Periodontal Pathogen Colonization in Young Children by PCR Quantification - A Longitudinal Survey.

Abstract

Periodontal diseases are among the leading causes of premature tooth loss in adults, but the microbiota associated with this problem is established over time in childhood. This longitudinal study aimed to verify the occurrence of periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity of children aged six, twelve, eighteen and twenty-four months through PCR quantification, correlating them with the oral microbiota of their mothers. Saliva and oral biofilm samples were collected from mothers and children by using sterilized paper points. Furthermore, a questionnaire was applied in all periods to evaluate hygiene and dietary habits. A positive correlation was found between mother-child pairs in all periods. No correlation was observed between hygiene and dietary habits and occurrence of periodontal pathogens. Early inclusion of children in preventive and biofilm control programs could contribute to preventing acquisition of aggressive pathogens.