Levels Of Mutans Streptococci Research Articles

Clinical and microbial oral health status in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

To study the oral health of young individuals with controlled and uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and compare the results with those for healthy counterparts. One-hundred and forty-four youngsters (6-15years of age) were assigned, according to glycaemic control, to three study groups: (i) diabetic patients with poor glycaemic control [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c ≥7.5%)] (n=35); (ii) diabetic patients with good glycaemic control (HbA1c <7.5%) (n=39); and (iii) healthy individuals (n=70). Plaque, gingival inflammation, calculus and decayed, missing and filled surfaces (DMFS) indices were recorded. Salivary parameters were determined, and stimulated saliva was collected to allow detection and determination of the levels of oral Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Significantly different amounts of plaque were found among the study groups (P=0.024): youngsters with poor glycaemic control had significantly more plaque than youngsters in the other two groups. The gingival, calculus and DMFS indices were not significantly different among groups (P>0.05). Candidaalbicans levels were not statistically significant different among groups, but the group with poor glycemic control showed an elevated frequency of detection. Streptococcusmutans was isolated from the oral cavity of 96 of the 144 individuals. A statistically significant difference in the level of S.mutans was found between the group with poor glycaemic control and the healthy control group (P=0.032). The results imply that youngsters with T1DM have a lower level of oral hygiene and are potentially at a higher risk of future oral disease, particularly when their metabolic disorder is uncontrolled. However, factors outside the oral cavity may also have a considerable impact on the initiation and progression of oral diseases.

Sex-Based Diverse Plaque Microbiota in Children with Severe Caries

Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is a multifactorial disease that can lead to suffering and reduced oral health–related quality of life in young children. The bacterial and fungal composition of dental plaque and how children’s sex is associated with S-ECC are largely unknown. In this study, V4-16S rRNA and ITS1 rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to compare the plaque bacteriome and mycobiome of children <72 mo of age: 40 with S-ECC (15 males, 25 females) and 40 caries-free (19 males, 21 females). Health- and nutrition-related questionnaire data were also investigated. This study aimed to analyze potential sex-based differences in the supragingival plaque microbiota of young children with S-ECC and those caries-free. Behavioral and nutritional habit differences were observed between children with S-ECC and those caries-free and between male and female children. Overall, higher levels of Veillonella dispar, Streptococcus mutans, and other bacterial species were found in the S-ECC group as compared with caries-free controls (P < 0.05). A significant difference in the abundance of Neisseria was observed between males and females with S-ECC (P < .05). Fungal taxonomic analysis showed significantly higher levels of Candida dubliniensis in the plaque of children with S-ECC as compared with those caries-free (P < 0.05), but no differences were observed with Candida albicans (P > 0.05). Significant differences in the relative abundance of Mycosphaerella, Cyberlindnera, and Trichosporon fungal species were also observed between the caries-free and S-ECC groups (P < 0.05). Machine learning analysis revealed the most important bacterial and fungal species for classifying S-ECC versus caries-free. Different patterns of crosstalk between microbial species were observed between male and female children. Our work demonstrates that plaque microbiota and sex may be important determinants for S-ECC and could be factors to consider for inclusion in caries risk assessment tools.

Evaluating the effect of probiotics on salivary microflora: A clinical controlled trail

Objective: Probiotics are dietary supplements of live microorganisms thought to be healthy for the host organism. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of probiotic administered in the form of multi-strain suspension on the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli in children of mixed dentition period. Materials and Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo study was done. Saliva samples were collected at baseline and after 15 days of the study, microbial cultures were done to count the number of colony forming unit. This data was tabulated and analyzed. Result: There was a significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans count in the study group after 15 days as compared to its initial count and placebo group. But no significant difference was observed in Lactobacilli count between the two groups. Probiotics reduced the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans in children of mixed dentition period. Conclusion: The application of probiotics may in the near future, provide the end of new cavities. Keywords: Probiotics, Randomized, Salivary, Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli.

