Biomaterial Database

Tuftelin, mutans streptococci, and dental caries susceptibility. 2005

R L Slayton, and M E Cooper, and M L Marazita

Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Washington School of Dentistry, Box 357136, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. rslayton@u.washington.edu

The purpose of this study was to identify genetic factors that contribute to dental caries susceptibility, either alone or in combination with environmental factors. Dental examinations were performed and buccal swab samples collected from 3- to 5-year-old children with at least 4 surfaces of decay, or with no evidence of decay. SNP assays for each of 6 candidate genes were performed for all cases and controls. Chi-square analysis and regression analysis were used for the evaluation of individual gene effects, environmental effects, and gene-environment interactions. There were no significant associations between single candidate genes and caries susceptibility. Levels of S. mutans were positively and Lactobacilli were negatively associated with caries. Regression analysis revealed a significant interaction between tuftelin and S. mutans, with 26.8% of the variation in dmfs explained by the interaction. Future research will focus on the identification of these additional factors and the development of functional assays so that these interactions can be better understood.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007778	Lactobacillus	A genus of gram-positive, microaerophilic, rod-shaped bacteria occurring widely in nature. Its species are also part of the many normal flora of the mouth, intestinal tract, and vagina of many mammals, including humans. Lactobacillus species are homofermentative and ferment a broad spectrum of carbohydrates often host-adapted but do not ferment PENTOSES. Most members were previously assigned to the Lactobacillus delbrueckii group. Pathogenicity from this genus is rare.
D008297	Male		Males
D012044	Regression Analysis	Procedures for finding the mathematical function which best describes the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables. In linear regression (see LINEAR MODELS) the relationship is constrained to be a straight line and LEAST-SQUARES ANALYSIS is used to determine the best fit. In logistic regression (see LOGISTIC MODELS) the dependent variable is qualitative rather than continuously variable and LIKELIHOOD FUNCTIONS are used to find the best relationship. In multiple regression, the dependent variable is considered to depend on more than a single independent variable.	Regression Diagnostics,Statistical Regression,Analysis, Regression,Analyses, Regression,Diagnostics, Regression,Regression Analyses,Regression, Statistical,Regressions, Statistical,Statistical Regressions
D002675	Child, Preschool	A child between the ages of 2 and 5.	Children, Preschool,Preschool Child,Preschool Children
D003731	Dental Caries	Localized destruction of the tooth surface initiated by decalcification of the enamel followed by enzymatic lysis of organic structures and leading to cavity formation. If left unchecked, the cavity may penetrate the enamel and dentin and reach the pulp.	Caries, Dental,Carious Lesions,Dental Cavities,Dental Cavity,Dental Decay,Dental White Spots,Carious Dentin,Decay, Dental,Dental White Spot,White Spot, Dental,White Spots, Dental,Carious Dentins,Carious Lesion,Cavities, Dental,Cavity, Dental,Dentin, Carious,Dentins, Carious,Lesion, Carious,Lesions, Carious,Spot, Dental White,Spots, Dental White
D003733	Dental Caries Susceptibility	The predisposition to tooth decay (DENTAL CARIES).	Dental Caries Resistance,Caries Resistance, Dental,Caries Susceptibility, Dental,Resistance, Dental Caries,Susceptibility, Dental Caries
D003746	Dental Enamel Proteins	The proteins that are part of the dental enamel matrix.	Enamel Proteins, Dental,Proteins, Dental Enamel
D004245	DMF Index	"Decayed, missing and filled teeth," a routinely used statistical concept in dentistry.	Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth,DMF Indexes,DMF Indexe,DMF Indices,Index, DMF,Indexe, DMF,Indexes, DMF,Indices, DMF
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man