Zirui Qin, Zhenyu Yang, Yi Zhang, Linlong Qi, Yan Peng, Shuli Deng, Yuan Wang
{"title":"Biotin Limitation Attenuates Streptococcus mutans Cariogenicity by Disrupting Metabolic Flux and Virulence Pathways.","authors":"Zirui Qin, Zhenyu Yang, Yi Zhang, Linlong Qi, Yan Peng, Shuli Deng, Yuan Wang","doi":"10.1159/000548822","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000548822","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Our previous metagenomic analysis revealed higher frequencies of biotin-related genes (i.e., bioY, bioM, bccP) in caries-active children, indicating a potential role of biotin in caries pathogenesis. This study investigated a biotin limitation strategy against the primary cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), including its effects on cariogenic phenotypes, gene expression, and metabolomics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>S. mutans UA159 was cultured in biotin-free medium supplemented with different biotin concentrations. The cariogenic phenotypes of the strain, including growth kinetics, biofilm formation, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, lactate synthesis, acid/oxidative tolerance, and membrane fluidity, were measured and compared across biotin concentrations. Biofilm architecture was visualized via confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to analyze the expression of genes associated with virulence and biotin metabolism. Metabolomic analysis was performed to characterize metabolic perturbations induced by biotin limitation in S. mutans.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Under biotin limitation, S. mutans exhibited significantly reduced cariogenic phenotypes, accompanied by cell elongation and reduced membrane fluidity. At the molecular level, biotin limitation suppressed the expression of key virulence-associated genes and induced a compensatory upregulation of genes involved in biotin uptake and biotin-dependent carboxylases. Metabolomic analysis under biotin-limited conditions in S. mutans revealed perturbed pathways in central carbon metabolism and nucleotide metabolism.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Biotin limitation significantly reduced the cariogenic potential of S. mutans by disrupting metabolic flux and virulence gene expression, highlighting biotin uptake and metabolism as potential targets for anti-caries therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":9620,"journal":{"name":"Caries Research","volume":" ","pages":"1-24"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145238106","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ke Zhou, Chenyi Gao, Jianhua Wu, Avijit Banerjee, Mark Ide, Jing Kang
{"title":"Genome-wide association studies on dental caries: A systematic review.","authors":"Ke Zhou, Chenyi Gao, Jianhua Wu, Avijit Banerjee, Mark Ide, Jing Kang","doi":"10.1159/000548693","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000548693","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Introduction Dental caries is a complex, multifactorial pathological disease. Despite advances in dental care, dental caries continues to pose a significant public health challenge. In addition to the behavioural factors (e.g. sugar exposure) and environmental / oral hygiene factors (e.g. fluoridate exposure in water and/or toothpaste) on the development of dental caries, potential genetic influence on dental caries susceptibility is possible but evidence is inconclusive, especially from a candidate gene approach. Over the past two decades, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach has also been applied to understand the genetic variants associated with dental caries. This study aims to systematically review GWAS on dental caries and identify relevant genetic risk variants of dental caries. Methods A systematic search was conducted on five databases (PubMed; ScienceDirect; EMBASE, GLOBAL HEALTH, MEDLINE) and one GWAS registry: GWAS Catalog in March 2024. Studies published after 2005 using GWAS approach were eligible. Q-genie tool was used for the quality assessment. Study information and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at conventional (5x10-8) or suggestive (5x10-6) GWAS significance level were extracted and synthesized. Results A total of 16 papers were included, identifying 20 risk SNPs associated with dental caries at conventional GWAS significance level, and 33 SNPs at suggestive level. No common conventional SNPs or shared gene regions were found between studies. Of these studies, the sample sizes in majority were relatively small and only one study reported all recommended quality control steps. Most studies focused on the White or European-American population and dental caries on permanent teeth. In addition, some data resources were used repeatedly in multiple studies, particularly the Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia cohorts (COHRA) which was used in 9 studies. Conclusion This study explored the GWAS on dental caries and summarized the heterogeneities of the included studies leading to inconsistent results. Guideline and more GWAS with larger sample size and multi-ethnicities are needed to fully understand the genetic basis of dental caries.</p>","PeriodicalId":9620,"journal":{"name":"Caries Research","volume":" ","pages":"1-23"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145205738","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Isabel Cristina Olegário, Rona Leith, Anne C O Apos Connell