Salivary Immunoglobulin A and Streptococcus mutans Levels among Lebanese Preschool Children with Early Childhood Caries

We checked in this study the correlation between total immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Streptococcus mutans (SM) levels in saliva derived from Lebanese children with inappropriate eating habits and showing early childhood caries (ECC). Sixty Lebanese preschool children with similar alimentation were included in this study and divided into two groups. Group I included children having 0 cavities where group II contained children having ECC. We measured the SM and IgA levels collected from saliva and dental plaque. We observed a significant difference in SM levels between the two groups (p < 0.001). There was a marginal correlation between salivary total IgA and SM collected from dental plaque (r = 0.33, p = 0.077). However, no significant correlation was detected between total salivary IgA and salivary SM (p = 0.35). This study suggests the absence of significant relationship between salivary markers of immune system and the development of ECC. Early childhood caries is a public dental health problem that has been affecting preschool children all over the world. Its prevention must be a priority for all professionals in the medical and dental community. This study highlights the absence of correlation between total IgA and SM collected from the saliva. This does not completely exclude the preventive role of salivary immune components, but further studies are required to better understand this relationship.

Prevalence of Oral Microbial Flora during Orthodontic Space Closure: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances especially during the retraction stage makes it challenging to maintain the oral hygiene. Attachments used, such as elastic chains, loops and springs, result in changes in the oral environment due to the accumulation of plaque and increase in the levels of bacterial count mainly Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli species. Aim: To determine the prevalence of oral microbial flora during orthodontic space closure. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional pilot study conducted during the month of December 2019 which consisted of eight patients who were randomly selected among the age group of 18-25 years. Mean and SD of age in Males (4) and Females (4) were 22±2.16 years and 22.25±1.70 years, respectively and had reported to the Department of Orthodontics of a private dental college, Saveetha Dental College. In each patient, after 6-8 months of orthodontic treatment, plaque samples were collected only once around the orthodontic brackets at the cervical aspect of the maxillary lateral incisor, maxillary premolar, mandibular canine, mandibular premolar in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quadrant respectively, by the method of cotton swabbing for the evaluation of micro flora. Independent paired t-test and One-way ANOVA with Post-hoc Tukey HSD test were done to estimate the prevalence of microorganisms at different sites. Results: Independent paired t-test showed highly significant differences in the levels of Streptococcus mutans when compared to Lactobacillus (p&lt;0.001) with mean values of 4.8±2.5 and 23.1±9.2 for Streptococcus and Lactobacillus, respectively. One-way ANOVA with Post-hoc Turkey HSD analysis showed significant difference at the region of maxillary lateral incisor compared to other sites whereas Lactobacillishowed no significant differences between the various sites tested (p-value&lt;0.001). Kappa statistics was performed which revealed an inter examiner reliability of 0.91. Conclusion: During orthodontic space closure, bacterial count of Streptococcus mutans showed a statistically significant difference between different sites (maxillary lateral incisor, mandibular canines, maxillary and mandibular premolars) with highest being the maxillary incisor region followed by that of mandibular canines. However, the incidence of Lactobacillusacidophilus did not show any difference between the various sites evaluated.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of probiotics consumption on salivary Streptococcus Mutans counts in mentally retarded children: An Ex Vivo study

Background: Probiotics are those live micro-organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics consumption on levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans in mentally retarded children. Materials and Method: The study was undertaken with 30 institutionalized healthy children and 30 institutionalized mentally retarded children of 4-14 years of age group. The children were randomly divided into two groups, each comprising 15 children; Study group I: Mentally retarded children consuming probiotics, Study group II: Mentally retarded children not consuming probiotics, Control group I: healthy children consuming probiotics, Control group II: healthy children not consuming probiotics. The children consumed probiotics for 4 weeks. Streptococcus mutans/ml of saliva was collected at baseline, after 2nd week and 4th week. Results: A statistically significant reduction (P

Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus Proportion in the Saliva of the patients Undergoing Extraction Procedure

