.2%. There was an escalation in the rate of formation of S. mutans biofilms with an increased degree of caries index. The S. mutans biofilms positve showed a higher rate of resistance than non/weak biofilm formation e.g ampicillin (28.6% versus 12.9%,  p = 0.002), amoxicillin (77.9% versus 18%, p <0.0001), and penicillin (79.2 % versus 23%, <0.0001) etc.  Conclusion: The present study proved that S. mutans is still the major bacteria isolate from the oral cavity, but few persons might not have significant number of S. mutans in oral cavity. The S. mutans biofilm - producers were more able to cause dental caries compared to the S. mutans biofilm-non-producers. Drug resistant factor in the S. mutans isolates was found to be associated with S. mutans biofilm formation.                           Peer Review History: Received 12 November  2020; Revised 20 Decembe; Accepted 5 January, Available online 15 January 2021 UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file:                           Comments of reviewer(s):         Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. Alfonso Alexander Aguileral, University of Veracruz,  Mexico, [email protected] Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, [email protected] Similar Articles: CAUSES FOR EXTRACTION OF PERMANENT TEETH IN GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICES IN YEMEN PREVALENCE OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN DENTAL INFECTIONS AND THE OCCURRENCE OF MRSA IN ISOLATES

scholarly journals High Fluoride Dentifrices for Elderly and Vulnerable Adults: Does It Work and if So, Then Why?

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (Suppl. 1) ◽  
pp. 15-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Rud Ekstrand
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Fluoride ◽  
Fluoride Concentration ◽  
Mutans Streptococci ◽  
Root Caries ◽  
Preventive Effect ◽  
Reasonable Evidence ◽  
High Fluoride ◽  
Vulnerable Adults ◽  
Caries Lesions ◽  
Better Than

The primary aim of this work is to present the available evidence that toothpastes containing >1,500 ppm fluoride (2,500-2,800 and 5,000 ppm F) provide an additional caries preventive effect on root caries lesions in elderly patients compared to traditional dentifrices (1,000-1,450 ppm F). The secondary aim of this paper is to discuss why high fluoride dentifrices in general should perform better than traditional F-containing toothpaste. When examining the few studies that have considered the preventive benefits of high fluoride products on root caries the relative risk appears to be around 0.5, and the risk can thus be halved by exchanging traditional F-containing toothpaste for toothpaste containing 5,000 ppm F. There is reasonable evidence that high fluoride dentifrices significantly increase the fluoride concentration in saliva during the day and the fluoride concentration in plaque compared to traditional F toothpaste. Furthermore, the use of toothpaste with 5,000 ppm F significantly reduces the amount of plaque accumulated, decreases the number of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli and possibly promotes calcium fluoride deposits to a higher degree than after the use of traditional F-containing toothpaste.

scholarly journals The accuracy of laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent) in assessing caries lesion activity on root surfaces, around crown margins, and in furcations in older adults

BDJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea Mitchell ◽  
Hiba Zaku ◽  
Peter Milgrom ◽  
Lloyd Mancl ◽  
David B. Prince
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Laser Fluorescence ◽  
Root Caries ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Silver Diamine Fluoride ◽  
Caries Lesion ◽  
Caries Lesions ◽  
Root Surfaces ◽  
Active Root

AbstractThe authors conducted a case series to assess accuracy of DIAGNOdent (DD) in assessment of activity of dental caries lesions in root surfaces and in furcations and at crown margins. The study was a prospective, single center case series. The patients were 123 adults (age ≥ 55 years). To be included, a patient needed to have at least one active root caries lesion. The study was conducted at the Roseman College of Dental Medicine in South Jordan, Utah, USA and at area nursing homes. Lesions were rinsed and dried with air, and DD readings were obtained. Lesions were then isolated and 38% silver diamine fluoride was applied repeatedly for two minutes with a microbrush. DD readings and treatments were repeated every six months. Mean DD values were significantly different between active (unarrested) and inactive (arrested) caries for all comparisons, p-value < 0.0001. The optimal cut-off values for DD were between 20 and 35 except optimal cut-offs were higher for furcation and crown margin surfaces, particularly in the posterior (optimal cut-offs 40–45). This study demonstrates DD is a potentially valuable tool for assessing lesion activity in root surfaces, at restoration margins, and in furcations.

scholarly journals Chair-side saliva parameters assessment and caries experience evaluation

2019 ◽  
Vol 92 ◽  
pp. S33-S38
Author(s):  
Ioana Chifor ◽  
Laura Rusu (Dascalu) ◽  
Andrei Picos ◽  
Radu Chifor ◽  
Iulia Badea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Streptococcus Mutans ◽  
Buffer Capacity ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Caries Experience ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
Caries Lesions

Introduction. Carioreceptivity-based, individualized prevention protocols allow a minimally invasive approach in many patients, in all age groups. The long-term success of such protocols depends not only on the actual caries experience of the patients, but also on the possible responses based on natural defense mechanisms. Therefore the salivary flow, the buffer capacity of stimulated and non-stimulated saliva and mostly the Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacilli number are highly important in deciding whether a long-term remineralization therapy can be successfully applied for early stage caries lesions. Similar tests may record the  the acidogenicity of dental biofilms. These risk factors can be entered into a computer-based risk assessment program (such as Cariogram). Methodology. An extensive literature search was performed on Medline/PubMed using as key-words: Streptococcus Mutans, Lactobacilli, saliva volume, pH and buffer capacity. The methodology of selecting the reviewed literature and the inclusion criteria were based on articles published in the last ten years. Results. Besides topically applied remineralization products, either in-office or at-home, changes in the diet can diminish the number of cario-active bacteria, especially Lactobacilli. Latest researches show that dentifrices, especially toothpastes containing xylitol and/or probiotics can have a significant cario-protective effect. Conclusions. Dental caries assessment is very important for specific age groups, because most risk factors have specific consequences in different age groups. Pre-teen and teenage patients need more individualized caries management strategies in order to avoid the onset of new caries lesions. Root caries risk may be decreased by an intensive and continuous preventive care.

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