Children with severe early childhood caries: pilot study examining mutans streptococci genotypic strains after full-mouth caries restorative therapy.

Purpose: Genotypic strains of mutans streptococci (MS) may vary in important virulence properties and be differentially affected by specific components of full-mouth caries restorative therapy. The purpose of this pilot study was to identify mutans streptococci strains that predominate following caries restorative therapy.

Methods: Plaque from 7 children with severe early childhood caries was collected before and following therapy.

Application of adenosine triphosphate-driven bioluminescence for quantification of plaque bacteria and assessment of oral hygiene in children.

Purpose: Dentistry has undergone a shift in caries management toward prevention and improved oral hygiene and diagnosis. Caries prevention now represents one of the most important aspects of modern dental practice. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to demonstrate the use of adenosine triphosphate- (ATP-) driven bioluminescence as an innovative tool for the rapid chairside enumeration of oral bacteria (including plague streptococci) and assessment of oral hygiene and caries risk.

Plaque retention by self-ligating vs elastomeric orthodontic brackets: quantitative comparison of oral bacteria and detection with adenosine triphosphate-driven bioluminescence.

Introduction: Enamel decalcification is a common problem in orthodontics. The objectives of this randomized clinical study were to enumerate and compare plaque bacteria surrounding 2 bracket types, self-ligating (SL) vs elastomeric ligating (E), and to determine whether adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-driven bioluminescence could be used for rapid assessment of bacterial load in plaque.

Methods: Patients (ages, 11-17 years) were bonded with SL and E brackets in 14 maxillary and 12 mandibular arches by using a split-mouth design.