Articles Related to Streptococcus mutans

Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is an aggressive form of tooth caries in preschool children. New different bacteria were defined as associated with S-ECC. The aim of this study was to analysis the role of Scardovia wiggsiae and the other cariogenic microorganisms in S-ECC in Turkish children. Two same-sized groups of children were enrolled in the study: the first group consisted of 40 children with S-ECC (mean-age:52.93±11.5months), and the second group consisted of 40 caries-free children (mean-age:49.43±12.47months). The numbers of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeasts were examined by culturing techniques, while the presences of S. wiggsiae, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Actinomyces gerencseriae, Veillonella parvula, Fusobacterium nucleatum were examined by using 16S rRNA-based PCR technique in plaque samples. The prevalence of S. wiggsiae, S. mutans, A. gerencseriae, V. parvula and the numbers of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, yeasts were found significantly high (P<0.05) in SECC. Also, the presence of S. wiggsiae with either S. mutans, A. gerencseriae, V. parvula or F. nucleatum were associated (P<0.01) with S-ECC. Understanding the effects of bacteria on initiation and progression of S-ECC will also help to improve protective and preventive treatments.

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Streptococcus mutans is a leading cariogenic pathogen of dental caries worldwide. Clinically, eliminating S. mutans from dental biofilms using antibiotics is not practical, because these agents indiscriminately kill other members of the resident flora, leading to ecological disruption and other negative clinical consequences. To develop target-specific antimicrobials, we evaluated several fusion peptides and identified a new peptide HP30 that showed a high selectivity for targeted killing of S. mutans.

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Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species are major bacteria associated with dental caries. In the presence of fermentable sugars and poor oral hygiene these bacteria increase risk of caries. Some studies have associated obesity with dental caries while others did not. High sugar snacks are risks for both obesity and dental caries. This study aimed at determining Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species infection and its relationship with dental caries among obese and non-obese children. Oral plaque was taken from 75 each of obese and non-obese children from private schools in Accra, Ghana. The plaque was pre-enriched in thioglycollate broth for 48 hours at 37 °C.

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Good oral hygiene protects against oral diseases such as caries and gum infections. Twice daily tooth brushing with fluoride pastes and flossing are recommended to keep mouth clean and reduce plaque bacterial growth. Poor access to oral cleaning material and dental care services expose children from poor backgrounds to oral diseases.

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