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Morphological changes in Streptococcus mutans after chewing gum containing xylitol for twelve months
Young-Eun Lee1, Youn-Hee Choi, Seong-Hwa Jeong
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Samduk-Dong, Daegu 700-412, Republic of Korea. yelee@knu.ac.kr
Current Microbiology
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Regularly chewing xylitol gum for a year reduced Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) virulence. This led to smaller colony sizes and altered morphology by decreasing sticky substance secretion and gtfB gene expression.
Area of Science:
- Oral Microbiology
- Dental Cariology
Background:
- Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a primary pathogen in dental caries.
- Limited research exists on xylitol's impact on S. mutans virulence and morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of xylitol gum consumption on S. mutans morphology and virulence.
- To assess changes in S. mutans colony characteristics and gene expression over one year.
Main Methods:
- A one-year study involving two groups: control and xylitol gum consumers.
- Analysis of S. mutans using colony counts, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and RT-PCR on salivary samples.
Main Results:
- Xylitol group showed a steady decrease in S. mutans colony counts over time.
- Reduced colony adherence, smaller colony size, decreased sticky substance secretion, and lower gtfB gene expression were observed in the xylitol group.
- Significant morphological changes in S. mutans were noted in the xylitol group compared to the control.
Conclusions:
- Long-term xylitol gum use may inhibit S. mutans virulence.
- Decreased gtfB expression impacts extracellular polysaccharide synthesis, reducing S. mutans growth and altering its morphology.
- Xylitol demonstrates potential as a preventative measure against cariogenic bacteria.
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