Observational Study Regarding the Relationship between Nutritional Status, Dental Caries, Mutans Streptococci, and Lactobacillus Bacterial Colonies.

Eugen Silviu Bud,Cristina Ioana Bica,Daniela Eșian,Anamaria Bud,Oana Elena Stoica,Mariana Păcurar,Manuela Chibelean,Sorana-Maria Bucur,Alexandru Vlasa

doi:10.3390/ijerph18073551

Abstract

The prevalence of dental caries and obesity is high as both raise significant health problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between dental caries, the number of salivary colonies forming units of Mutans Streptococci (MS) and Lactobacillus (LB), and the nutritional status in a group of children from Transylvania. This observational study used a sample of 154 school children, aged 9 to 12 years. The prevalence of caries was measured using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index for deciduous teeth (dmft index) and for permanent teeth (DMFT index). Height and weight were assessed for each subject, and their body mass index (BMI) percentile was calculated. Salivary levels of Mutans Streptococci (MS) and Lactobacillus (LB) were determined using the CRT Bacteria Test from Ivoclar Vivadent. In our study, we found a positive association between the BMI percentile, MS count, LB count, tooth brushing frequency, and the incidence of dental caries in children aged 9 to 12 years old. Future preventive programs should include nutrition control in order to prevent both the apparition of dental caries and obesity in children.

Highlights

IntroductionPublisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations
Great attention is focused on the prevention and maintenance of a high standard of oral hygiene and control [14,15], this study aims to investigate the relationship between dental caries and overweight in a group of school children in Transylvania, evaluating other risk factors involved in the etiology of dental caries, namely tooth brushing frequency, the salivary Mutans Streptococci (MS) and LB levels, and dental crowding
In our study, which used three risk factors to predict dental caries, we found a positive association between the body mass index (BMI) percentile and the incidence of dental caries in children aged

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Dental caries is one of the most common public health problems among children causing a social, physical, mental, and financial burden. Dental caries is the main cause of dental pain. It can determine mastication difficulties or it can have a profound impact on a child’s oral, general health, and quality of life [1]

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