Beyond Streptococcus mutans: Dental Caries Onset Linked to Multiple Species by 16S rRNA Community Analysis

Abstract

Dental caries in very young children may be severe, result in serious infection, and require general anesthesia for treatment. Dental caries results from a shift within the biofilm community specific to the tooth surface, and acidogenic species are responsible for caries. Streptococcus mutans, the most common acid producer in caries, is not always present and occurs as part of a complex microbial community. Understanding the degree to which multiple acidogenic species provide functional redundancy and resilience to caries-associated communities will be important for developing biologic interventions. In addition, microbial community interactions in health and caries pathogenesis are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate bacterial community profiles associated with the onset of caries in the primary dentition. In a combination cross-sectional and longitudinal design, bacterial community profiles at progressive stages of caries and over time were examined and compared to those of health. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used for bacterial community analysis. Streptococcus mutans was the dominant species in many, but not all, subjects with caries. Elevated levels of S. salivarius, S. sobrinus, and S. parasanguinis were also associated with caries, especially in subjects with no or low levels of S. mutans, suggesting these species are alternative pathogens, and that multiple species may need to be targeted for interventions. Veillonella, which metabolizes lactate, was associated with caries and was highly correlated with total acid producing species. Among children without previous history of caries, Veillonella, but not S. mutans or other acid-producing species, predicted future caries. Bacterial community diversity was reduced in caries as compared to health, as many species appeared to occur at lower levels or be lost as caries advanced, including the Streptococcus mitis group, Neisseria, and Streptococcus sanguinis. This may have implications for bacterial community resilience and the restoration of oral health.

Salivary Immunoglobulin A in Relation to the Viable Count of Mutans Streptococci in Children with Early Childhood Caries

“…When comparing the present study results with other studies, in considering the mild group relatively closer to the caries free groups as their mean dmft was (1.240, SD ± .970), some have the same a findings significant correlation between viable count of MS and dental caries index [35], [36], [31], [32], others have the opposite [37] due to the difference in the criteria been used or methods or the sample collection.…”

“…Different values of MS count in plaque and saliva was found in relation to the different stages of the caries, diet, and other types of involved bacteria [31], [32]. The higher count of MS bact.in early childhood will lead to higher DMF index at adulthood [33], so indicating the importance of monitoring the oral hygiene in childhood.…”

http://www.ijcmas.com/abstractview.php?ID=3029&vol=6-7-2017&SNo=54

“…These species are found throughout the entire oral cavity, particularly on the tongue dorsum and in the saliva (Aas et al, 2005;Diaz et al, 2006;Mager et al, 2003). Gross et al, (2012) reported that among children without caries, the presence of Veillonella or other acid-producing species, including Streptococcus mutans, predicted the future development caries, suggesting that Veillonella levels are sensitive clinical bioindicators and early warning signs of acid production. Therefore, when determining methods for treating or preventing oral infectious diseases in children, it is important to understand the distribution and frequency of Veillonella species in oral biofilms.…”

Interaction between Streptococcus spp. and Veillonella tobetsuensis in the Early Stages of Oral Biofilm Formation

“…In the case of dental caries, Veillonella species are highly associated with lactic acid-producing species (46). This is not surprising given its reliance on lactate as a nutrient source.…”