THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MULTIPLE DENTAL CARIES, GASTROINTESTINAL DYSFUNCTION, AND ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2786-9067-2026-31-7Keywords:
caries, gastrointestinal dysfunction, antibiotic resistanceAbstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious threats in modern medicine, and the oral cavity serves as a significant reservoir of resistant microorganisms. This is particularly relevant in children with multiple caries and concomitant gastrointestinal dysfunction. Frequent and unregulated use of antibiotics in dental practice promotes the formation of resistant biofilms in carious lesions, increasing the risk of systemic complications. This study analyzed the relationship between caries prevalence, oral microbiome status, and antimicrobial resistance using clinical data, literature reviews, and international databases PubMed, CARD. Among 18 children aged up to 18 years with severe caries and GI dysfunction, bacteriological methods and MALDI-TOF MS identified Rothia species in 33.3% of patients, Gemella spp. in 38.9%, and Neisseria elongata in 16.7% of cases. Mixed biofilms including Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp., Candida albicans, and Actinomyces spp. were frequently observed, indicating the polymicrobial nature of infections. Data analysis showed that Rothia spp. exhibit increased resistance to macrolides 66.7% and β-lactams 61% in 2023, while Gemella spp. show resistance to macrolides 27–46% and tetracyclines 22–54%. Neisseria elongata and Eikenella corrodens were associated with systemic infections, including endocarditis, pneumonia, and abscesses, highlighting their role as opportunistic pathogens. The study results indicate that oral dysbiosis in children with multiple caries and GI pathology is a significant factor in the development of antimicrobial-resistant microbial populations. Unregulated antibiotic use in dental practice exacerbates these processes, potentially leading to complications and reduced therapy efficacy in systemic infections. Therefore, caries control, rational antibiotic prescription, and monitoring of the oral microbiome are critical for preventing the spread of AMR and preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy in pediatric practice.
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