A research collaboration by Sanubari Tansah Tresna from Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia, Nursanti Anggriani and Herlina Napitupulu from Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia, together with Wan Muhamad Amir W. Ahmad from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia, has developed a deterministic mathematical model to study bacterial growth in oral biofilms that lead to dental caries.
The problem addressed is that dental caries remain one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, driven by bacterial biofilm formation in the oral cavity. Understanding the mechanisms of bacterial population dynamics is crucial for designing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
To tackle this issue, the researchers constructed and analyzed a deterministic model that captures the interactions among bacterial populations within oral biofilms. The model incorporates key biological parameters influencing bacterial growth and examines conditions that lead to the persistence or reduction of harmful bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
The study finds that certain thresholds in bacterial population growth determine whether oral health is maintained or dental caries develop. Sensitivity analysis highlights critical factors influencing bacterial persistence, offering potential pathways for clinical intervention and improved oral health management.
This research contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): by advancing understanding of oral health dynamics and supporting strategies to reduce dental diseases.
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): by demonstrating the role of mathematical modeling in medical and biological education.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): through collaboration among Indonesian and Malaysian institutions.
Overall, this study demonstrates how deterministic mathematical modeling can provide valuable insights into oral health, guiding both preventive care and clinical strategies for managing dental caries.
14_Mat_2025
