Microbial Pathogens Associated with Proximal Dental Caries in the Primary Dentition and Their Association with Periodontal Disease in Children

BACKGROUND: Certain specific bacterial species from the subgingival biofilm have demonstrated etiological relevance in the initiation and progression of periodontitis. Among all the bacteria studied, three have shown the highest association with proximal caries and bone loss: Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Capnocytophaga (Ca), and Campylobacter rectus (Cr). Therefore, the relevance of having accurate microbiological diagnostic techniques for their identification and quantification is clearly justified. AIM: To identify the bacterial pathogens with alveolar bone loss and proximal caries in primary dentition and their association with periodontal disease utilizing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) microbial probe testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subgingival plaque samples were collected at baseline as well as at 3, 6, and 12 months later. After extracting DNA, Fn, Ca, Cr, Aggrgatbacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and several other periodontopathogens were determined by DNA microbial probe testing method. RESULTS: Samples detecting a high bacterial load of Fn, Ca and Cr in children having proximal caries associated with periodontal disease compared to children having proximal caries without periodontal disease (P ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggested that there was a relationship between microbial pathogens associated with proximal dental caries in the primary dentition and periodontal disease in children. In addition, DNA microbial probe testing technology clearly analyzed the different loads of periodontopathogens in children who had with proximal caries associated with bone loss and is useful in microbial diagnostics for patients in dental practices.