by A recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports has revealed that the addition of calcium and phosphate to sodium fluoride varnishes is not a reliable solution for combatting tooth decay in children. The research focused on the impact of these varnishes on the counts of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus fermentum, which are bacteria commonly associated with dental caries.
Early childhood caries is a prevalent issue affecting children worldwide, with bacterial growth in dental biofilms being the main cause. Despite efforts to promote dental health, millions of children suffer from tooth decay in their primary teeth. The severity of enamel damage is evaluated based on the presence or absence of cavitated lesions. While the role of demineralization in the formation of cavitated lesions has been studied, there is a lack of research regarding the progression of non-cavitated lesions.
Tooth enamel demineralization occurs when biofilm microorganisms interact with sugars, leading to a decrease in pH and the loss of calcium and phosphate ions. Saliva does offer some protection due to its antimicrobial properties, mineral ion content, and pH-regulating abilities. However, pathogenic microbes such as L. fermentum and S. mutans contribute significantly to the development of tooth decay, making them risk indicators for early childhood caries.
The study compared the effectiveness of sodium fluoride varnishes containing calcium and phosphate to conventional sodium fluoride varnishes in reducing the counts of L. fermentum and S. mutans in the biofilm and saliva of preschool children with and without cavitated or non-cavitated lesions. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to accurately detect the quantities of these pathogenic microbes.
Participants in the study were recruited from non-profit kindergartens in Hong Kong. The sample consisted of children aged three to four with no medical conditions, medication requirements, or special health needs. Children who had recently received antibiotics or fluoride treatment, had enamel hypoplasia, were sensitive to the varnish ingredients, or were uncooperative during the study were excluded.
Caries diagnoses were made by a dentist using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II. The children were divided into three groups: those without cavities, those with non-cavitated lesions, and those with cavitated lesions. The intervention involved applying the selected varnish every four months for 24 months, but due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, the treatment was reduced to three to six applications.
Saliva and biofilm samples were collected at baseline and follow-up for analysis. L. fermentum and S. mutans were quantified using specific primers through qRT-PCR, with samples below the detection level considered negative.
The results showed that the varnishes containing calcium and phosphate did not significantly improve the counts of L. fermentum and S. mutans compared to conventional varnishes. Previous studies have examined the impact of fluoride varnishes on children with and without caries, but this study specifically analyzed the differences in microbial levels between non-cavitated and cavitated lesions. The use of qRT-PCR provided more precise bacterial count measurements, shedding light on the role of microbiota in the progression of tooth decay.
In conclusion, the study demonstrated that sodium fluoride varnishes containing additional phosphate and calcium are not significantly better at reducing bacterial growth in biofilms compared to conventional varnishes. This highlights the importance of further research to develop effective methods for controlling early childhood caries.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
