Research

11 pages, 454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Possible Impact of Oral Nutritional Supplements on Children’s Oral Health: An In Vitro Investigation

by Cynthia Anticona, Lena Hansson, Ingegerd Johansson and Pernilla Lif Holgerson

Dent. J. 2024, 12(3), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12030078 - 19 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1378

Eight pediatric oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) and 0.5% fat bovine milk were examined in vitro regarding their effect on the adhesion of three caries-related bacteria, Streptococcus mutans (strain CCUG 11877T), Lactobacillus gasseri (strain CCUG 31451), and Scardovia wiggsiae (strain CCUG 58090), to [...] Read more.

Eight pediatric oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) and 0.5% fat bovine milk were examined in vitro regarding their effect on the adhesion of three caries-related bacteria, Streptococcus mutans (strain CCUG 11877T), Lactobacillus gasseri (strain CCUG 31451), and Scardovia wiggsiae (strain CCUG 58090), to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite, as well as their pH and capacity to withstand pH changes. Bacteria were cultivated and radiolabeled. The adhesion assays used synthetic hydroxyapatite coated with whole or parotid saliva. Measurements of pH and titration of the products with HCl and NaOH were conducted in triplicate. Three ONSs promoted the S. mutans adhesion to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite (increase from 35% to >200%), supporting caries risk enhancement. S. wigssiae and L. gasseri adhered only to one and no ONS, respectively. Most supplements had limited buffering capacity to counteract acidification changes, suggesting their low capacity to neutralize acids, and one ONS showed a significant capacity to counteract basic changes, suggesting a high erosive potential. S. mutans adhesion was influenced by the ONS pH and volume NaOH added to reach pH 10. L. gasseri and S. wiggsiae adhesion was influenced by the ONSs’ carbohydrate and fat content. Interdisciplinary efforts are needed to increase awareness and prevent the possible negative impact of ONSs on children’s oral health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates and Highlights in Cariology)

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12 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Malnutrition and Dental Caries in Iraqi Kurdish Children

by Mohammed Khalid Mahmood, Romain Lan, Herve Tassery and Delphine Tardivo

Dent. J. 2023, 11(6), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj11060141 - 26 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1577

Abstract

Background: This paper aimed to study the association of serum Vitamin D level and Body Mass Index (BMI) as representatives of malnutrition at micro and macro levels, respectively, on dental caries. Method and Participants: A total of 333 randomly selected children aged 6–12 [...] Read more.

Background: This paper aimed to study the association of serum Vitamin D level and Body Mass Index (BMI) as representatives of malnutrition at micro and macro levels, respectively, on dental caries. Method and Participants: A total of 333 randomly selected children aged 6–12 years in Sulaimani, Kurdistan, Iraq were examined for three variables of the Decayed Missed Filled Tooth (DMFT) index, BMI, and Vitamin D serum levels in a single-time cross-sectional snapshot. Results: The majority of the population studied (70%) were Vitamin D deficient. In the linear regression analysis, both Vitamin D and BMI had insignificant effects on DMFT, with p-values of 0.22 and 0.55, respectively. After the categorization of the data, the risk estimate between normal (≥20 ng/mL) and deficient (<20 ng/mL) Vitamin D groups with regards to the caries and caries-free categories was 1.97 (95% CI: 0.91–4.24). According to the mean and median of the DMFT, which were both 4, the sample is categorized into the low-caries group (DMFT < 4) and high-caries group (DMFT > 4). When these groups are compared to Vitamin D levels and taking 20 and 15 as thresholds, the odds ratios were 1.19 (CI: 0.74–1.92) and 1.88 (CI: 1.20–2.94), respectively. Regarding the BMI, a normal BMI increases the chances of having a lower caries index (OR = 1.83, CI: 1.10–3.03). Conclusions: Our results show that having a serum Vitamin D level ≥15 ng/mL and having a normal BMI are associated with a lower caries index in children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates and Highlights in Cariology)

12 pages, 672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anticholinergic Medication and Caries Status Predict Xerostomia under 65

by Hui Ling Cheah, Michael Gray, Shahenda Aboelmagd, Abdul Basir Barmak and Szilvia Arany

Dent. J. 2023, 11(4), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj11040087 - 23 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1592

Abstract

The use of anticholinergic medications is increasing in younger ages, yet information about xerostomia, the most common anticholinergic side effect, is limited. This case–control retrospective study examines the relationship between anticholinergic medication-induced xerostomia and caries status among adults between 18 and 65 years [...] Read more.

