Association of Candida albicans and Cbp+Streptococcus mutans with early childhood caries recurrence

Early childhood caries (ECC) recurrence occurs in approximately 40% of treated cases within one year. The association of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans with the onset of ECC is well known. Also, S. mutans strains harboring collagen-binding proteins (Cbps) avidly bind to collagen-rich dentin and are linked to increased caries risk. Here, we investigated the presence of Cbp(+)S. mutans and C. albicans in saliva and dental plaque of children with varying caries statuses, and their salivary microbiome. In this cross-sectional study, 143 children who were caries-free (n=73), treated for ECC with no signs of recurrence after 6 months (n=45), or treated for ECC and experiencing recurrence within 6 months following treatment (n=25) were enrolled. Co-infection with C. albicans and S. mutans, especially Cbp(+)S. mutans, was strongly associated with caries recurrence. Subjects of the recurrence group infected with Cbp(+)S. mutans showed a greater burden of Candida spp. and of Mutans streptococci in dentin than those infected with Cbp(-) strains. Salivary microbiome analysis revealed that Streptococcus parasanguinis was overrepresented in the caries recurrence group. Our findings indicate that Cbp(+)S. mutans and C. albicans are intimately associated with caries recurrence, contributing to the establishment of recalcitrant biofilms.

Automated summary

The study found that Streptococcus mutans carrying collagen-binding proteins and Candida albicans are closely related to the recurrence of early childhood caries, particularly strongly associated with caries recurrence. Children in the recurrence group infected with Cbp(+)S. mutans had a heavier burden of Candida spp. and Mutans streptococci in dentin, while Streptococcus parasanguinis was overrepresented in the salivary microbiome of the caries recurrence group.