Cariogenic Microorganisms and Oral Conditions in Asthmatic Children

Abstract

This study evaluated the caries risk of asthmatic patients on the basis of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli levels in saliva samples as well as the index of oral hygiene and dental caries (DMFT index). The study population was composed of 80 asthmatic children, aged 3–15 years, who use specific medication, and 80 matched, healthy control children. The parents were interviewed about oral health-related factors. The World Health Organization criteria were used for dental examinations. The Köhler and Bratthal methodology was used to detect salivary MS levels and dilutions of saliva were done for lactobacilli counting. No differences between asthma and control groups were observed for caries prevalence in children aged 3–6 and 7–10 years, except in severe cases in the younger group. However, higher caries prevalence for permanent dentition was observed in 11- to 15-year-old asthmatic children. An increased dental biofilm was observed in the asthma group, as well as salivary levels of MS. No differences were observed in levels of lactobacilli. No statistical correlations were found between medication, frequency of treatment, method of consumption and caries experience, dental biofilm and salivary levels of MS or lactobacilli. However, there was a correlation between MS levels and treatment duration. The logistic regression revealed that MS level is an important risk factor for increased caries experience. Asthma should be evaluated as a risk factor for caries experience because it can increase the levels of MS and the dental biofilm.

Antimicrobial Activity and Synergism of Lactoferrin and Lysozyme Against Cariogenic Microorganisms

“…The lactobacilli and mutans streptococci have a considerable cariogenic capacity (7,9,11). Therefore, these two microorganisms were selected for tests for the present work.…”

“…The first is considered an etiological agent of carious lesions and is able to produce (acidogenic) and tolerate (aciduric) high quantities of lactic acid, and the second is considered particularly involved in the progression of carious lesions (8,9). Mutans streptococci and lactobacilli have been correlated positively with caries prevalence and caries increment and the existence of saliva-caries relationships have been reported (1,(10)(11)(12). The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the antimicrobial effects of the proteins lactoferrin and lysozyme on reference cultures of the microorganisms Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei, using the agar diffusion and broth macrodilution methods, in order to obtain their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), individually or synergistically.…”

Dental Health in Asthmatics Treated With Inhaled Corticosteroids and Long-Asting Sympathicomimetics

“…Most frequently objects of their surveillance are kids at different age, with temporary or permanent dentition. [1,2,9,10,13,20,23] According to Ryberg et al [15,16] prolonged use of sympathicomimetics in asthmatic patients leads to decrease of salivary quantity and increases dental caries incidence. Compared with the controls they have significantly more initial (ð<0.01) and developed caries (ð<0.05).…”

“…As the plaque thickness grows, saliva can't neutralize plaque acidity and pH levels remain low. [2,5,21,27] Combinations of inhaled corticosteroids and longacting sympathicomimetics are up-to-date treatment of bronchial asthma. Some of them are in aerosol form (MDI), others -in powder form (DPI).…”

Comparative Evaluation of Dental Caries in Asthmatic and Asthma-free Children: A Cross-sectional Study

“…Reduced salivary flow rate in asthmatic children is accompanied by a concomitant increase in cariogenic microorganisms, lactobacilli and Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity, which are contributing factors for higher caries rates. 11 It has been demonstrated that asthmatic children consume sugary drinks more often than non-asthmatic children. 12,13 Antiasthmatic medications may also decrease the pH of plaque and saliva, which would make conditions more favorable for caries development.…”