{"title":"The influence of vertical bitewing radiographs in treatment decision-making for primary molars: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Isabel Cristina Olegário, Rona Leith, Anne C O Apos Connell","doi":"10.1159/000546977","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000546977","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of vertical bitewing (VBW) radiographs compared to visual examination alone for caries detection and treatment planning of primary molars in children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Children aged 5-10 years with high caries risk were examined by trained and calibrated paediatric dentists. Treatment decisions were made based on visual examination alone and after VBW findings and categorised into control (CT), non-restorative treatment (NRT), restorative treatment (RT) and treatment of the necrotic tooth (TNT). Descriptive and statistical analysis was performed using Stata 18.0 (α=5%).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1417 surfaces in 75 children were included in the study (occlusal=528; proximal=889). Radiographic dentine caries lesions were detected in 7% of clinically sound surfaces. Radiographic signs of pulp necrosis were observed in almost 20% of teeth that had no clinical signs of pulp necrosis. This led to significant changes from restorative treatment to pulpectomy/extraction of primary molars. Treatment changes were required for 221 surfaces (15.60%) after radiographic examination (CT to NRT=120; CT to RT=32; NRT to RT=47; RT to TNT=22). Changes were significantly more frequent in proximal surfaces when compared to occlusal ones (p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>VBW increased the detection of proximal caries lesions in primary molars compared to visual examination, however most of those lesions were restricted to enamel. The majority of changes in the treatment decision after radiographic examination occurred from CT to NRT. Vertical bitewings allowed the determination of the depth of dentine caries, proximity to pulp signs of pulp necrosis, and presence of permanent successors, which are essential for treatment planning for deep caries lesions.</p>","PeriodicalId":9620,"journal":{"name":"Caries Research","volume":" ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145191279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Municipal oral healthcare coverage and dental caries among Brazilian children.","authors":"Erica Torres de Almeida Piovesan, Eduardo Bernabe","doi":"10.1159/000548560","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1159/000548560","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Universal coverage for oral healthcare is expected to improve population oral health. However, empirical evidence to substantiate this expectation is scarce and inconsistent. This study investigated the association between municipal oral healthcare coverage and dental caries among 5-year-old children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study pooled together individual-level data from 7185 five-year-old children who participated in the National Oral Health Survey - SB Brasil 2023 and monthly data on municipal oral healthcare coverage from January 2019 to December 2023. Dental caries was determined at cavity level in clinical examinations and summarised using the numbers of decayed teeth (dt), missing and filled teeth (mft) and decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft). Group-based trajectory modelling was used to identify four distinct classes of municipal oral healthcare coverage: always-low, medium-low, medium-high and always-high. Multilevel negative binomial regression models, with children nested within municipalities, were fitted to test the association between municipal oral healthcare coverage and each caries measure, adjusting for demographic factors, socioeconomic conditions and oral healthcare-seeking behaviour.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The variance partition coefficient of the empty model (no predictors) indicated that 4.1%, 3.1% and 4.4% of the variance in the dmft, dt and mft scores was attributable to differences between municipalities. Greater municipal oral healthcare coverage was not associated with the dmft and dt scores after adjusting for covariates. In contrast, municipal oral healthcare coverage was associated with the mft score after adjustments. Children in municipalities with medium-low (1.09, 95%CI: 0.72-1.66), medium-high (1.45, 95% CI: 0.93-2.26) and always-high coverage (1.50, 95%CI: 0.88, 2.56) had on average higher mft scores compared to those in municipalities with always-low coverage (p-value for trend=0.047).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study shows that greater oral healthcare coverage was positively associated with more caries treatment experience but not with current untreated disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":9620,"journal":{"name":"Caries Research","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145124292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Juliane Rolim de Lavôr, Igor Cartaxo Fernandes, Debora Heloísa Silva de Brito, Fabio Correia Sampaio, Aronita Rosenblatt, Alexandre Rezende Vieira
{"title":"Insights into <italic>AQP5</italic> Polymorphism and Genetic Associations in Molar Incisor Hypomineralization and Dental Fluorosis.","authors":"Juliane Rolim de Lavôr, Igor Cartaxo Fernandes, Debora Heloísa Silva de Brito, Fabio Correia Sampaio, Aronita Rosenblatt, Alexandre Rezende Vieira","doi":"10.1159/000547003","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000547003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>While fluoride exposure is a well-established factor in the development of dental fluorosis (DF), individual variability in susceptibility suggests that additional factors may also contribute to its manifestation. The etiology of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH), in turn, is multifactorial and remains not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between MIH, DF, caries, and polymorphisms in the AQP5, MMP2, and COMT genes in children exposed to high fluoride levels in drinking water.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 268 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years from an area endemic for fluorosis were included. The EAPD, Thylstrup and Fejerskov, and WHO criteria were used for the diagnosis of MIH, DF, and caries, respectively. Saliva samples from participants were collected for genomic DNA extraction and subsequent genotyping, using the TaqMan method, focusing on markers in AQP5, MMP2, and COMT genes. For statistical analysis, chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, along with binary logistic regression, were used, considering a 5% significance level. Additionally, genetic assessments were conducted using PLINK software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>DF was negatively associated with MIH in both crude (OR = 0.3; p = 0.003) and adjusted analyses (OR = 0.3; p = 0.002). AQP5 rs3736309 was significantly associated with an increased risk of DF under a dominant model, with the G allele being more prevalent in affected individuals, while its association with MIH followed a recessive pattern, requiring two copies of the G allele for increased risk. MMP2 rs9923304 was associated with DF under a recessive model, while rs2287074 and rs9923304 were related to dental caries in individuals with DF or MIH.