Tooth-Specific Streptococcus mutans Distribution and Associated Microbiome

Abstract

Dental caries is multifactorial and polymicrobial in nature and remains one of the most common oral diseases. While caries research has focused on Streptococcus mutans as the main etiological pathogen, its impact at the tooth level is not fully understood. In this cross-sectional study, the levels and distribution of S. mutans in the posterior teeth at different dentition stages were investigated along with the corresponding tooth-specific microbiome. Occlusal plaque samples of 87 individual posterior teeth were collected from thirty children in three dentition stages (primary, mixed, and permanent). The S. mutans levels in the occlusal plaque of individual posterior teeth were quantified with qPCR, and those with preferential colonization were selected for tooth-specific microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Quantification of S. mutans levels in the occlusal plaque confirmed the preferential colonization on the first primary and permanent molars. These teeth were selected for further tooth-specific microbiome sequencing, as they also displayed high caries experience. There were significant differences in the relative abundance of the four most abundant genera: Neisseria, Streptococcus, Rothia, and Veillonella. Furthermore, the tooth-level caries experience was correlated with a reduction in the microbiome diversity. Analyzing the different tooth-associated microbial communities, distinct tooth-specific core microbiomes were identified. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that caries susceptibility at the tooth level, depending on tooth type and dentition stage, is influenced by individual species as well as plaque community.

Characterization and functional prediction of the dental plaque microbiome in patients with alveolar clefts

“…Meanwhile, according to the relative abundance of microbial phenotypes, an increase in Neisseria was present at both ages and positively influenced the respective potential pathogen phenotypes. Neisseria, classified in the phylum Proteobacteria, is a prevalent microbe seen in early childhood caries (ECC) (Xu et al, 2023) and is crucial in the progression of dental caries (Dinis et al, 2022).…”

Efecto antibacteriano del extracto de Ajo (Allium Sativum) y te verde (Camelia Sinensis) sobre Streptococcus Mutans

“…En salud pública su importancia se debe a la prevalencia, el impacto individual y social, y los costos para su tratamiento una vez instaurado el problema (2) Aunque las biopelículas dentales son complejas y consisten en diversas comunidades microbianas, el Streptococcus mutans es considerado como el principal patógeno en el inicio y desarrollo de la caries dental (3). Si bien otras especies pueden desempeñar un papel en el inicio y progresión de la caries dental, las investigaciones han establecido al Streptococcus mutans como un patógeno cariogénico primario (4) Se debe reconocer la importancia del uso de las plantas en la vida del ser humano, quienes han recurrido a estas como fuente de medicación y salud (5). Las plantas son un recurso valioso en los sistemas de salud de los países en desarrollo.…”

Saccharibacteria (TM7), but not other bacterial taxa, are associated with childhood caries regardless of age in a South China population

“…In recent years, high-throughput sequencing has been used to study caries-associated microorganisms, and the sequencing results of the key oral bacteria for dental caries are often inconsistent. It has been found that S. mutans is not the dominant bacterium in plaque biofilm, as it is present at a low level in some caries patients and can also be detected in caries-free individuals ( Dinis et al, 2022 ). Thus, other bacteria must be involved in the process of caries development.…”