Correlation between the cariogenic response in biofilms generated from saliva of mother/child pairs

Abstract

This study aimed to correlate the cariogenic responsiveness of biofilms generated from the saliva of mothers and children. The mother–child pairs were classified according to the children’s caries levels: caries-free, early childhood caries (ECC) or severe ECC. Microcosm biofilms were grown on enamel discs for 10 days. Factors under evaluation were caries experience levels, inoculum source (mothers and children) and growth conditions including cariogenic challenge (growth medium provided with and without sucrose) and no cariogenic challenge (growth medium sucrose-free). Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA and Tukey’s test, and the Spearman correlation test. Regular sucrose exposure resulted in a higher surface hardness change (%SHC). The correlation between biofilms formed from saliva of mother–child pairs was significant regarding pH, total aciduric microorganisms and lactobacilli counts under cariogenic challenge. Biofilm growth originating from mother–child pairs under regular sucrose exposure promoted the same cariogenic response independently of caries experience and the microbiological profile of the donors.

Keywords:

• biofilm
• microcosm
• preschool child
• dental caries
• demineralization

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge assistance in the experiments from Vinicius Mattiazzi (School of Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil) and Tatiana Ramos (Laboratory Center for Development and Control of Biomaterials – School of Dentistry, Federal University of Pelotas). Grants from CAPES [PROCAD No. 251/2007; PRODOC No. 420030/0-0] also supported this study.