A comparative evaluation of the effects of respiratory diseases on dental caries.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the susceptibility of patients suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to dental caries by analyzing the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of saliva, which are influenced by the medications they use. METHODS: A cohort of 104 individuals, spanning from 18 to 70 years of age, underwent a meticulous categorization based on their unique medical profiles and prescribed medication routines. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to elucidate potential risk factors associated with dental caries. Alongside the assessment of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT index), decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS index), and Green and Vermillion Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (G&V OHI-S) values, measurements were performed to gauge salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and the presence of S. mutans, L. casei, S. aureus, and C. albicans. The acquired data were then inputted into the Cariogram software, enabling the derivation of personalized caries risk profiles for each individual. RESULTS: The diseased group exhibited significantly elevated levels of DMFT, DMFS, and G&V OHI-S values in comparison to the control group (p < 0.01). Moreover, the caries risk levels derived from the Cariogram were found to be significantly higher in patients diagnosed with asthma and COPD (p < 0.01). Notably, no substantial distinction was observed between these two experimental groups. Furthermore, it was discerned that COPD patients utilizing two or three distinct medications did not display any discernible variation in terms of their susceptibility to dental caries (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Asthma and COPD patients exhibit an increased susceptibility to dental caries as a result of their medication regimens. Hence, it is highly advisable for these individuals to demonstrate heightened vigilance in terms of oral hygiene practices and seek regular dental check-ups for continuous monitoring and preventive care.

Assessment of oral bacteria potentially associated with the mobile microbiome in children with congenital heart disease.

In this case-control study, we aimed to investigate the specific oral pathogens potentially associated with the mobile microbiome in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Caries, oral hygiene and gingival indices were evaluated in 20 children with CHD and a healthy control group, and venous blood samples and saliva were collected. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), blood samples were analyzed for the presence of bacterial DNA to determine the mobile microbiome, and saliva samples were analyzed to identify and quantify target microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans (Sm) and its serotype k (Smk), Fusobacterium. nucleatum (Fn), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Scardovia wiggsiae (Sw) and Aggregitibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and its JP2 clone (JP2). The findings were analyzed by Mann Whitney U, chi-square, Fisher's exact and Spearman's Correlation tests. Bacterial DNA was identified in two blood samples. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding the presence and counts of bacteria in saliva. However, the CHD group exhibited significantly lower caries and higher gingival index scores than the control group. The presence of Pg and Aa were significantly associated with higher gingival index scores. Sm and Smk counts were significantly correlated with caries experience. A positive correlation was found between Fn and total bacteria counts. In conclusion, the mobile microbiome, which has been proposed as a potential marker of dysbiosis at distant sites, was very rare in our pediatric population. The counts of target microorganisms which are potentially associated with the mobile microbiome did not differ in children with CHD and healthy children.

Antibacterial effects of dentifrices against Streptococcus mutans in children: a comparative in vitro study.

Fluoridated dentifrices have antibacterial effects on children's teeth. On the other hand, the side effects encountered with the use of them have led researchers to look for safe alternatives. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial effect of different commercially available fluoride-free dentifrices on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in comparison with different concentrations of fluoridated dentifrices. Study groups comprised of fluoride-free dentifrices, which contain Probiotic (Activated Charcoal Probiotic Dentifrice-Group P), Aloe Vera-Group AV and Salivary Proteins-Group SP. Fluoridated dentifrices containing 1450 ppm fluoride-Control Group 1 and 500 ppm fluoride-Control Group 2 served as control groups. Antibacterial activity was assessed by Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations and agar well diffusion assays on S. mutans. Biofilm inhibition assay was performed with dentifrices, which had antibacterial activities, and a negative control phosphate-buffered saline (Group PBS) on sterile hydroxyapatite discs against S. mutans. Statistical evaluation was performed. Only group AV showed an antibacterial effect on S. mutans, while control groups showed a similar antibacterial effect. The mean number of viable bacteria present in S. mutans biofilm in Control Group 1 and 2 and Group AV were statistically significantly lower than that in Group PBS, but there were no statistically significant differences between Control Groups and Group AV. Antibacterial activity of commercial dentifrices against S. mutans may be exerted by antibacterial components other than fluoride. Aloe vera-containing toothpaste showed an antibacterial effect on S. mutans, although not as much as the fluoride-containing toothpastes in the control groups. However, further in vivo and long-term studies are required.

