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Evaluating the Effects of Different Polishing Methods on Color Stability of Dental Restorations in Pediatric Dentistry
Published on: June 6, 2025
Clinically acceptable restorations may be a hotbed for cariogenic microbes
Taiji Ogawa1, Kazunori Ikebe, Shunsuke Murai
1Department of Prosthodontics and Oral Rehabilitation, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
Gerodontology
|October 19, 2011
Summary
Dental crowns in older adults are linked to higher levels of cavity-causing bacteria in saliva. This finding suggests that the number of crowns may indicate caries risk in the elderly population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Dentistry
- Oral Microbiology
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Dental restorations, particularly crowns, are common in the elderly population.
- Understanding the relationship between restorations and oral bacteria is crucial for managing caries risk in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between dental restorations and salivary cariogenic pathogens in the elderly.
- To identify potential caries risk indicators for this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Saliva samples were collected from 289 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 66.2 years).
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) was used to measure salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and lactobacilli.
- Data on dental restorations (crowns, inlays, composite resin) and salivary flow rate were collected.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was observed between the number of crowns and salivary levels of S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and lactobacilli.
- The number of crowns was independently associated with increased salivary S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and lactobacilli, even after controlling for covariates.
- Salivary flow rate was also independently associated with salivary S. mutans and lactobacilli.
Conclusions:
- The number of dental crowns is associated with higher salivary levels of key cariogenic bacteria.
- Dental crowns may serve as a valuable indicator of caries risk in the elderly.
- Further research can refine caries risk assessment in older adults based on restorative status.
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