Abstract
Dental caries is a disease of multifactorial origin and Streptococcus mutans is considered as the chief pathogen responsible for its development. However, reduction in the number of pathogenic bacteria, particularly S. mutans, with the use of various preventive measures, can reduce dental caries to a significant level. Therefore, the present clinical study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the efficacy of toothbrushing, fluoride varnish, chlorhexidine mouthwash, and a probiotic (Yakult) in reducing the S. mutans counts in the saliva using Dentocult SM Strip Mutans kit in children. A total of 40 school students between the age group of 4 and 8 years were selected for the study and S. mutans count was taken on the first dental visit using Dentocult SM Strip Mutans test kit. After the initial scores of S. mutans were obtained, the children were divided into four groups and provided with different caries preventive regimen for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, the scores of S. mutans were reevaluated for reduction in their counts, if any. The data thus collected were tabulated and statistically analyzed. All the groups showed a significant reduction in S. mutans counts with the highest reduction from the Fluor Protector varnish followed by chlorhexidine mouthwash, probiotic (Yakult), and toothbrushing.How to cite this article: Sharma M, Pandit IK, Srivastava N, Gugnani N, Gupta M. A Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Streptococcus mutans Counts in Saliva: An in vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(2):94-99.
Highlights
Dental caries is a complex disease that is expressed as an interaction of various factors including the host, agent, 2,4,5Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, D.A.V. (C) Dental College & Hospital, Yamunanagar, Haryana, IndiaFrom the day there has been pain associated with caries, scientists from all over have been finding ways to cure the already established lesion, and to prevent it at an early age
Dental caries is a complex disease that is expressed as an interaction of various factors including the host, agent, 1Senior Resident, 2,3Principal, Professor and Head, 4,5Professor
The present study was conducted in the outpatient Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, D.A.V. (C) Dental College & Hospital, Yamuna Nagar, Haryana, India, to evaluate and compare the efficacy of various caries preventive measures in reducing S. mutans counts in saliva using Dentocult SM Strip Mutans test kit
Summary
Dental caries is a complex disease that is expressed as an interaction of various factors including the host, agent, 2,4,5Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, D.A.V. From the day there has been pain associated with caries, scientists from all over have been finding ways to cure the already established lesion, and to prevent it at an early age. The various caries preventive measures have been broadly classified into mechanical, chemical, and dietary control measures. Among the mechanical means, toothbrushing is the most common devise used for oral hygiene maintenance.[2] the bisbiguanide chlorhexidine, which has been studied extensively for over 20 years, is currently the most potent chemotherapeutic agent against mutans streptococci and dental caries.[3]. There are various modes of fluoride application, and, among them, fluoride varnishes are known to cause most significant reduction in S. mutans counts, are recommended for use in preschool children, and seem to be the most suitable and documented regimen for the infants
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