Microbial Profile and Dental Caries in Cleft Lip and Palate Babies Between 0 and 3 Years Old.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the microbiological changes in newborn babies with cleft lip palate from birth up to age 3 and to correlate them with their caries levels and mothers' microbiological data and to compare with normal infants. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Prospective. SETTINGS: Marmara University, Faculty of Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry Clinic, and Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Education and Research Hospital New Born Clinic. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Cleft lip palate (n = 21) and healthy (n = 13) newborns and their mothers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Intraoral samples were taken from babies in each group at least 3 times over the 3 years. Saliva samples of the mothers were collected just after the birth of the babies and examined microbiologically. Dental caries was noted as either present or absent. RESULTS: The most frequent microorganisms were candida, found at birth (n = 9, 42%) in cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP±L) group. The number of babies infected with Lactobacilli were found to be significantly higher in the CP±L group than in the control group at birth ( P = .029) and after eruption of the first primary tooth ( P = .030). Mutans Streptococci were found in 10% of babies with CP±L at birth. Initial caries was identified in 20% of the babies with an oral cleft compared with 0% of the controls after eruption of the first primary incisors. CONCLUSION: The results show that the CP±L babies must be considered as a group with an increased caries risk.

Pathogen profile and MMP-3 levels in areas with varied attachment loss in generalized aggressive and chronic periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION: The progression of periodontitis depends on the changes in bone and connective tissue homeostasis and the imbalance of the biofilm and the host immunoinflammatory response, particularly matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the probable relation between subgingival anaerobic flora and the expression of MMP-3 in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (AgP), chronic periodontitis (CP) and healthy subjects, and to evaluate these levels according to varied tissue loss severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment levels (CAL) were evaluated. MMP levels obtained from gingival sulcus fluid (GCF) were measured with Enzyme Linked Immuno Assay (ELISA). The bacterial counts were determined with Parocheck®. RESULTS: Higher levels of MMP-3 in patients with AgP compared to subjects with CP and healthy individuals were observed. The microorganisms responsible of possible tissue destruction in both AgP and CP are red complex bacteria. T. denticola, T. forsythia, P. intermedia and F. nucleatum show positive correlation with MMP-3 levels. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-3 is a biomarker associated with AgP, and red complex bacteria levels are correlated with increasing periodontal tissue loss in both periodontitis forms. The diagnosis of aggressive periodontitis, or site-specific treatment strategies can be orchestrated based on the evaluation of MMP-3 and the bacterial counts in patients with periodontitis.

Effect of two different polishing systems on fluoride release, surface roughness and bacterial adhesion of newly developed restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of two different polishing systems on fluoride release, surface roughness and bacterial adhesion of five restorative materials MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study groups were comprised of five different restorative materials, Beautifil II (B); GCP Glass Fill (G); Amalgomer CR (A); Dyract XP (D); Fuji IX GP (F) and 21 specimens were prepared from each material. Each group was divided into three subgroups according to the polishing system: Mylar (control) (C), Sof-lex (S), and Enhance-Pogo (EP). The amount of fluoride release was measured using a fluoride ion-selective electrode and surface roughness was investigated with a profilometer. Bacterial adhesion on the materials was evaluated by optical density readouts for S.mutans on a spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The highest amount of fluoride was released from specimens in the S subgroup of group G during all measurement days. Surface roughness values were significantly lower in subgroup C than the other polishing systems in all study groups except group G (P < .05). Group A displayed significantly higher surface roughness values than the other material groups in both subgroups (S and EP) (P < .01). Highest bacterial adhesion was observed in the EP subgroup of group A. CONCLUSIONS: Polishing promoted a significant increase of fluoride release on restorative materials especially in glass ionomer-based materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This article stated that polishing promoted a significant increase of fluoride release on restorative materials especially in glass ionomer-based materials. Further, proper polishing systems must be chosen according to the structure and composition of materials to provide the best clinical benefits in terms of fluoride release, surface roughness and bacterial adhesion.

