Nicotine is a risk factor for dental caries: An in vivo study
Available online 17 January 2018
Abstract
Background/purpose
Streptococcus mutans
is an important pathogen in the development of dental caries. Many
studies have focused on the relationship between nicotine and S. mutans in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nicotine on the growth of S. mutans and its cariogenic potential in vivo.
Materials and methods
Sixteen
male Specific-pathogen-free Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups
(nicotine-treated and nicotine-untreated group) and infected with S. mutans. The S. mutans
suspension was treated with 1 mg/mL nicotine in the nicotine-treated
group. The Keyes method was used to evaluate sulcal caries of rats, and
dental plaque on molar teeth was observed by scanning electron
microscopy (SEM).
Results
Incidence
of sulcal caries was higher in nicotine-treated group compared to
nicotine-untreated group (42.7 ± 1.7 vs 37.3 ± 4.9, P = .009). Severity
of caries increased with nicotine treatment. The slightly dentinal
caries scores and moderate dentinal caries scores were higher in the
presence of nicotine (P < .001). Increased number of S. mutans cells attached to dental surface was observed under SEM in the nicotine-treated group.
Conclusion
Nicotine would promote the attachment of S. mutans
to dental surface, and further increase the incidence and severity of
dental caries. Therefore, nicotine might be a risk factor for
smoking-induced caries.
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