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[CARIES GENESIS IN THE ERA OF "OMICS"]
1Tbilisi State Medical University, Department of Odontology; Dental Clinic and Training-Research Center «UniDent», Tbilisi, Georgia.
Georgian Medical News
|September 13, 2021
Summary
Dental caries, or tooth decay, is caused by a diverse community of bacteria, not just Streptococcus mutans. This polymicrobial nature requires new approaches to understanding and treating this common oral disease.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- For over a century, Streptococcus mutans has been considered the primary cause of dental caries.
- Recent advancements challenge this long-held view, suggesting a more complex etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate the etiological agents of dental caries using modern 'Omics' techniques.
- To understand the polymicrobial nature of carious lesions and the role of pathobionts.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing 'Omics' technologies to analyze the microbial communities within carious lesions.
- Comparing findings with traditional etiological models of infectious diseases.
Main Results:
- 'Omics' analyses reveal a highly diverse bacterial ecosystem in carious lesions.
- Streptococcus mutans constitutes only a small fraction of the identified microbial community.
- Caries exhibits a polymicrobial etiology, with causative agents acting as pathobionts.
Conclusions:
- Dental caries is a polymicrobial disease, not solely caused by Streptococcus mutans.
- Rethinking the etiology of caries is crucial for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.
- Understanding oral microbiome dynamics is essential for professional dental practice.
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