To assess the influence of salivary bacterial flora in the complete loss of tooth structure leading to extraction. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus that leads to tooth extraction. If the etilogy is known prophylactic measures or the steps to retain the tooth can be initiated at the early stage of the lesion. Dental extraction is the process of removal of tooth from the dental socket in the alveolar bone. It is performed for wide variety of reasons the most common reason is tooth that has become unrestorable through tooth decay and the surrounding tissues. This is caused by both facultative anaerobes and obligate anaerobes. This study is aimed to assess the contribution of two major populations of bacterial species in saliva that contributes to tooth loss. The study comprised of 60 subjects divided into three groups, 20 healthy individuals, 20 individuals both male and female reporting for restoration due to dental caries and 20 subjects both male and female reported for tooth removal were randomly selected. The saliva samples were collected in sterile container and subjected for microbiological analysis. The study was conducted in the year 2019. There was a significant increase in the mutans and lactobacillus in the patients coming for dental extraction. This study concludes that there is a many fold increase in the total bacterial count of the saliva and there is also a significant proportionate increase in Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli. Further study can be conducted to demonstrate that penetration into deeper layers and bone structures.

Correlation of streptococcus mutans and streptococcus sobrinus colonization with and without caries experience in preschool children.

The aciduric mutans streptococci (MS) group, including Streptococcus mutans (SM) and Streptococcus sobrinus (SS), is highly cariogenic. Relationship between increments in dental caries and the presence of these species is not yet clarified. It is of great importance to separately determine the presence of these two species for understanding their role in dental caries, accurate prediction, and effective prevention. Hence, this study was undertaken to detect the presence of SM and SS in plaque samples of caries-free (CF), early childhood caries (ECC), and severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) and also to compare the possible relationship between these species with the occurrence of ECC. In all, 120 healthy children between 3 and 6 years of age were randomly allocated into three groups: Group A (n = 40) CF, Group B (n = 40) ECC, and Group C (n = 40) S-ECC. Plaque samples were collected from all approximal surface and gingivobuccal surfaces of teeth using a sterile universal scaler and dmft/dmfs scores were taken. The presence of SM and SS was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The presence of SM in CF, ECC, and S-ECC was 10.0%, 27.5%, and 42.5%, respectively, and SS was 5.0%, 40.0%, and 47.5% in CF, ECC, and S-ECC, respectively. Comparison of mean relative quantification (RQ) values of SM between three study groups showed significant results between CF and S-ECC at P value 0.003. Comparison of mean RQ values of SS showed significant results between CF to ECC and CF to S-ECC at P value <0.001. This study showed significant results between the mean dmft/dmfs scores in three study groups and the presence of high levels of SM and SS in ECC and S-ECC groups. However, the study showed weak positive correlation between dmfs scores and both SM and SS species in ECC and S-ECC. Higher levels of SS were more closely related to the caries-active lesions leading to severity of dental disease, that is, both in ECC and S-ECC. There was significant difference between mean dmft/dmfs scores in three study groups and it also showed positive correlation between dmfs scores and SM and SS colonization in ECC and S-ECC status.

Effects of the Consumption of Probiotic Yogurt Containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 on the Levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli in Saliva of Students with Initial Stages of Dental Caries: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Dental caries, caused by oral microbiota, is one of the most common human diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of consumption of probiotic yogurt containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 on salivary Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in students with initial stages of dental caries. In this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, 66 students (18–30 years) with initial stages of dental caries were selected and randomly assigned into 2 groups: the intervention group received 300 g/day of probiotic yogurt and the control group received 300 g/day of conventional yogurt for 2 weeks. An unstimulated fasting saliva sample was collected pre- and post-intervention. Bacterial counting was performed for salivary S. mutans and lactobacilli. A significant reduction in salivary S. mutans and lactobacillus counts was observed in the intervention group compared to their baseline and compared to the control group. In conclusion, it is suggested that the consumption of probiotic yogurt containing B. lactis Bb12 may modify the oral biofilm.

Risk assessments in orthodontic patients developing white spot lesions.

To determine whether caries risk factors, including cariogenic bacterial levels and salivary function, can be used to identify orthodontic patients who develop white spot lesions (WSL). This prospective case-control study comprised 50 patients 11-17years of age, including 25 controls and 25 cases who developed new WSL during treatment. WSL, oral hygiene and fluorosis were evaluated from intraoral photographs. The biofilm was assessed with bacterial cultures and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence. Salivary analyses were performed to determine the pH of saliva and flow rates. A survey was used to assess snacking frequency, oral hygiene and fluoride utilization. There were no between-group pretreatment differences in WSL. Cases reported eating sugary foods significantly more often than the controls. There was a significant decline in oral hygiene during treatment, with no significant between-group difference. There also were no statistically significant between-group differences in the amount of saliva, buffer, ATP bioluminescence and bacterial levels. Both groups showed lower than normal buffer capacity and high bacterial levels. Cases had greater sugar intake between meals than controls. ATP bioluminescence, Streptococcus mutans levels with Saliva Check Mutans, and salivary factors do not identify patients who develop WSL.

