Co-occurrence of yeast, streptococci, dental decay, and gingivitis in the post-partum period: results of a longitudinal study

Abstract

Objective: The interactions between yeast and streptococci species that lead to dental decay and gingivitis are poorly understood. Our study describes these associations among a cohort of 101 post-partum women enrolled in the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, 2012-2013. Methods: All eligible women without dental caries were included (n = 21) and the remainder were randomly sampled to represent the total number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) at enrollment. We used amplicon sequencing and qPCR of saliva from 2, 6, 12 and 24 visits to determine microbiome composition. Results: Active decay and generalized gingivitis were strongly predictive of each other. Using adjusted marginal models, Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans combined were associated with active decay (OR = 3.13; 95% CI 1.26, 7.75). However, C. albicans alone (OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 0.81, 6.75) was associated with generalized gingivitis, but S. mutans alone was not (OR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.21, 1.44). Models including microbiome community state types (CSTs) showed CSTs positively associated with active decay were negatively associated with generalized gingivitis. Discussion: C. albicans is associated with active decay and generalized gingivitis, but whether one or both are present depends on the structure of the co-existing microbial community.

Role of Streptococci as etiological agents of dental caries

“…A recent study of Ramadugu et al, (2020) demonstrated that transformation of bacteria from the mother to child is an initial route for their primary acquirement of oral microflora. After birth, the first time when the mother feeds her baby, several bacteria enter and colonize the oral cavity of an infant as normal flora.…”

Biomineral-binding liposomes with dual antibacterial effects for preventing and treating dental caries

“…5,6 When the pH value around the plaque reaches below 5.5, the hard tooth tissue demineralizes, forming carious lesions. 7,8 In addition, Candida albicans has also been detected in oral cavities, 9,10 where it contributes to the formation of organic acids in a similar way. 11,12 Therefore, the effect of C. albicans on caries should not be under-estimated when studying the effect of S. mutans on caries.…”

The role of Candida species in the occurrence of dental caries in Thi Qar Governorate

“…has a higher prevalence of dental caries when compared to individuals without these microorganisms in the oral cavity [7]. C. albicans is associated with active decay and generalized gingivitis, but whether one or both are present depends on the structure of the co-existing microbial community [8]. The appearance of Candida was directly related to the caries status and inversely symmetrical to the age [9].…”