The use of anticholinergic medications is increasing in younger ages, yet information about xerostomia, the most common anticholinergic side effect, is limited. This case–control retrospective study examines the relationship between anticholinergic medication-induced xerostomia and caries status among adults between 18 and 65 years of age. The study sample comprised 649 cases with xerostomia and 649 age- and gender-matched controls. The anticholinergic burden was estimated using the anticholinergic drug scale (ADS). Caries experience was recorded by calculating the Decayed, Missing, Filled Tooth (DMFT) index. Individuals with xerostomia had a higher mean DMFT index (16.02 ± 9.50), which corresponded with a higher level of anticholinergic exposure from medications (3.26 ± 2.81) compared to their age and gender-matched controls without xerostomia (13.83 + 8.83 and 1.89 ± 2.45, respectively). Logistic regression analysis verified the effects of DMFT, the total number of AC medications, and the ADS burden on xerostomia status. Comparing adults with or without xerostomia revealed statistical differences in several risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, sleep apnea, and the utilization of anticholinergic medications. A personalized dental care plan should include the evaluation of the anticholinergic burden from medications regardless of the patient’s age to prevent increased caries severity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates and Highlights in Cariology)

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Review

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15 pages, 2225 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Zirconia-Reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement’s Effectiveness in Dental Caries: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

by Srikurmam Manisha, Soumya S Shetty, Vini Mehta, Rizwan SA and Aida Meto

Dent. J. 2023, 11(9), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj11090211 - 08 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1630

Abstract

Dental cements are in a constant state of evolution, adapting to better align with the intricacies of tooth structure and the dynamic movements within the oral cavity. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer cement—an innovative variant of modified [...] Read more.

Dental cements are in a constant state of evolution, adapting to better align with the intricacies of tooth structure and the dynamic movements within the oral cavity. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer cement—an innovative variant of modified glass ionomer cements—in terms of its ability to withstand compressive forces and prevent microleakage during dental caries reconstruction. An extensive search was conducted across various databases, encompassing PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, prominent journals, unpublished studies, conference proceedings, and cross-referenced sources. The selected studies underwent meticulous scrutiny according to predetermined criteria, followed by the assessment of quality and the determination of evidence levels. In total, 16 studies were incorporated into this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). The findings suggest that both compomer and giomer cements exhibit greater compressive strength and reduced microleakage values than zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer cement. In contrast, resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and high-viscosity glass ionomer cement (GIC) demonstrate less favorable performance in these regards when compared with zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer cement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates and Highlights in Cariology)

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15 pages, 362 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bioactive Materials for Caries Management: A Literature Review

by Olivia Lili Zhang, John Yun Niu, Iris Xiaoxue Yin, Ollie Yiru Yu, May Lei Mei and Chun Hung Chu

Dent. J. 2023, 11(3), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj11030059 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3202

Abstract

Researchers have developed novel bioactive materials for caries management. Many clinicians also favour these materials, which fit their contemporary practice philosophy of using the medical model of caries management and minimally invasive dentistry. Although there is no consensus on the definition of bioactive [...] Read more.