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The marker in the AQP5 gene was significantly associated with both DF and MIH, presenting different risk patterns depending on the genetic model analyzed (dominant vs. recessive). DF appears to have a protective effect against MIH, highlighting the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in dental conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":9620,"journal":{"name":"Caries Research","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144943906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anne Breivik, Simen E Kopperud, Aida Mulic, Linda Maria Stein, Teferi Mekonnen, Elin Hadler-Olsen, Qalbi Khan
{"title":"Risk Indicators Associated with Root Caries and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Older Adults: The Tromsø7 Study.","authors":"Anne Breivik, Simen E Kopperud, Aida Mulic, Linda Maria Stein, Teferi Mekonnen, Elin Hadler-Olsen, Qalbi Khan","doi":"10.1159/000547745","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000547745","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study aimed to investigate risk indicators associated with root caries in older adults aged 65 years and above in Norway. A secondary aim was to explore whether root caries was associated with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included 1,075 participants aged ≥65 from the population-based Tromsø Study (Tromsø7) conducted in Northern Norway in 2015-2016. All inhabitants aged 40 years and older in Tromsø municipality (32,591) were invited, of whom 21,083 participated. The participants underwent clinical and radiographic examinations and answered extensive questionnaires. Root caries was registered on four surfaces per tooth and graded D<sub>3-5.</sub> For analysis, prevalence of root caries was dichotomised into (1) no (if the participants had no root caries) and (2) yes (if root caries was registered on at least one surface). Characteristics of the study population were described with percentages and frequencies for the categorical variables and mean and standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables for the whole cohort and stratified on presence of root caries and OHRQoL impact. The statistical significance of differences was assessed with the Pearson χ2 test and independent sample T test. Factors associated with root caries and OHRQoL were explored using logistic regression. The significance level was set to p < 0.05 for all analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Men had higher odds of root caries than women (OR: 1.70, 95% CI [1.08, 2.70]) and those who were smokers had a higher odds of root caries than those who had never smoked (OR: 1.83, 95% CI [1.13, 2.94]). Participants with root caries had 1.67 times higher odds of having reduced OHRQoL than those without root caries (95% CI: 1.02, 2.72).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study found that being male and smoking were risk indicators of root caries. Additionally, root caries had a negative impact on OHRQoL. The results could be useful for oral health professionals to guide individual and targeted root caries preventive measures in older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":9620,"journal":{"name":"Caries Research","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144943987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdullah Almulhim, Astrid C Valdivia-Tapia, Xinyue Mao, Nora Alomeir, Basma Alsahan, Anderson T Hara, Tong Tong Wu, Yihong Li, Jin Xiao
{"title":"Enhancing Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment: The Role of Zinc in Reducing Discoloration and Maintaining Antimicrobial Efficacy.","authors":"Abdullah Almulhim, Astrid C Valdivia-Tapia, Xinyue Mao, Nora Alomeir, Basma Alsahan, Anderson T Hara, Tong Tong Wu, Yihong Li, Jin Xiao","doi":"10.1159/000548012","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000548012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Silver diammine fluoride (SDF; often incorrectly referred to as silver diamine fluoride in the literature) is an effective, minimally invasive treatment for dental caries; however, its widespread adoption is hindered by significant black discoloration of treated dentin. Zinc, known for its antimicrobial properties and potential interactions with silver compounds, may offer a novel approach to reducing SDF-induced staining while preserving its cariostatic effects. This laboratory study investigated the impact of a zinc pretreatment followed by SDF application on dentin discoloration, surface properties, and antimicrobial activity using an artificial caries model.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Artificial caries lesion was induced in human dentin blocks using a Streptococcus mutans microbial biofilm model. After caries formation, the specimens were treated with 38% SDF alone or in combination with 15 <sc>m</sc> or 20 <sc>m</sc> zinc nitrate solution. Antimicrobial challenges were then further assessed using a duo species (S. mutans and Candida albicans) biofilm model. Color changes over 14 days were assessed using grayscale image analysis. Surface roughness was measured using profilometry. Antimicrobial effects were evaluated through assessing culture media pH, viable S. mutans and C. albicans cell counts, biofilm biomass, and biofilm microstructure via multiphoton confocal imaging. Data were analyzed using simple linear regression, two-sample t tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to evaluate differences among treatment groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Zinc incorporation significantly mitigated SDF-induced dentin discoloration. The application of 20 <sc>m</sc> Zn with SDF significantly improved dentin whiteness compared to the SDF-only group (p = 0.0228). No significant differences in the surface roughness were observed between the zinc-treated and SDF-only groups. Both SDF alone and SDF + zinc groups demonstrated significant reductions in S. mutans and C. albicans viability compared to the untreated controls (p ≤ 0.005). Zinc pretreatment preserved the antimicrobial effects of SDF and supported biofilm disruption and live-dead cell proportions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study findings suggest that zinc-enhanced SDF regimen may offer an improved aesthetic profile while maintaining antimicrobial properties, potentially increasing clinical acceptability. Future studies should explore the long-term stability and clinical performance of zinc-enhanced SDF and assess various zinc delivery regimens.