Nicotine is a risk factor for dental caries: An study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: is an important pathogen in the development of dental caries. Many studies have focused on the relationship between nicotine and . The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nicotine on the growth of and its cariogenic potential .

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen male Specific-pathogen-free Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups (nicotine-treated and nicotine-untreated group) and infected with . The suspension was treated with 1 mg/mL nicotine in the nicotine-treated group. The Keyes method was used to evaluate sulcal caries of rats, and dental plaque on molar teeth was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

Incidence of sulcal caries was higher in nicotine-treated group compared to nicotine-untreated group (42.7 ± 1.7 vs 37.3 ± 4.9, P = 0.009). Severity of caries increased with nicotine treatment. The slightly dentinal caries scores and moderate dentinal caries scores were higher in the presence of nicotine (P < 0.001). Increased number of cells attached to dental surface was observed under SEM in the nicotine-treated group.

CONCLUSION

Nicotine would promote the attachment of to dental surface, and further increase the incidence and severity of dental caries. Therefore, nicotine might be a risk factor for smoking-induced caries.