Low levels of salivary metals, oral microbiome composition and dental decay

Title	Low levels of salivary metals, oral microbiome composition and dental decay
Authors	Elyse Davis, Kelly M. Bakulski, Jaclyn M. Goodrich, Karen E. Peterson, Mary L. Marazita, Betsy Foxman
Magazine	Scientific Reports
Date	09/04/2020
DOI	10.1038/s41598-020-71495-9
Introduction	The composition of the salivary microbiome can alter due to exposure to environmental agents, such as heavy metals. This study posited that salivary concentrations of nutrients and metals would correspond with salivary microbiome composition and relate to dental decay. We evaluated the salivary levels of 5 essential minerals (cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc), 4 metals with some physiological role (chromium, nickel, tungsten, and vanadium), and 12 metals recognised for their toxicity (antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, cesium, lead, mercury, platinum, thallium, tin, and uranium). These concentrations were then assessed for their connections with salivary microbiome composition and dental decay in 61 participants, including children and adults. A total of 16 metals were identified in over half of the participants, with 8 present in every individual. Significant variations in salivary bacterial groups were linked to antimony, arsenic, and mercury levels, even after statistical adjustments. Furthermore, antimony concentrations showed a connection with the occurrence of decayed teeth. These findings indicate that salivary metal levels, even at low quantities, can influence oral health.
Quote	Elyse Davis, Kelly M. Bakulski and Jaclyn M. Goodrich et al. Low levels of salivary metals, oral microbiome composition and dental decay. Sci Rep. 2020. Vol. 10. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71495-9
Element	Antimony (Sb) , Arsenic (As) , Barium (Ba) , Beryllium (Be) , Chromium (Cr) , Cobalt (Co) , Copper (Cu) , Manganese (Mn) , Mercury (Hg) , Molybdenum (Mo) , Nickel (Ni) , Platinum (Pt) , Thallium (Tl) , Tin (Sn) , Tungsten (W) , Uranium (U) , Vanadium (V) , Zinc (Zn)
Industry	Dentistry , Research & Laboratory