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Updated: Sep 29, 2025

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Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
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Deciphering Black Extrinsic Tooth Stain Composition in Children Using Metaproteomics.
Christophe Hirtz1, Atef Mahmoud Mannaa2,3, Estelle Moulis4
1Univ Montpellier, INM, IRMB, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier 34070, France.
ACS Omega
|March 21, 2022
Summary
Metaproteomics identified human and bacterial proteins in black extrinsic tooth stains and dental plaque. Significant differences in microbial diversity and proteome were found between black stains and plaque.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Proteomics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Black extrinsic tooth stains (BS) are pigmented deposits on teeth.
- Understanding the microbial composition of BS is crucial for oral health.
- Metaproteomics offers a powerful tool for analyzing complex microbial communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize a metaproteomic approach to analyze the protein content of black extrinsic tooth stains.
- To identify and compare human and bacterial proteins in BS and dental plaque (DP).
- To investigate the microbial diversity within BS and DP samples.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution tandem mass spectrometry was employed for metaproteomic analysis.
- Proteins from BS and DP samples were identified and quantified.
- Bacterial and human protein identification was performed.
Main Results:
- A total of 1600 bacterial and 607 human proteins were identified in BS samples.
- 2058 bacterial and 582 human proteins were identified in DP samples.
- 142 bacterial genera were identified, with Rothia, Kingella, Neisseria, and Pseudopropionibacterium prevalent in BS.
Conclusions:
- Metaproteomics successfully identified human and bacterial proteins in dental biofilms.
- Significant differences exist in the proteome and microbial diversity between black extrinsic tooth stains and dental plaque.
- The study highlights the complex and diverse nature of the dental microbiota in BS.

