Researchers Uncover the Crucial Role of Selenomonas sputigena in Tooth Decay
In a comprehensive study involving children, scientists from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, the Adams School of Dentistry, and the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina have identified Selenomonas sputigena as a significant contributor to tooth decay.
Traditionally, Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium known for plaque formation and acid production, has been recognized as the primary cause of dental cavities. However, the recent study, published in the journal Nature Communications, reveals that S. sputigena, previously associated only with gum disease, plays a critical role in enhancing the cavity-promoting capabilities of S. mutans through a synergistic partnership.
The surprising finding provides new insights into caries development, potential targets for cavity prevention, and novel mechanisms of bacterial biofilm formation with broader implications in various clinical contexts, as stated by co-senior author Hyun (Michel) Koo DDS, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Orthodontics and Divisions of Pediatrics and Community Oral Health, as well as Co-Director of the Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry at Penn Dental Medicine.
The other co-senior authors of the study are Kimon Divaris, Ph.D., DDS, a professor at UNC’s Adams School of Dentistry, and Di Wu, Ph.D., an associate professor at the Adams School and the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.
Divaris highlights the collaborative nature of the research, stating that it exemplifies the synergistic efforts of various groups, investigators, and trainees, emphasizing the necessity of their complementary expertise.
Tooth decay, or caries, is recognized as the most common chronic disease affecting children and adults worldwide. It occurs when bacteria such as S. mutans, capable of producing acid, are not adequately removed through oral hygiene practices, leading to the formation of a protective biofilm, or plaque, on the teeth. Within this plaque, the bacteria consume sugars from food and beverages, converting them into acids. Over time, if the plaque remains undisturbed, these acids erode the enamel, resulting in cavities.
Previous studies investigating plaque composition have identified several species in addition to S. mutans. Among them are various Selenomonas species, anaerobic bacteria commonly found in cases of gum disease. However, this recent study is the first to identify a specific Selenomonas species that contributes to the formation of cavities.
The researchers collected plaque samples from the teeth of 300 children aged 3-5 years, half of whom had caries. With the invaluable assistance of Koo’s laboratory, they conducted extensive tests, including bacterial gene activity sequencing, analysis of biological pathways indicated by this activity, and microscopic imaging. The findings were then validated using an additional set of 116 plaque samples from children aged 3-5 years.
The data revealed that while S. sputigena is only one of several bacteria linked to caries in plaque, and does not cause cavities independently, it exhibits a remarkable ability to collaborate with S. mutans, exacerbating the caries process.
S. mutans employs available sugars to construct sticky formations called glucans, which contribute to the protective plaque environment. The researchers observed that S. sputigena, equipped with small appendages facilitating movement across surfaces, becomes trapped within these glucans. Once trapped, S. sputigena proliferates rapidly, creating honeycomb-shaped “superstructures” that encase and shield S. mutans. This unexpected partnership results in a significantly enhanced and concentrated production of acid, leading to more severe caries, as demonstrated through animal models.
These findings shed light on a more intricate microbial interaction than previously understood, providing a deeper comprehension of the development of childhood cavities and potentially paving the way for improved strategies in cavity prevention.
Koo suggests that disrupting the protective superstructures formed by S. sputigena using specific enzymes or employing more precise and effective tooth-brushing methods could be a potential approach.
The researchers plan to further investigate how this anaerobic motile bacterium ends up in the aerobic environment of the tooth surface, aiming to understand the mechanisms underlying this migration.
Koo emphasizes that the phenomenon of a bacterium transitioning from one environment to another and interacting with resident bacteria, leading to the formation of remarkable superstructures, should be of broad interest to microbiologists.
The study received partial funding from the National Institutes of Health.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about tooth decay
What bacteria are involved in tooth decay?
The primary bacteria involved in tooth decay are Streptococcus mutans and Selenomonas sputigena, as revealed by recent research.
How do Selenomonas sputigena and Streptococcus mutans contribute to tooth decay?
Selenomonas sputigena works in synergy with Streptococcus mutans, forming partnerships that greatly increase the production of acid, leading to the development and severity of dental cavities.
Can tooth decay be prevented by targeting Selenomonas sputigena?
Disrupting the protective superstructures formed by Selenomonas sputigena using specific enzymes or employing more precise tooth-brushing methods could potentially be an approach to prevent tooth decay.
What is the significance of this research?
This research provides new insights into the development of tooth decay, identifies potential targets for cavity prevention, and uncovers novel mechanisms of bacterial biofilm formation that may have broader implications in clinical contexts beyond dental health.
What is the most common chronic disease in children and adults?
Tooth decay, or dental caries, is considered the most common chronic disease affecting children and adults worldwide.
More about tooth decay
- Nature Communications: Selenomonas sputigena acts as a pathobiont mediating spatial structure and biofilm virulence in early childhood caries
- University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
- Adams School of Dentistry
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina
2 comments
this research shows that there’s more to tooth decay than we thought! never heard of S. sputigena b4, but seems like it’s a sneaky lil’ bacteria partnering up with S. mutans to cause cavities. gotta step up our oral hygiene game!
Tooth decay is a major issue, and this study sheds light on the complex nature of the problem. It’s intriguing how these bacteria team up to wreak havoc on our teeth. Let’s stay vigilant with our oral care routines and keep those cavities at bay!