16S rRNA based microarray analysis of ten periodontal bacteria in patients with different forms of periodontitis.

DNA microarray analysis is a computer based technology, that a reverse capture, which targets 10 periodontal bacteria (ParoCheck) is available for rapid semi-quantitative determination. The aim of this three-year retrospective study was to display the microarray analysis results for the subgingival biofilm samples taken from patient cases diagnosed with different forms of periodontitis. A total of 84 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP,n:29), generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP, n:25), peri-implantitis (PI,n:14), localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP,n:8) and refractory chronic periodontitis (RP,n:8) were consecutively selected from the archives of the Oral Microbiological Diagnostic Laboratory. The subgingival biofilm samples were analyzed by the microarray-based identification of 10 selected species. All the tested species were detected in the samples. The red complex bacteria were the most prevalent with very high levels in all groups. Fusobacterium nucleatum was detected in all samples at high levels. The green and blue complex bacteria were less prevalent compared with red and orange complex, except Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitas was detected in all LAP group. Positive correlations were found within all the red complex bacteria and between red and orange complex bacteria especially in GCP and GAP groups. Parocheck enables to monitoring of periodontal pathogens in all forms of periodontal disease and can be alternative to other guiding and reliable microbiologic tests.

Antibacterial effect of Kenger gum on mutans streptococci and its cytotoxic effect on the 3T3 fibroblast cell line.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the antibacterial effect of Kenger gum on mutans streptococci (in vivo) and Streptococcus mutans (in vitro) and its cytotoxic effect on the 3T3 fibroblast cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro antibacterial activity of Kenger gum extracts against S.mutans was determined by the disk-diffusion method. The broth dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The cytotoxic effect on 3T3 fibroblast cells at different time intervals was determined using cell culture and viability assays. Clinical studies were then performed on 20 healthy adult subjects, where a sugar-free chewing gum was used as a control. To determine the MS counts, oral rinse samples were taken before chewing as well as 30 and 60 min after 15 min of chewing. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare the bacteria level in the oral rinse samples between the two chewing gums. The Least Significant Difference test was used for adjustment for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The MIC of the acetone extract of Kenger gum was 30 µg/ml. The acetone extract of Kenger gum possessed moderate antiproliferative properties against the non-tumorigenic cell line 3T3. A statistically significant decrease was observed for both chewing gums at 30 and 60 min. The decrease continued at 60 min after chewing Kenger gum, while the values for control gum tended to approach the baseline after 60 min. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study showed that Kenger gum had particular and prolonged antibacterial activity against S. mutans and salivary mutans streptococci.

Antibacterial effects of silver diamine fluoride, potassium iodide and nanosilver fluoride on dual-species biofilm.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate antibacterial effects of silver diamine fluoride (SDF), SDF/potassium iodide (KI), and nanosilver fluoride (NSF). METHODS: Antimicrobial activity of sterile saline, 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), SDF, SDF/KI, NSF, and KI solutions against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei was assessed through disc diffusion tests. A dual-species biofilm of S. mutans-L. casei was formed on 48 enamel samples, divided into six groups (n = 8). Group 1 was treated with sterile saline, Group 2 with 5% NaOCl, Group 3 with 2% CHX, Group 4 with SDF, Group 5 with SDF/KI, and Group 6 with NSF. The samples were analysed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analysis utilized Shapiro-Wilk and Kruskal-Wallis tests and multiple comparisons were conducted using Dunn test. RESULTS: SDF, SDF/KI, and NaOCl displayed significantly higher antibacterial activity against dual-species biofilm compared to NSF and CHX (p < 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, SDF and SDF/KI demonstrated greater antibacterial activity than NSF. SDF's antibacterial activity was unaffected by KI. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate content and concentration for achieving effective antibacterial activity with NSF. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of silver-containing materials is increasing in popularity within pediatric dentistry. In this study, an endeavor has been made to assist pediatric dentists in determining which solution might be more advantageous for preventing caries.

