Quantitively Detection of Oral Colonization by Streptococcus Mutans in Gingivitis

Abstract

Background: Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition that only affects the mucosal epithelial tissue that covers the alveolar processes and the cervical part of teeth. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is generally linked to dental caries, although its involvement in gingival inflammation is becoming more well acknowledged. Through glucose transferase, it can produce extracellular polysaccharides and encourage bacterial adhesion and accumulation, which can result in plaque buildup and oral cavity colonization. 

Aim of study: The study's objectives are to measure the amount of S. mutans in saliva samples from gingivitis patients and healthy controls and to look into the relationship between S. mutans copy numbers and clinical periodontal markers. 

Methodology: Case-control was used in this investigation. 60 adults between the ages of 22 and 40 were split into two groups: 20 were in good health and 40 had been diagnosed with gingivitis. The plaque index, and bleeding on probing were the oral parameters evaluated in this investigation. Samples of unstimulated saliva were collected from every participant. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify S. mutans from extracted DNA. 

Results: The gingivitis group had a considerably greater (p<0.01) S. mutans bacterial load than the control group. Additionally, there was a strong positive link between PLI and BOP in the patient group, but there was no significant correlation between S. mutans load and either PLI or BOP. 

Conclusion: The increased S. mutans in gingivitis points to its possible involvement in caries as well as the development and onset of gingival inflammation. Therefore, oral hygiene practices that target S. mutans may be beneficial in reducing both gingivitis and caries. In order to better understand this link, greater sizes of samples and the identification of bacterial species are advised in future research.