2025, Vol.25, No.3

Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene 2025 KCI Impact Factor : 1.22

pISSN : 2287-1705 / eISSN : 2288-2294
https://journal.kci.go.kr/jksdh

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of eluents from direct-printed aligners (DPAs) on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), a major cariogenic bacterium, by examining bacterial growth, biofilm formation, and transcriptomic changes. Methods: Eluents were collected by immersing 3D-printed aligners in artificial saliva under simulated oral conditions. These eluents were then used to treat S. mutans, and bacterial proliferation was measured by optical density at 600 nm (OD600 ). Biofilm formation was quantified using crystal violet staining, and ultrastructural alterations were assessed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Transcriptomic shifts were identified by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Results: DPA eluents reduced S. mutans growth and biofilm formation by 29-39% compared to controls (p<0.05). SEM revealed decreased biofilm without morphological alterations. RNAseq analysis detected 10 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), showing downregulated expression of quorum sensing (QS) and biofilm-associated genes, including lantibiotic-related and acyl carrier protein genes. Conversely, genes related to oxidative stress responses-such as aldo-keto reductases, short-chain dehydrogenases, and ATP-binding cassette transporters-were upregulated, suggesting activation of a stress-adaptive mechanism. Conclusions: While DPA eluents effectively suppress biofilm formation, the accompanying activation of oxidative stress responses may enhance bacterial resilience, raising concerns about potential long-term microbiome dysbiosis. Comprehensive microbial evaluations of orthodontic materials remain essential to ensure clinical safety and efficacy.

Objectives: This study investigated the potential association between osteoporosis and periodontal disease in postmenopausal Korean women. Methods: The present study analyzed data from the 2008-2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Of the 29,235 participants, 1,343 with complete datasets were included in the analysis. Periodontal disease was diagnosed based on a Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs score of 3 or 4. Osteoporosis was diagnosed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans and T-scores. Results: Osteoporosis and osteopenia were associated with periodontal disease. In the total femur region, the group had a higher prevalence of periodontal disease in osteopenia (1.16 times) than the normal group, while, with regard to the lumbar spine, it group had a higher prevalence of periodontal disease in osteoporosis (1.18 times) compared to the normal group. Conclusions: Osteopenia and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women could be considered risk factors for periodontal disease. Oral health care and education are necessary, starting from the osteopenia stage.

Objectives: Using data of 54,653 individuals from the 20th Youth Online Health Behavior Survey, examine the relationship between adolescent mental health and oral symptoms of experience. Methods: General characteristics, mental health status, and oral symptoms experience were analyzed using chi-square tests. Complex sample logistic regression was used to identify factors affecting oral symptoms experience. Results: Male students had a 0.86 times lower oral symptoms experience than females. Students with high and middle economic status had a 0.73 and a 0.85 times lower experiences than those with low status. Compared to students with low academic achievement, those with high and middle academic achievement had a 1.14 and a 1.16 times higher symptom experiences, respectively. In the case of non-drinkers, the rate was 0.76 times lower, and in the case of healthy subjects, the rate of experiencing oral symptoms was 0.54 times lower than in the case of not healthy subjects, and in the case of usually subjects, the rate was 0.71 times lower. Students without depression, suicidal thoughts, loneliness, and anxiety had 0.89, 0.95, 0.77, and 0.53 times lower symptom experiences, respectively. Conclusions: Given the strong association between mental health and oral symptom experience, it is important to develop and implement preventive programs that support mental and oral health in adolescents through comprehensive education.