THE EVALUATION OF Streptococcus Mutans COLONIZATION IN PRIVATE SCHOOL NURSERY-KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN's TOOTHBRUSH AT DIYARBAKIR REGION

Abstract

AIM: Disinfection of the toothbrush is an essential parameter for oral hygiene. As a result, especially children can not clean their toothbrushes sufficiently after brushing their teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accumulation level of Streptococcus mutans colonization at private school nursery-kindergarten children's toothbrushes and evaluate the effectiveness of chlorhexidine solution in four weeks for disinfection. METHODS: This study was approved by the local ethics committee. Two hundred thirty-four private school nursery-kindergarten children were selected for this study, who's aged between 24-72 months. These selected children for this study did not have any dental, antibiotic, antimycotic treatment in the last three months. Before the study, a survey was conducted about parents' education, employment, the income. A pediatric dentist made an oral examination of these children, dental caries, fillings, and missing teeth were determined. Children were divided into two groups; toothbrushes, toothpaste, and practical solutions distilled water and %0,12 chlorhexidine gluconate solution was given in a bottle for four weeks. In addition, the toothbrushes of children were collected every week. After incubation, Streptococcus mutans colonization was evaluated under stereomicroscope. All the collected data were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: The DMF-T scores were statistically significant when evaluated with parents' education and income (p<0,05), but there was no statistical relationship between parents' employment and DMF-T scores (p0,05). Streptococcus mutans colony reduction at the Chlorhexidine group was statistically significant (p<0,05). CONCLUSION: From the first brushing, toothbrushes can be contaminated with bacteria. If the toothbrushes are not clean sufficiently, the bacteria taken from the oral environment have a chance to form a colony on the toothbrushes with the effect of moisture. In addition, Streptococcus Mutans is a bacteria that can stay on toothbrushes and cause re-infection. This study shows that toothbrush disinfection is essential to prevent bacteria from re-infection and contamination of oral flora.