Salivary pH, Flow Rate and Streptococcus mutans Count in Relation to Oral Health Statusamong Colored Eyes Adolescentsin Baghdad/Iraq

Abstract

Differences in susceptibility to dental caries occurs even under the similar, controlled conditions because of genetic variations, certain environmental factors are potentially more cariogenic for some individuals than for others. Salivary constituents differences may cause variation in caries susceptibility. This study was conducted to assess the salivary pH, flow rate and streptococcus mutans count in relation to oral health status among colored eyes adolescents. The study group included all 85 colored eyes adolescents from 6 secondary schools, while control group contained 85 brown eyes adolescents selected randomly from the same schools (12-15 for both groups, only males). Decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT), plaque (PlI), Gingival (GI) and calculus (CI) indices were used to measure oral health status for both groups. Salivary samples collection was done in the morning at least one hour after breakfast, then normal saline was added to have tenfold dilutions, to assess the total colony counting of the caries related microorganisms (streptococcus mutans), after that inoculation was done in the special selective media (Mitis-Salivarius-Bacitracin agar). Counting of bacterial colonies were estimated by the aid of dissection microscope. Salivary pH and flow rate were measured directly. The data of present study was analyzed using SPSS version 21. The median and mean rank values for DMFT, PlI, GI and CI indices were higher in study group than control group with high significant differences with regard to DMFT and PlI. A strong positive correlation was recorded between DMFT and PlI, GI, CI in both groups. Salivary pH and flow rate were lower in study compared to the control group (statistically significant difference with salivary flow rate). Higher mean value of salivary streptococcus mutans count among study group compared to control group with statistical significant difference. Dental caries experience and streptococcus mutans count were higher in colored eyes adolescents than brown eyes adolescents. Oral hygiene and salivary flow rate were lower in study group than control group.