Microbiological Tests as Indicators of Caries Risk

Abstract

Fixed orthodontic appliances are widely used in the correction of dentoalveolar anomalies. Examinations prior the beginning of orthodontic treatment revealed numerous cases of dental caries of moderate intensity; moreover, caries prevalence increases with age that is the number of carious teeth goes up, while the number of filled teeth and the level of oral hygiene become lower. A voluminous body of reports indicates that children and adolescents wearing orthodontic appliances have a significantly higher incidence of caries than patients who do not wear them. Plaque microflora is one of the main risk factors for the development of caries. According to the researchers, caries is initiated by streptococci, lactobacilli, actinomycetes, and Candida fungi. To assess the content of cariogenic microorganisms (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus), there are special microbiological tests available. Kits for rapid tests are manufactured in different countries around the world. In 2013, the researchers of the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry and the Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology, Ukrainian Medical Stomatological Academy investigated the microbiocenosis in the oral cavity in young people aged 19-25 years with different intensity of the carious process. The percentage and quantitative content of microflora was studied. The results of the study showed that an increase in the intensity of dental caries is accompanied by changes in the balance in the composition of the oral microflora. This study elaborated the indicators for identifying lactobacilli, streptococci (including haemolytic streptococci, which include S. mutans), fungi of the genus Candida and actinomycetes. But the results obtained did not match the application range of the above mentioned tests. It means the tests reflecting the number of representatives of the studied microbiocenosis in order to determine their activity, are not sufficiently objective. However, rapid tests assessing the indices of cariogenic microflora are in demand in dental practice that allows us to recommend their application in orthodontics. Further study of microbiocenoses should be carried out to determine their functional properties.