Presence of oral bacterial species in primary endodontic infections of primary teeth.

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of the microbial composition of deciduous endodontic infections is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of the 10 oral bacterial species in samples from primary tooth root canals by using microarray technology and to determine the association of these organisms with clinical conditions. STUDY DESIGN: The samples were collected from 30 root canals of primary teeth with primer infection. The bacterial composition of the samples was semi-quantitatively defined using a microarray system (Parocheck). RESULTS: All the tested species were detected in the samples. Fusobacterium nucleatum was the most frequently isolated bacterium (96.7%), followed by Prevotella intermedia (86.7%), Parvimonas micra (83.3%), Treponema denticola (76.7%) and Tannerella forsythia (66.7%). These bacteria were also present in high levels. All pairs of bacterial species were positively associated (RR > 1), except Pintermedia and P > micra. On average, five species (range:3-8) were detected per amplified sample. Root canals of teeth with > 5 different species were statistically associated with periapical radiolucency (P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Primary teeth with endodontic infections show a highly diverse variety of bacteria, in which the most prevalent specie are present in high proportions. The well-directed use of the improved microarray technology will provide additional valuable information for causative factors associated with endodontic diseases, helping to develop more successful antibacterial or anti-inflammatory treatment strategies.

Prevalence of salivary Streptococcus mutans serotype k in children undergoing congenital heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of Streptococcus mutans serotype k, which was speculated that might be associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases, has been reported in adult cardiovascular surgery patients. There is no information about presence of serotype k in children with cardiac disease. The aim of this study was to determine the salivary prevalence of S. mutans serotype k in children with congenital heart disease. STUDY DESIGN: Salivary samples of 25 patients undergoing elective surgery for congenital heart defects with cardiopulmonary bypass and an age and gender matched control group of 25 healthy children were enrolled in the study. Species-specific 16SrRNA gene sequences were used for S. mutans and serotype-specific rgpF gene sequences were used for S. mutans serotype k determination in stimulated saliva samples. RESULTS: S. mutans was detected in 19 (76%) of the study and 15 (60%) of the control children. The difference was not shown to be statistically significant. Serotype k was determined from 3 (12%) of the study group, while it was not determined from the samples of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that those children with congenital heart disease may possess S. mutans serotype k in oral cavity at a higher frequency as similar with the adult cardiac surgery patients.

Relationship between oral anaerobic bacteria and otitis media with effusion.

OBJECTIVE: In this study hypothesing the translocation of oral bacteria from oropharynx into the middle ear cavity may be involved in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion (OME), we aimed to investigate the presence and similarity of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Treponema denticola in saliva, nasopharyngeal secretion and the middle ear effusion samples from the children with OME. METHODS: Totally 20 children with OME undergoing myringotomy and ventilation tube placement were attended. Stimulated saliva samples were collected after otorhinolaryngological and oral examinations were done. The middle ear effusion and nasopharyngeal secretions were collected during the operations. The presence of F. nucleatum and T. denticola were detected using 16SrRNA-based PCR. The clonal similarities of the bacteria were detected in the samples which the same bacteria had been detected in each samples of the same child. After DNA sequencing, clonal similarity was determined by 16SrRNA gene clone library analysis. The sequences from each clone were compared with similar sequences of reference organisms by FASTA search. RESULTS: T. denticola was detected only in four (20%) saliva and in one (5%) nasopharyngeal sample. F. nucleatum was detected in 11 (55%) saliva, eight (40%) nasopharyngeal and six (30%) middle ear effusion samples. Sequences from F.nucleatum clones derived from three different anatomic sites within patients were similar in 33% of OME patients, indicating their genetic relatedness. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteria involved in this process most likely originate from the oropharynx since they show a close genetic relatedness with their oropharyngeal counterparts.

