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Published on: July 4, 2018
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Tooth-Specific Streptococcus mutans Distribution and Associated Microbiome.
Márcia Dinis1, William Traynor1, Melissa Agnello2
1Section of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Microorganisms
|June 24, 2022
Summary
Dental caries is influenced by specific bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, with distinct microbial communities found on individual teeth. Tooth type and development stage impact caries susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Dental research
- Microbiome analysis
Background:
- Dental caries is a common, multifactorial oral disease.
- Streptococcus mutans is a key pathogen, but its tooth-level impact is unclear.
- Understanding tooth-specific microbiomes is crucial for caries prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate Streptococcus mutans levels and distribution on posterior teeth.
- Analyze tooth-specific microbiomes at different dentition stages.
- Correlate microbial findings with tooth-level caries experience.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 87 posterior teeth from 30 children.
- Quantified Streptococcus mutans using qPCR in occlusal plaque.
- Performed 16S rRNA sequencing for tooth-specific microbiome analysis.
Main Results:
- Streptococcus mutans preferentially colonized first primary and permanent molars.
- Significant differences in relative abundance of Neisseria, Streptococcus, Rothia, and Veillonella.
- Tooth-level caries experience correlated with reduced microbiome diversity.
Conclusions:
- Caries susceptibility varies by tooth type and dentition stage.
- Individual species and plaque community composition influence caries risk.
- Distinct tooth-specific core microbiomes were identified.
Keywords:
Streptococcus mutansdental cariesdentition stagesposterior teethtooth-associated microbiomeMore Related Videos
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