Researchers have developed novel bioactive materials for caries management. Many clinicians also favour these materials, which fit their contemporary practice philosophy of using the medical model of caries management and minimally invasive dentistry. Although there is no consensus on the definition of bioactive materials, bioactive materials in cariology are generally considered to be those that can form hydroxyapatite crystals on the tooth surface. Common bioactive materials include fluoride-based materials, calcium- and phosphate-based materials, graphene-based materials, metal and metal-oxide nanomaterials and peptide-based materials. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a fluoride-based material containing silver; silver is antibacterial and fluoride promotes remineralisation. Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate is a calcium- and phosphate-based material that can be added to toothpaste and chewing gum for caries prevention. Researchers use graphene-based materials and metal or metal-oxide nanomaterials as anticaries agents. Graphene-based materials, such as graphene oxide-silver, have antibacterial and mineralising properties. Metal and metal-oxide nanomaterials, such as silver and copper oxide, are antimicrobial. Incorporating mineralising materials could introduce remineralising properties to metallic nanoparticles. Researchers have also developed antimicrobial peptides with mineralising properties for caries prevention. The purpose of this literature review is to provide an overview of current bioactive materials for caries management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates and Highlights in Cariology)

16 pages, 344 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Update on Dental Luting Materials

by Gary Kwun-Hong Leung, Amy Wai-Yee Wong, Chun-Hung Chu and Ollie Yiru Yu

Dent. J. 2022, 10(11), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj10110208 - 03 Nov 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5043

Abstract

A dental luting material aids in the retention and stability of indirect restorations on the prepared tooth structure. In dentistry, clinicians are using a wide range of luting materials for the cementation of indirect restorations. Zinc oxide eugenol and non-eugenol cements, zinc phosphate [...] Read more.

A dental luting material aids in the retention and stability of indirect restorations on the prepared tooth structure. In dentistry, clinicians are using a wide range of luting materials for the cementation of indirect restorations. Zinc oxide eugenol and non-eugenol cements, zinc phosphate cement, zinc polycarboxylate cement, glass ionomer cement and resin cements are common dental cements used in dentistry. Each luting material or cement possesses unique properties and clinical implications. An ideal luting cement should be biocompatible, insoluble, resistant to thermal and chemical assaults, antibacterial, aesthetic, simple and easy to use. It should have high strength properties under tension, shear and compression to resist stress at the restoration–tooth interface, as well as adequate working and setting times. So far, no luting material possesses all of these properties of an ideal cement. Scientists have been modifying the conventional luting cements to improve the material’s clinical performance and developing novel materials for clinical use. To achieve the best clinical outcome, clinicians should update their knowledge and gain a good understanding of the luting materials so that they can make a wise clinical decision on the material selection and obtain an insight into the development of luting cements. Therefore, the objective of this study is to provide a discussion on the physical, chemical, adhesive and aesthetic properties of common luting materials. The clinical indications of these luting materials are suggested based on their properties. In addition, overviews of the modification of the conventional luting materials and the newly developed luting materials are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates and Highlights in Cariology)

16 pages, 3595 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Incidence of Dental Caries in Children with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Mariana Martins, Paulo Mascarenhas, José Grillo Evangelista, Isabel Barahona and Vitor Tavares

Dent. J. 2022, 10(11), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj10110205 - 31 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3041

Abstract

Scientific evidence regarding the incidence of dental caries in Down syndrome (DS) patients is limited and sometimes presents divergent opinions among authors, making it difficult to reach definitive conclusions. We aimed to evaluate the caries incidence in the DS pediatric population and compare [...] Read more.

Scientific evidence regarding the incidence of dental caries in Down syndrome (DS) patients is limited and sometimes presents divergent opinions among authors, making it difficult to reach definitive conclusions. We aimed to evaluate the caries incidence in the DS pediatric population and compare it against healthy controls. The search was performed using 4 universal databases: Cochrane, B-on, Biomed, and PubMed. The selected articles were synthesized and subsequently evaluated according to an adaptation of the Quality Assessment Checklist for Prevalence Studies risk of bias tool, and analysis charts were performed by the Risk of Bias visualization tool (ROBVIS). Statistics and graphs were performed by Open Meta Analyst and JASP software. The confounding effect on caries incidence of the following factors was evaluated through meta-regression: age, Male/Female (M/F) ratio, DMFT, dmft, and study geographic location. Overall, the incidence of caries in the DS population was 49.9%, whereas in the control population was 63.4%. The M/F ratio, DMFT, and dmft significantly affected the incidence of DS individuals (p-value < 0.05). The evidence regarding the lower pooled incidence of caries in individuals with DS regarding controls is limited by the few scientific reports available and cross-section designs. Therefore, further studies are needed to confirm these results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates and Highlights in Cariology)