Effect of different beverages on surface properties and cariogenic biofilm formation of composite resin materials.

The consumption of certain beverages may affect the physical and biological properties of resin composites (RCs) according to type. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the surface properties and cariogenic biofilm formation in microhybrid and nanohybrid RCs after immersion in different beverages. The effects of four beverages (distilled water-control, tea, coffee, and cola) on two RCs (microhybrid and nanohybrid) were evaluated. Changes in the surface properties were evaluated for each group using surface roughness measurement (n = 10), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (n = 4) observation, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) (n = 5) analysis. In vitro Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation on the specimens of each group was determined using confocal laser scanning microscopy and SEM analysis (n = 14). The data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance, with Bonferroni as a post-hoc test and Pearson's correlation (p < .05). Microhybrid RC presented more surface roughness (p = .014) and cariogenic biofilm formation (p = .040). The surface roughness (F = 0.733, p = .536) and cariogenic biofilm formation (F = 1.685, p = .181) values were not affected by the beverages. However, according to qualitative SEM and EDX measurements, these parameters varied depending on the beverage groups. No correlation was found between surface roughness and cariogenic biofilm formation (r = 0.135, p = .287). Microhybrid RCs had a rougher surface and a higher amount of cariogenic biofilm formation than nanohybrid RCs after being subjected to different beverages.

Antibacterial effects of saliva substitutes containing lysozyme or lactoferrin against Streptococcus mutans.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the antibacterial effects of different saliva-substitutes-containing-lysozyme(LYZ) or-lactoferrin(LF) on Streptococcus mutans(S. mutans) in comparison with human saliva. DESIGN: In vitro wound-healing assay was performed with L929 mouse fibroblast cell line by using various concentrations of LYZ and LF to determine optimum concentrations and to confirm do not show any cytotoxicity of proteins according to cell culture studies. Antibacterial effect was assessed by determining Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations for all groups on S.mutans. Bacterial adhesion of S. mutans for 4 h on hydroxyapatite(HAP) discs after application of different saliva substitutes was evaluated. The formulations were:saliva-substitute(Group SS);saliva-substitute-containing-Lactoferrin(Group SSLF);saliva-substitute-containing-Lysozyme(Group SSLYZ). Human saliva was control group(Group HS). RESULTS: In vitro wound healing assay results showed that, when added into the cell culture media, LYZ and LF significantly increase 48 -h scratch wound closure compared to the cell culture media(p < 0.0001). At the end of second day, samples treated with both between 2.5-100 µg/mL LF and 5-200 µg/mL LYZ were found to have significant wound healing effect(p < 001). It was observed that saliva-substitutes-containing-LYZ or-LF had antibacterial effects on S.mutans. Bacterial adhesion on HAP discs was observed significantly higher in control group than in study groups. The amount of adhered S. mutans was significantly higher in Group SS than other study groups(p < 0.0001). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the number of bacteria adhered to HAP discs between SSLYZ and SSLF groups(p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study of cell viability and wound healing was great significance in the optimum concentrations of LYZ and LF. Among formulations, saliva-substitutes-containing-LYZ or-LF exhibited higher inhibitory effect on S.mutans.

