The Oral Microbiome of the Primary Dentition in Health and Disease: A Focus on Streptococcus mutans Strains and Caries
Year: 2017
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the microbial composition of the primary dentition in children with and without caries at both the strain and species levels.By using a novel sequencing technique, the strains of S. mutans were examined with great resolution.By better understanding the composition of the oral microbiome in caries and in health, we hope this information can improve both restorative and preventive measures.Forty-three subjects, with primary dentition were recruited at The Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio; 20 with extensive caries and 23 without caries.Plaque samples were collected to represent a whole mouth sample and also from white spot lesions and cavitated lesions.16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to determine microbial community composition at the level of species.A novel amplicon sequencing approach targeting the ribosomal ISR was used to determine strain-level composition of S. mutans populations.Global bacterial community analyses were conducted using nonparametric multidimensional Bray-Curtis scaling and Shannon diversity plots, and S. mutans strains were compared using ANOVA.iii Seventy-two strains of S. mutans were identified, with eight strains showing a significant increase during caries progression.Healthy subjects had significantly less S. mutans strains than similar plaque from subjects with caries.Subjects with caries showed an increase in S. mutans strain diversity as the carious lesions progressed.The oral microbiome and its complexity play a major role in dental caries.By evaluating the diversity of cariogenic bacteria, specifically S. mutans, in dental caries, a better understanding of the dysbiosis driving dental disease can lead to more effective treatment options for patients. DedicationThis document is dedicated to my family who has given me all their love and support throughout my education.
Author: Spiritoso, Stephen, Spiritoso
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7042619686