Dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans exhibit more biomass and are mutually beneficial compared with single-species biofilms

Background: Streptococcus mutans (Sm) and Candida albicans (Ca) are found in biofilms of early childhood caries. Objective: To characterize in vitro dual- and single-species biofilms of Sm and Ca formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs in the presence of sucrose. Design: Evaluation of biofilms included biochemical [biomass, proteins, matrix’s water-soluble (WSP) and alkali-soluble (ASP) polysaccharides, microbiological, 3D structure, gene expression, and stress tolerance analyses. Results: Biomass and proteins were higher for dual-species and lower for Ca (p = 0.001). Comparison of Sm single- and dual-species biofilms revealed no significant difference in Sm numbers or quantity of WSP (p > 0.05). Dual-species biofilms contained a higher population of Ca (p < 0.001). The quantity of ASP was higher in dual-species biofilms (vs Ca single-species biofilms; p = 0.002). The 3D structure showed larger microcolonies and distinct distribution of Sm-derived exopolysaccharides in dual-species biofilms. Compared with dual-species biofilms, expression of gtfB (ASP) and nox1 (oxidative stress) was higher for single-species of Sm whilst expression of BGL2 (matrix), PHR1 (matrix, acid tolerance) and SOD1 (oxidative stress) was higher in single-species of Ca. There was no difference for acid tolerance genes (Sm atpD and Ca PHR2), which was confirmed by acid tolerance challenge. Dual-species biofilms were more tolerant to oxidative and antimicrobial stresses (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Dual-species biofilms present greater 3D complexity, thereby, making them more resistant to stress conditions.

Physical properties of artificial teeth after immersion in liquid disinfectant soaps

PURPOSE

To evaluate the hardness, roughness and color stability of artificial teeth after immersion in liquid disinfectant soaps.

METHODS

Artificial teeth (Vipi Dent Plus, ArtiPlus and Biolux) were divided into four groups (n=15), according to the type of immersion solution: distilled water/control group (DW); liquid disinfectant soap Dettol (SD); liquid disinfectant soap Protex (SP); and liquid disinfectant soap Lifebuoy (SL). The immersion cycles occurred every day, for 8 hours at room temperature in each disinfectant solution, following immersion in distilled water for 16 hours at 37°C. All solutions were changed daily. Properties were evaluated after 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of immersion. The data were analyzed with a mixed three-way ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post-hoc test (α= 0.05).

RESULTS

Vipi teeth presented significant reduction (P< 0.05) in hardness and roughness prior to 7 days of immersion in all solutions, including control group. These values, in general, were maintained during the 28 days. Biolux teeth, in general, did not present significant changes in hardness prior to immersion in any of the time intervals. The roughness of these teeth increased after 21 and 28 days of immersion (P< 0.05) in all the solutions. ArtiPlus teeth maintained stable roughness and hardness during the assessment period, regardless of the type of soap used. Color alterations were considered clinically acceptable. The liquid soaps may be an alternative for the disinfection of partial or total removable dentures.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The liquid disinfectant soaps tested did not significantly alter the hardness, roughness and color stability of the artificial teeth tested and may be an alternative for the disinfection of partial or total removable dentures.