Association between Streptococcus mutans levels and severity of caries in Ecuadorian schoolchildren aged 6 to 10 years.

Dental caries is a multifactorial, infectious and communicable disease, and Streptococcus mutans is the key microorganism related to this pathology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between the levels of Streptococcus mutans and caries in schoolchildren. Descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted on 100 schoolchildren aged 6 to 10 years from the Unidad Educativa Checa Cuenca, Ecuador. ICDAS index and odontogram were used to measure the prevalence and severity of caries. For the identification and quantification of Streptococcus mutans , dental plaque samples were used for cultivation and biochemical tests (MicroScan). The results were analyzed statistically using absolute and relative frequencies, for bivariate analysis Chi-squared test and Fisher’s Test ( p &lt;0.05) were used. 96% of the schoolchildren presented dental caries, 69% of them were children aged 8 to 10 years, the prevalence of caries was higher in females reaching 57%. High (60,000UFC/ml) and very high (70,000UFC/ml) levels of Streptococcus mutans were found on schoolchildren aged 8 to 10 years reaching 22% and 8%, respectively ( p =0.005). Regarding sex, high (60,000UFC/ml) as well as very low (0- 20,000UFC/ml) levels of Streptococcus mutans appeared without difference by sex ( p = 0.355). Schoolchildren without caries presented a low count of Streptococcus mutans (0 -20,000 UFC/ml), children with caries presented variable levels of Streptococcus mutans , although higher than 20,000UFC/ml ( p &lt;0.001). Conclusion: there is a high prevalence of caries in the school population with high levels of Streptococcus mutans.

Effect of Short-Term Placebo-Controlled Consumption of Probiotic Yoghurt and Indian Curd on the Streptococcus mutans Level in Children Undergoing Fixed Interceptive Orthodontic Therapy.

To examine the effect of short-term consumption of probiotic yoghurt, Indian curd, and ultra-heated yoghurt as placebo on the levels of salivary and plaque Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in children undergoing fixed interceptive orthodontic therapy. A placebo-controlled double-blind study was carried out in a total of 30 children (8-15 years). The S. mutans level in the plaque and saliva were taken at the baseline and 2 weeks after the initiation of fixed orthodontic treatment by Dentocult SM kits. An equal number of participants randomized in three groups were asked to ingest 200 g of yoghurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La-1 and La-2 (>1×109 cfu/mL) once daily, Indian curd, or ultra-heated control yoghurt without viable bacteria and were followed for the S. mutans level after 2 weeks. A significant reduction in salivary S. mutans levels was recorded after probiotic yoghurt ingestion (p=0.001) in addition to a reduction in the plaque S. mutans, which was observed after Indian curd consumption (p=0.026). Our findings suggest that short-term daily consumption of probiotic yoghurt along with Indian curd may help to reduce the levels of S. mutans in the saliva and plaque in children undergoing interceptive fixed orthodontic therapy.

Risk factors of early childhood caries (ECC) among children in Beijing - a prospective cohort study

BackgroundEarly childhood caries (ECC) was a serious oral health concern with high prevalence and a low treatment rate in China, and few researches have focused on preschool children. This study aimed to explore the risk factors of ECC in Beijing, China.MethodsTotle of 712 children (mean age: 46.37 ± 5.44 months) participated in this prospective cohort study. Questionnaires and the levels of mutans streptococci in dental plaques and non-stimulated saliva, assessed using Dentocult SM strips, were collected at baseline, respectively. Two calibrated examiners checked for dental caries according to the WHO 1997 criteria at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Negative binomial regression was used for multivariate analysis of factors related to caries development.ResultsFor caries-free children at baseline, only plaque mutans streptococci (PMS) levels were associated with caries development (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–2.61, P = 0.02). Children with high PMS levels (scored 2 and 3) had higher caries incidence (46.2% vs. 33.8%) and more caries increment (1.87 ± 3.17 vs. 0.90 ± 1.89) than those with low levels (scored 0 and 1). Among all participants, PMS (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.32–2.23, P < 0.001) and previous caries experience (OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 2.20–3.56, P < 0.001) were related to caries increment.ConclusionsFor caries-free children, the only significant risk factor for ECC was high PMS levels. For all participants, besides high PMS levels, previous caries experience was another significant risk factor for caries development.Trial registrationThe study design, protocol, and informed consent forms were undertaken with the understanding of Declaration of Helsinki and were approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the School of Stomatology, Peking University, China (PKUSSIRB-2012042).

