The exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Streptococcus mutans-derived glucosyltransferases (Gtfs) are essential virulence factors associated with the initiation of cariogenic biofilms. EPS forms the core of the biofilm matrix-scaffold, providing mechanical stability while facilitating the creation of localized acidic microenvironments. Cranberry flavonoids, such as A-type proanthocyanidins (PAC...

Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) is a diluent monomer used pervasively in dental composite resins. Through hydrolytic degradation of the composites in the oral cavity it yields a hydrophilic biodegradation product, triethylene glycol (TEG), which has been shown to promote the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a dominant cariogenic bacterium. Previously it was shown that TEG up-regulated...

Using PCR-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses of oral bacterial samples in 20 mother-child dyads, this study demonstrated a high degree of similarity of bacterial compositions between the mothers and their children; the two may share as much as 94% of their oral bacterial spectra, including cariogenic species.

Microcosmic dental plaques were grown in artificial saliva and supplemented with either milk or fluoridated milk. The presence of fluoride in the milk increased the pH of the biofilms and reduced the proportions of streptococci, demonstrating that in this model, fluoridation of milk produces biofilms with reduced cariogenic potential.

A 5' nuclease TaqMan PCR assay was developed for the quantitative detection of the major cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. The absolute and relative numbers of bacteria were measured by this method. This assay will be useful for quantifying these organisms in oral specimens and for analyzing biofilm formation.

Antimicrobial Activity of Crude Methanol and Chloroform Extracts of Alchornea cordifolia Leaves on Cariogenic Bacteria and Other Pathogenic Oral Bacteria E O Oshomoh 1, , O Oyiborhoro 2 Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty OF Basic Medical Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, O...

OBJECTIVE Honey has antibacterial activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of honey on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this in vitro study, solutions containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 50% and 100%(w/v) of natural Hamadan honey were prepared. Each blood (nutrient) agar plate was then filled with dilutions of the honey. The strains o...