Low-cariogenicity of trehalose as a substrate

Area of Science:

• Oral microbiology
• Dental research
• Carbohydrate chemistry

Background:

• Mutans streptococci are key pathogens in dental caries.
• Sucrose metabolism by these bacteria leads to acid production and biofilm formation.
• Understanding alternative carbohydrates is crucial for caries prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of trehalose on cariogenesis.
• To assess trehalose's impact on water-insoluble glucan (WIG) synthesis by glucosyltransferase (GTase).
• To evaluate trehalose's acid fermentability and its role in plaque pH dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Assayed trehalose's effect on WIG synthesis by GTase from mutans streptococci.
• Measured acid production and pH changes from trehalose fermentation.
• Determined plaque pH in volunteers after mouth rinses.
• Investigated experimental rat caries using sucrose and/or trehalose diets.

Main Results:

• Trehalose did not serve as a substrate for GTase but inhibited WIG synthesis with sucrose.
• Trehalose fermentation by mutans streptococci produced significantly less acid than sucrose.
• Plaque pH remained above the critical level after trehalose mouth rinses.
• Rat diets with trehalose, alone or with sucrose, significantly reduced caries scores.

Conclusions:

• Trehalose exhibits low cariogenicity and potential anti-cariogenic effects.
• Its inhibition of WIG synthesis and reduced acid production contribute to its protective properties.
• Trehalose is a promising candidate as a sugar substitute for caries prevention.