Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study was to estimate the count of Streptococcus mutans in saliva of caries free children using Dentocult SM strip mutans and to evaluate the effect of fluoride varnish on the Streptococcus mutans count in saliva of these caries free children.Methods and material: Thirty caries free children were selected for the study based on the information obtained from a questionnaire prepared. They were randomly assigned into the control group and the study group consisting of ten and twenty children respectively. Samples of saliva were collected using the saliva strips from the Dentocult SM kit and after incubation the presence of the Streptococcus mutans was evaluated using the manufacturers’ chart. The study group was subjected to Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application after 24 hours following which the samples were collected again.Results: The average Streptococcus mutans count in primary dentition of caries free children was in the range of 104 to 105 colony forming units/ml. The average Streptococcus mutans count in primary dentition of caries free children after Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application was below 104 colony forming units/ml.Conclusion: Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application showed a statistically significant reduction in the Streptococcus mutans count in saliva of the caries free children in the study group.
Highlights
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases afflicting mankind.[1]
The average Streptococcus mutans count in primary dentition of caries free children was in the range of 104 to 105 colony forming units/ml
The average Streptococcus mutans count in primary dentition of caries free children after Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application was below 104 colony forming units/ml
Summary
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases afflicting mankind.[1] Dental caries has been traditionally described as a multifactorial disease that involves the interaction of various factors like host, agent, substrate and time. Most important in the understanding of caries process is that dental caries does not occur either in the absence of dental plaque or dietary fermentable carbohydrate, it is considered as a dietobacterial disease. Streptococcus mutans play a significant role in the development of dental caries and is the chief pathogen.[2,3] Modern concepts consider caries as an interaction between genetic and environmental factors in which social, behavioral, psychological and biological factors are expressed in a highly complex interactive manner. If caries has to occur and progress the above conditions should be favorable
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