Oral status and Candida colonization in patients with Sjögren's Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the oral status, salivary flow rate, Candida carriage in saliva, and prevalence of Candida albicans colonization in several areas of the mouth in patients with primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome as opposed to those of healthy subjects. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-seven patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), [14 patients with primary SS (SS-1) and 23 patients with secondary SS (SS-2)], along with 37 healthy controls were examined in regard to number of teeth, pro-bing pocket depth (PPD), approximal plaque index (API), bleeding on probing (BOP), presence of prosthetic appliances and smoking habits. Salivary flow rate (SFR), Candida carriage in saliva, presence of Candida albicans colonization on buccal, angular, palatal and sulcular areas, on dentures and on the tongue's dorsal surface were determined. Statistical analyses were performed using the 2-tailed Fisher exact and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between SS-1 and SS-2 groups based on the parameters analysed. Statistically significant differences were observed between patients with SS and healthy subjects in terms of SFR, oral signs and symptoms, API, BOP, C. albicans colonization on tongue and buccal area, and Candida carriage in saliva. In the gingival crevicular fluid positive C. albicans colonization was found in only one subject of SS subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: SS patients carry a higher risk of having periodontitis and are more predisposed to develop candidiasis. C. albicans is scarcely detected in gingival crevicular fluid despite high scores on C. albicans colonization in different areas of the oral cavity in SS patients.

Oral microbiota and dental caries data from monozygotic and dizygotic twin children.

There are recent studies which aimed to detect the inheritance on the etiology of dental caries exploring oral composition. We present data on the oral microbiota and its relation with dental caries and other factors in monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twin children. Following clinical investigation, DNA samples were collected and isolated from saliva of 198 patients (49 MZ and 50 DZ twins) with an average age of 9.7 ± 2.7 years. Salivary bacterial microbiota analysis was performed using high throughput amplicon sequencing method targeting V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. A total of 8,297,859 raw reads corresponding to 41,908 reads per sample were obtained on average. The QIIME2-deblur workflow was used for 16S rRNA amplicon analysis. Microbiome similarity analyses between twins (based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity, weighted and unweighted Unifrac distances) showed that monozygotic twins share more bacterial microbial content compared to dizygotic twins. This is a large microbial community dataset of MZ and DZ twins with or without dental findings which can be further used for children oral microbiome profile explorations.

Oral colonization by Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 after exposure to probiotics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 can be detected in the oral cavity after discontinuation of administration of a product prepared with this bacterium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of three 2-week periods: clearance period, intervention period, and post-treatment period. Twenty-five volunteers consumed a chewable tablet of L. reuteri ATCC 55730 (10(8) cfu/tablet) during a 14-day trial period. Saliva samples were collected and cultured onto MRS agar after a clearance period of 2 weeks and then daily after a 2-week intervention period for as long as L. reuteri was found. Lactobacillus reuteri colonies were analysed in saliva samples. The analysis was performed using selective media for L. reuteri followed by confirmation using the specific detection of reuterin produced by L. reuteri. RESULTS: The number of L. reuteri carriers decreased gradually, and after 1 week only 8% of the subjects harboured the bacterium. After 5 weeks, L. reuteri was not detected in any of the subjects. CONCLUSION: Consuming L. reuteri for 2 weeks does not seem to be sufficient for permanent colonization of L. reuteri in the oral cavity.

Antibacterial efficacy of diode and Er:YAG laser irradiation in experimentally contaminated primary molar root canals.

OBJECTIVE: In vitro comparison of the antibacterial efficacy of Diode and Er:YAG laser irradiation with that of NaOCl irrigation in contaminated primary molar root canals. STUDY DESIGN: 96 root canals prepared from 32 extracted primary molar teeth were mechanically enlarged and the teeth were randomly divided into 4 subgroups. The roots were inoculated with an overnight culture of Enterococcus faecalis in tryptic soy broth for 24 hours. The root canals irradiated with diode and Er:YAG laser and irrigated with NaOCl (5.25%) were experimental groups and untreated canals served as positive control group. Bacterial growth was analysed by counting viable E. faecalis on tryptic soy agar plates. RESULTS: The number of bacteria was significantly reduced in experimental groups in comparison with the control group. Diode laser was determined to be more effective in reducing the number of bacteria when compared to Er:YAG laser NaOCl irrigation was found significantly most effective. CONCLUSIONS: Diode laser irradiation and 5.25% NaOCl application provided a significant antibacterial effect in vitro, in contaminated primary molar root canals.

