Sugar Substitute Stevia Inhibits Biofilm Formation, Exopolysaccharide Production, and Downregulates the Expression of Streptococcal Genes Involved in Exopolysaccharide Synthesis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Acid production by sucrose fermentation disturbs the balance in dental plaque by lowering the oral pH. As a consequence of the profound effect of sucrose on caries initiation and progression, many studies have been directed towards finding non-cariogenic artificial sweeteners that can be used as a substitute to sucrose. Existing literature shows that dietary sucrose upregulates the expression of biofilm associated genes involved in exopolysaccharide (EPS) production.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the sugar substitute stevia on biofilm formation, EPS secretion, and streptococcal genes encoding glucan-binding proteins (Gbps) and glucosyltransferases (Gtfs), which are essential for the synthesis of EPS.

Materials and methods

SUBMITTER: AlKanderi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10742993 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature