White-spot Lesions and Gingivitis Microbiotas in Orthodontic Patients

Abstract

White-spot lesions (WSL) associated with orthodontic appliances are a cosmetic problem and increase risk for cavities. We characterized the microbiota of WSL, accounting for confounding due to gingivitis. Participants were 60 children with fixed appliances, aged between 10 and 19 yrs, half with WSL. Plaque samples were assayed by a 16S rRNA-based microarray (HOMIM) and by PCR. Mean gingival index was positively associated with WSL (p = 0.018). Taxa associated with WSL by microarray included Granulicatella elegans (p = 0.01), Veillonellaceae sp. HOT 155 (p < 0.01), and Bifidobacterium Cluster 1 (p = 0.11), and by qPCR, Streptococcus mutans (p = 0.008) and Scardovia wiggsiae (p = 0.04) Taxa associated with gingivitis by microarray included: Gemella sanguinis (p = 0.002), Actinomyces sp. HOT 448 (p = 0.003), Prevotella cluster IV (p = 0.021), and Streptococcus sp. HOT 071/070 (p = 0.023); and levels of S. mutans (p = 0.02) and Bifidobacteriaceae (p = 0.012) by qPCR. Species' associations with WSL were minimally changed with adjustment for gingivitis level. Partial least-squares discriminant analysis yielded good discrimination between children with and those without WSL. Granulicatella, Veillonellaceae and Bifidobacteriaceae, in addition to S. mutans and S. wiggsiae, were associated with the presence of WSL in adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment. Many taxa showed a stronger association with gingivitis than with WSL.

Altered Bacterial Profiles in Saliva from Adults with Caries Lesions: A Case-Cohort Study

“…A reduced diversity and an increased prevalence of acidogenic and aciduric streptococci were evident in the untreated caries group. Similar differences have been disclosed before, but mainly in caries-active vs. caries-free infants, children or adolescents [Li et al, 2007;Aas et al, 2008;Luo et al, 2012;Tanner et al, 2012]. Our findings, based on the HOMIM technology, are in line with the concept that an ecological stress-induced imbalance of the resident microflora is involved in the caries process [Takahashi and Nyvad, 2011], and apparently, this seems true also in healthy adults with prior significant caries experience, i.e.…”

“…More than 700 oral bacterial species have been identified, of which only 50% are cultivable with traditional agar-based methods [Dewhirst et al, 2010]. The bacterial profiles related to caries have been investigated with various molecular techniques [Preza et al, 2009;Luo et al, 2012;Tanner et al, 2012;Torlakovic et al, 2012]. Most studies analyzed samples collected directly from caries lesions.…”

Scardovia Wiggsiae and the Other Microorganisms in Severe Early Childhood Caries

“…Researchers reported that S. mutans, S. wiggsiae, V. parvula, S. cristatus, F. nucleatum and A. gerencseriae are SECC-related species [28], and S. wiggsiae is effective in childhood caries both in presence and absence of S. mutans [9]. Moreover, since S. wiggsiae is highly isolated in white spot lesions and at the initiation of enamel lesions, it is thought to be efficient in initiation of caries, as well as S. mutans [29].…”

Combined effects of repeated oral hygiene motivation and type of toothbrush on orthodontic patients:A blind randomized clinical trial

“…[1][2][3] Consequently, orthodontic patients have an increased risk of developing gingivitis [3][4][5][6] and enamel decalcifications that can lead to white spots and caries. [6][7][8] Optimal oral hygiene requires professional instructions, adequate tools, and patient motivation, which is a crucial factor to obtain compliance.…”

“…[1][2][3] Consequently, orthodontic patients have an increased risk of developing gingivitis [3][4][5][6] and enamel decalcifications that can lead to white spots and caries. [6][7][8] Optimal oral hygiene requires professional instructions, adequate tools, and patient motivation, which is a crucial factor to obtain compliance. 9 There is no consensus in the literature regarding the effectiveness of manual vs electric toothbrushes in terms of removing plaque: a recent meta-analysis 10 concluded that there are no differences between powered and manual brushes, while in their systematic review Robinson and coworkers 11 found that only a powered toothbrush with a rotation-oscillation action reduced plaque more than a manual toothbrush.…”