Research 2017-18
Title: EFFECT OF SUGARS ON DENTAL PLAQUE AND SALIVA MICROBIOTA, AN IN VIVO AND IN VITRO STUDY
Abstract
Everyone knows that sugar is associated with dental diseases which are also linked to major health issues like cancer, diabetes, heart, liver, and kidney diseases due to the increased intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars (ReCS). However, not everyone knows that the phytochemicals in unrefined carbohydrates and sugars (UReCS) inhibit microbial growth in biofilms and dental plaque, and are lost in the refining process.
This raises the question, "Is ReCS the culprit in dental caries?". Therefore, the objective of this research study was to see whether the administration of UReCS and ReCS caused changes in the oral microbiota.
For the in vivo study, healthy volunteers (N=75) were randomly divided into 5 groups and were given UReCS and ReCS. After four hours, their saliva and dental plaque were collected, and the DNA was analyzed by qPCR and 16s metagenomic sequencing.
For the in vitro analysis, saliva was mixed with different concentrations of UReCS and ReCS including a phytochemical, quercetin. Both the in vivo and in vitro results showed that UReCS significantly decreased the dental damaging bacteria and fungi species (DDBF) (P<0.01). On the other hand, ReCS showed a significant increase in DDbF (P<0.05). A polyphenolic mouthwash was developed in this study.
Awareness Given Through This Research
Dental Awareness Camp 2017 - at a Middle School in a remote village in South India. This camp brought awareness of the importance of oral cleaning, biofilm formation & maturation, nano charcoal cleaning, and awarded students with good oral hygiene to motivate them to maintain good oral health.
Forgot to take a group picture :) Sharing the beautiful pictures from the Dental Awareness Camp 2018.