Effect of different polishing techniques for composite resin materials on surface properties and bacterial biofilm formation.

OBJECTIVES: Both direct and indirect techniques are used for composite resin material (CRM) restorations. Polishing processes are needed in both techniques after intraoral adjustment. However, it is unclear as to which polishing technique should be preferred with respect to decreasing biofilm. The purpose of thisin vitro study was to evaluate the surface properties and Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation on direct and indirect CRMs after using different polishing techniques. METHODS: Two CRMs (direct and indirect) and four polishing techniques (aluminium oxide discs, diamond polishing paste, aluminium oxide polishing paste, and silicon carbide brush) were evaluated. The specimens were prepared for taking scanning electron microscopy images (n = 2) and determining surface roughness, surface free energy, and bacterial biofilm formation (BBF) with colony-forming unit counting and confocal laser scanning microscopy assays (n = 7). The data were analysed using two-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni as a post hoc test and Pearson's correlation (p < .05). RESULTS: The surface roughness values in the control group were higher than those in the diamond polishing paste group (p = 0.025), but the values in the aluminium oxide polishing paste and silicon carbide brush groups were comparable with those in the control group (p =  0.156 and p =  1.000, respectively). The highest surface free energy values were recorded in the silicon carbide brush group (p < 0.001), whereas there were no differences found among the other groups (p > 0.05). The highest BBF was seen in the silicon carbide brush (p <  0.001) and direct CRM (p < 0.001) groups. CONCLUSION: BBF on the surface of direct CRMs differed from that on indirect CRMs after polishing the surface. The tested polishing techniques significantly influenced surface properties and BBF. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In situations that require the intraoral adjustment of CRMs, polishing with a diamond polishing paste seems to be a good option to polish the surface of both direct and indirect CRMs because the diamond polishing paste results better in terms of decreasing biofilm formation and improving surface properties.

Oral microbial dysbiosis in patients with Kostmann syndrome.

PURPOSE: The oral microbiome is maintained by host- and microbe-derived factors. A shift in microbial composition, as a result of diseases related to the immune system, is the most important step in the development of oral and dental diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the oral microbial composition of patients with Kostmann syndrome, who have severe neutropenia, compared with healthy children. METHODOLOGY: A group of nine Kostmann syndrome patients and a group of nine healthy controls participated. After clinical investigation, DNA from stimulated saliva specimens was examined by high-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene using Illumina sequencing. The QIIME software package was used for 16 S rRNA amplicon analysis, while the Greengenes database was used for taxonomic classification. RESULTS: The periodontal pocket depths, plaque indices and bleeding-on-probing percentages and caries status on the deciduous teeth of the patients with Kostmann syndrome were statistically higher than those for the healthy controls. Patients with Kostmann syndrome had significantly lower bacterial diversity as compared to the controls. The presence of Firmicutes was statistically higher in patients with Kostmann syndrome, while that for Proteobacteria was higher in samples from the healthy controls (P<0.05). Streptococcus, Rothia, Granulicatella, Actinomyces, and genera from the family Gemellaceae were present as the core microbiome (abundance >1 % in at least 75  % of samples) in all groups, whereas the genus Porphyromonas was only detected as a member of the core microbiome in Kostmann patients. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence of lower bacterial diversity and differences in microbial profile for patients with Kostmann syndrome not only shows the impact of immune system-related diseases on oral microbiota, but also endorses the ecological plaque hypothesis proposed for the aetiology of oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis.