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. 2022 Oct 3;11(19):5860.
doi: 10.3390/jcm11195860.

Fixed Orthodontic Treatment Increases Cariogenicity and Virulence Gene Expression in Dental Biofilm

Watcharawee Thanetchaloempong  1 , Sittichai Koontongkaew  1 , Kusumawadee Utispan  2
Affiliations

Fixed Orthodontic Treatment Increases Cariogenicity and Virulence Gene Expression in Dental Biofilm

Watcharawee Thanetchaloempong et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Background: Dental caries commonly occurs during orthodontic treatment because fixed appliances can impede effective oral hygiene practices. This study investigated the effects of fixed orthodontic treatment on dental biofilm maturity and virulence gene (gtfB, ldh, brpA, spaP, luxS, and gbpB) expression. Methods: Dental biofilms and virulence gene expression were determined in 24 orthodontic patients before and after treatment of ≥6 months. A three-tone disclosing gel was used to stain dental biofilm and assess its maturity by its color change—pink (new dental biofilm), purple (mature dental biofilm), and light blue (cariogenic dental biofilm). Gene expression levels were determined using real-time PCR. Results: After fixed orthodontic appliance insertion, the percentage of new dental biofilm decreased, whereas that of cariogenic dental biofilm significantly increased (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the percentage of mature dental biofilm (p > 0.05). Fixed orthodontic appliances increased gtfB, ldh, brpA, and gbpB gene expression above 1.5-fold in dental biofilm. In contrast, there was no change in spaP or luxS gene expression after treatment. Conclusions: Fixed orthodontic appliance insertion induced ecological changes and cariogenic virulence gene expression in dental biofilm.

Keywords: brackets; cariogenicity; dental biofilm; dental caries; fixed orthodontic appliances; oral health; virulence genes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no commercial interest in the 3-tone disclosing gel used in this study. We declare that the manufacturer has no commercial or associated interest that represents a conflict of interest in connection with the manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram. Twenty-four patients completed the full study protocol.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Use of the three-tone plaque disclosing gel, showing cariogenic, mature, and new dental biofilm as light blue, dark purple/blue, and pink/red stained areas, respectively.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Percent PMS in the patients before and after fixed orthodontic treatment (n = 24). Bars represent the PMS mean ± SEM. Asterisks indicate a significant difference (p < 0.05) using the paired t-test.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Fold change in gtfB, ldh, brpA, spaP, luxS, and gbpB gene expression in dental biofilm after orthodontic treatment (n = 24). Bars represent the mean ± SEM of gene expression level relative to that of the expression level before treatment. Asterisks indicate Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs), which were defined as at least a 1.5-fold increase.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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