Research at the University of Rochester Center (NY) for Oral Biology is looking at ways of sampling saliva to evaluate risk of caries rather than waiting for decay to destroy tooth structure. As part of this process, specific bacteria and dental biofilm were investigated to see if the caries process could be interrupted. Streptoccocus mutans are the bacteria most commonly associated with caries. These bacteria, which produce enzymes that promote plaque formulation and a highly acidic oral environment, are also responsible for the formation of glucan. Other bacteria, when in contact with S mutans, will also produce glucan, increasing the number of substances that will bind to tooth surfaces. As long as sugar is present in the mouth, these diverse enzymes can make glucan. Since inhibiting the enzymes does not work, testing saliva for specific enzymes is now the focus. If identifying enzymes in saliva can be used as a predictor of caries risk, it would allow children to be tested at their routine “well baby” pediatrician exams. A small sample of saliva could be placed on a slide, and if the test is positive, referrals to pediatric dentists can be made immediately. Treating enamel loss or caries happens late in the process and in many cases involves high costs, sedation, and hospitalization. If the patient and family members could be tested for risk factors, and direct referrals made for appropriate care, this disease could start to be treated as the infectious and transmissible disease it really is.
(Source: Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, March 2008)
