Molecular analysis of ancient caries

Abstract

An 84 base pair sequence of the Streptococcus mutans virulence factor, known as dextranase, has been obtained from 10 individuals from the Bronze Age to the Modern Era in Europe and from before and after the colonization in America. Modern samples show four polymorphic sites that have not been found in the ancient samples studied so far. The nucleotide and haplotype diversity of this region have increased over time, which could be reflecting the footprint of a population expansion. While this segment has apparently evolved according to neutral evolution, we have been able to detect one site that is under positive selection pressure both in present and past populations. This study is a first step to study the evolution of this microorganism, analysed using direct evidence obtained from ancient remains.

Herbal Mouthwash Containing Extracts of Baccharis dracunculifolia as Agent for the Control of Biofilm: Clinical Evaluation in Humans

“…Oral infectious diseases, such as periodontal inflammation, caries, and gingivitis, can be developed by dental biofilm formation [ 2 ]. These kinds of dental problems can cause other serious health diseases and, because of this, the study in the development of referred pathologies has been a theme of growing interest [ 3 ]. In this way, recent research suggests that periodontal diseases may contribute to the development of heart diseases [ 4 ] and stroke [ 5 ] and they can compromise the health of patients with diabetes, respiratory diseases, or osteoporosis [ 6 ].…”

“…In this way, recent research suggests that periodontal diseases may contribute to the development of heart diseases [ 4 ] and stroke [ 5 ] and they can compromise the health of patients with diabetes, respiratory diseases, or osteoporosis [ 6 ]. Among oral infectious diseases, caries has been the most persistent infection in the history of humanity [ 3 ], also being the leading cause of tooth loss in children and young adults [ 1 ]. Caries disease is an irreversible microbial pathology of the calcified tissues of the teeth and it is a multifactorial disorder, greatly influenced by the diet of the individual, which often leads to cavitation, since it is characterized by destruction of the organic substance of the tooth and demineralization of the inorganic portion [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Medical paleomicrobiology: problems and prospects

“…Ряд исследований был проведён в области «молекулярной археологии» возбудителей туберкулёза [23,24], лепры [25], сифилиса [26], кариеса зубов [27].…”

Caries prevalence and other dental pathological conditions in Vikings from Varnhem, Sweden

“…Findings such as dental caries, infections of the jaws, and dental wear provide a unique understanding of life in historical times [2]. Thorough examinations of tooth tissues such as enamel, dentine and dental pulp, can provide answers relating to microbiota [3,4], nutritional isotopes [5][6][7] and heritage [8], which can enhance our knowledge of ancient populations.…”