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12 pages, 1016 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Oral Microbiome and Dental Caries Development

by Josie Shizhen Zhang, Chun-Hung Chu and Ollie Yiru Yu

Dent. J. 2022, 10(10), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj10100184 - 30 Sep 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 8814

Abstract

Dental caries remains the most prevalent oral disease worldwide. The development of dental caries is highly associated with the microbiota in the oral cavity. Microbiological research of dental caries has been conducted for over a century, with conventional culture-based methods and targeted molecular [...] Read more.

Dental caries remains the most prevalent oral disease worldwide. The development of dental caries is highly associated with the microbiota in the oral cavity. Microbiological research of dental caries has been conducted for over a century, with conventional culture-based methods and targeted molecular methods being used in order to identify the microorganisms related to dental caries. These methods’ major limitation is that they can identify only part of the culturable microorganisms in the oral cavity. Introducing sequencing-based technology and bioinformatics analysis has boosted oral microbiome research and greatly expanded the understanding of complex oral microbiology. With the continuing revolution of molecular technologies and the accumulated sequence data of the oral microbiome, researchers have realized that microbial composition alone may be insufficient to uncover the relationship between caries and the microbiome. Most updated evidence has coupled metagenomics with transcriptomics and metabolomics techniques in order to comprehensively understand the microbial contribution to dental caries. Therefore, the objective of this article is to give an overview of the research of the oral microbiome and the development of dental caries. This article reviews the classical concepts of the microbiological aspect of dental caries and updates the knowledge of caries microbiology with the results of current studies on the oral microbiome. This paper also provides an update on the caries etiological theory, the microorganisms related to caries development, and the shifts in the microbiome in dental caries development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates and Highlights in Cariology)

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Other

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12 pages, 860 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Serum Vitamin D Levels and Caries in the Permanent Teeth of Children and Adolescents

by Roxana Buzatu, Magda Mihaela Luca and Bogdan Andrei Bumbu

Dent. J. 2024, 12(4), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/dj12040117 - 22 Apr 2024

Viewed by 221

Abstract

This systematic review critically evaluates the association between serum Vitamin D levels and dental caries incidence in the permanent teeth of children and adolescents. The search strategy comprised three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase), up to November 2023, targeting studies on the correlation between [...] Read more.

This systematic review critically evaluates the association between serum Vitamin D levels and dental caries incidence in the permanent teeth of children and adolescents. The search strategy comprised three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase), up to November 2023, targeting studies on the correlation between Vitamin D and dental caries in permanent dentition. The eligibility criteria focused on observational studies involving children and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years with permanent dentition. The screening process, guided by the PRISMA guidelines and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for quality assessment, resulted in the inclusion of eight studies conducted across various global regions from 2013 to 2023. The analysis revealed that Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were prevalent among the study populations, ranging from 17.3% to 69.4%. Specifically, children and adolescents with Vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L) were found to have significantly higher odds of developing caries, with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 1.13 to 2.57. Conversely, two studies indicated a protective effect of higher Vitamin D levels, with an OR of 0.80 and 0.59, respectively, for caries among children and adolescents with serum levels ≥ 50 nmol/L, suggesting an inverse relationship between Vitamin D status and caries risk. The results indicate both the protective role of adequate serum levels of Vitamin D above 20 ng/mL and the increased risk associated with insufficient levels below this threshold. However, the variations in study quality, methodologies and geographic settings underscore the challenges in drawing universal conclusions. Despite these limitations, our review suggests that improving Vitamin D status could be a beneficial component of preventive strategies against dental caries in children and adolescents, warranting further research to clarify the clinical significance of our findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates and Highlights in Cariology)

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