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Electronic cigarette vapor increases Streptococcus mutans growth, adhesion, biofilm formation, and expression of the biofilm‐associated genes
Author(s) -
Rouabhia Mahmoud,
Semlali Abdelhabib
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
oral diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.953
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1601-0825
pISSN - 1354-523X
DOI - 10.1111/odi.13564
Subject(s) - biofilm , streptococcus mutans , microbiology and biotechnology , virulence , nicotine , adhesion , gene , chemistry , gene expression , biology , bacteria , genetics , biochemistry , organic chemistry , neuroscience
Objective It still not known whether electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) contribute to dental caries. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of e‐cigarettes on the growth of Streptococcus mutans , the formation of biofilm, and the expression of certain virulence genes. Materials and Methods Streptococcus mutans cells were exposed or not to e‐cigarettes with and without nicotine or to cigarette smoke twice a day for 15 min each exposure period. The bacterial growth and the expression of glucosyltranferase, competence, and glucan‐binding genes were evaluated after 24 hr. Biofilm formation was assessed after 1, 2, and 3 days. S. mutans adhesion and growth to e‐cigarette exposed human teeth were assessed. Results We observed an increase in S. mutans growth with e‐cigarettes, mainly at the early culture period. This was confirmed by an increase of biofilm mass ranging from 8 ± 0.5 mg with the control to 47 ± 5 mg after six exposures to nicotine‐rich e‐cigarettes. S. mutans cells adhered better to e‐cigarette exposed teeth. E‐cigarettes increased the expression of glucosyltranferase , competence, and glucan‐binding genes. Conclusions E‐cigarettes increased the growth of S. mutans and the expression of virulent genes. E‐cigarettes promoted the adhesion to, and formation of biofilms on teeth surfaces.