New knowledge of how dental caries occurs

Finding a partner in crime

By analyzing plaque samples from the teeth of 300 children between the ages of 3 and 5, they have now succeeded in finding this previously unknown ‘partner in crime’. The research has been published in the journal Nature Communications.

It is about a special type of anaerobic bacteria called Selenomonas spotigina. The bacteria, which are commonly found in the human upper respiratory tract, cause septicemia (sepsis) as well as gingivitis.

Helps form acid

With regard to life-threatening sepsis, it has been observed that when the infection is more aggressive, an abundance of these bacteria occurs in the special biofilms of the oral cavity.

S. sputigena appears to form a fairly effective partnership with Streptococcus mutans, giving it a hand in creating acid that breaks down both enamel and dentin.

Captured by glucan

S. mutans is particularly good at producing glucans, which have a reinforcing effect on plaque formation. S. sputigena, which can move across surfaces is trapped by glucans.

When this happens, S. sputigena multiplies and forms cell-based cells, honeycomb (octagonal) The “superstructure”, which encapsulates and protects Streptococcus mutans.

Caries attack worsened together

Then these two bacteria form a strong synergy together, stimulating acid formation, which greatly aggravates the caries attack.

The researchers’ discovery provides a new understanding of how caries attacks develop. At the same time, in the future this could help make preventive efforts against dental caries more targeted.

In addition, the research revealed new, unknown mechanisms underlying the development of bacterial microfilm (biofilm), which may become relevant in other clinical contexts.