</p>","PeriodicalId":9620,"journal":{"name":"Caries Research","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144943903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kamila Sihuay-Torres, Fabio Arriola-Pacheco, Abdulrahman Ghoneim, Herenia P Lawrence
{"title":"Economic Evaluations of Preventive and Minimally Invasive Children's Dental Caries Procedures: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Kamila Sihuay-Torres, Fabio Arriola-Pacheco, Abdulrahman Ghoneim, Herenia P Lawrence","doi":"10.1159/000548099","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000548099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The WHO's Global Oral Health Action Plan towards 2030 suggests prioritizing cost-effective preventive and minimally invasive (MI) dental caries interventions as essential oral health care services. Given the high prevalence of dental caries among children, raising awareness of the limitations and research gaps of the existing economic evaluations assessing preventive and MI procedures is crucial. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to identify and map the relevant literature on economic evaluations for preventive and MI dental caries procedures among children under 12 years of age.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>We conducted a systematic literature search using Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, LILACS, and PEDE up to December 31st, 2023. Two independent reviewers performed the screening and data extraction using the Covidence software. A third reviewer resolved disagreements. Inclusion criteria comprised full economic evaluations and full-text original articles published in peer-reviewed journals, in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, without any date restrictions. Data extraction included methodological characteristics items. We appraised the content reported using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) 2022 checklist.</p><p><strong>Key messages: </strong>Among 1,285 studies screened, 62 were selected for data extraction. Most studies conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis (98%, n = 61), and only 10% (n = 6) and 3% (n = 2) conducted a cost-benefit and cost-utility analysis, respectively. The majority of studies evaluated sealants (32%, n = 20) and fluoride varnish (24%, n = 15), and only three assessed the cost-effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride. None of the included studies reported the CHEERS item related to community engagement. Moreover, there is a lack of studies among populations from the African region, most low- and lower-middle-income countries, and Indigenous communities. In conclusion, economic evaluations of preventive and MI dental caries procedures among children have increased over the last decade. Nonetheless, these are mostly cost-effectiveness analyses using clinically oriented outcomes, as opposed to patient-centred outcomes. We recommend collaboration with community partners while conducting economic evaluations for mutual capacity building.</p>","PeriodicalId":9620,"journal":{"name":"Caries Research","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12503805/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144943932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparison of Oral Health Status of Pediatric Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux and Bile Reflux Disease.","authors":"Makbule Buse Dundar Sari, Eren Sari, Melike Arslan, Merve Aksoy, Cenkhan Bal, Necati Balamtekin","doi":"10.1159/000547887","DOIUrl":"10.1159/000547887","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and bile reflux disease (BRD) are two distinct conditions that may affect oral health through different mechanisms. This study investigated whether these reflux types lead to differing oral and dental outcomes in pediatric patients, aiming to inform clinical practice and promote interdisciplinary care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients diagnosed with BRD or GERD between 2017 and 2020 were included. Clinical oral examinations, salivary analyses, and questionnaires on potential etiological factors for erosive tooth wear (ETW) were conducted. Oral health was assessed using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE), dental caries experience (DMFT), Silness and Löe plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI). Salivary pH and flow rates were recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty-six patients (33 with BRD, 33 with GERD; 75.8% female; mean age: 14.9 ± 3.1) were included. BEWE scores were significantly higher in GERD patients (median: 6 vs. 4) (p < 0.001), though both groups were classified as low risk for ETW. GERD patients had higher PI (p = 0.018) and GI scores (p < 0.001), while DMFT scores were similar (p = 0.639). BRD patients exhibited significantly higher median values for unstimulated and stimulated salivary pH (7 vs. 6 and 8 vs. 7, respectively) and flow rates (0.6 vs. 0.36 mL/min and 1.7 vs. 1.22 mL/min, respectively) (all p < 0.001), although stimulated flow in GERD patients remained within normal limits (≥1 mL/min).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>GERD was associated with poorer oral health, particularly ETW and gingival status. Early, multidisciplinary intervention may help prevent erosion and promote remineralization.</p>","PeriodicalId":9620,"journal":{"name":"Caries Research","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144815816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}