The effect of chlorhexidine-thymol and fluoride varnishes on the levels of Streptococcus mutans in saliva in children aged 6-8 years.

Streptococcus mutans is considered as the main pathogenic factor for initiation and progression of dental caries. Fluoride is one of the most effective agents used to control caries. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is the most antimicrobial agent against S. mutans and dental caries. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of antimicrobial activity of CHX-thymol (CHX/T) and fluoride varnishes on S. mutans levels in children's saliva aged from 6 to 8 years old. The total number of children involved in this study is sixty, ages 6 and 8 years old. The participants were divided into three groups by block randomization: Group 1 CHX/T varnish, Group 2 fluoride varnish (f varnish, and Group 3 control group. Varnish was applied onto all tooth surfaces of the participants. At the baseline conditions, saliva samples were collected from the participants for bacterial examination test. This procedure was repeated in week 1, 4, and 12. Bacterial quantitative test was performed, and the number of S. mutans was estimated. The results revealed the significant efficacy of the two groups (fluoride and CHX/T varnishes) in reducing salivary S. mutans numbers when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In terms of salivary colony-forming unit counts reduction of S. mutans, no significant difference was observed between the fluoride and CHX/T varnish groups (P > 0.05). The outcomes showed that there was a significant reduction in S. mutans counts in children's saliva following the application of fluoride and CHX/T varnishes.

Evaluation of Streptococcus mutans serotypes e, f, and k in saliva samples of 6-12-year-old school children before and after a short-term daily intake of the probiotic lozenge.

The aim of this study is to assess the variations in the levels of Streptococcus mutans in saliva before and after short-term daily intake of the probiotic lozenge. To estimate the prevalence of S. mutans serotypes e, f, and k and its variations in salivary levels before and after short-term daily intake of the probiotic lozenge. This double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted among 60 children of 6-12 years old, who were given lozenge twice daily containing probiotic bacteria twice daily, one in the morning and another in the evening after brushing for 1 month. The placebo lozenge group also followed the same protocol. A pre- and post-quantitative analysis of S. mutans and serotypes e, f, and k level were done in the saliva of both experiment and control groups. The data thus collected were statistically evaluated using repeated measures of ANOVA, followed by post hoc test and independent t-test. When compared with baseline, a significant reduction of S. mutans was seen after 1 month intervention and 6 months follow-up. The prevalence of serotype e was found to be 5% and serotype k was found to be 12%, whereas none of the samples carried serotype f. Future long-term research with a larger sample size is required to determine the prevalence of S. mutans serotype and longer evaluation period is required to assess the preventive role against caries development.

Streptococcus Mutans Strains in Mother-Child Pairs of Children with Early Childhood Caries.

Dental caries is both an infectious and transmissible disease. Maternal transfer of Mutans Streptococci occurs at an early age and is important in the initiation of dental caries in children. The aim of this study was to identify certain strains of Streptococcus mutans in mother-child pairs, of children with early childhood caries. Sixty mother-child pairs of healthy children aged 18-36 months were selected. Mothers with high levels of Streptococcus mutans in their saliva and only children with ECC were included. Dental plaque samples were collected from mother-child pairs. The plaque samples were stored, transferred to the laboratory and analyzed for Streptococcus mutans strains c, f, e and k, present in mother-child pairs using Real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis for level of similarity in Streptococcus mutans strains present in mother-child pairs. A similar distribution of Streptococcus mutans strains c, f and k was identified in 28 mother-child pairs. Streptococcus mutans strain e was seen in 18 pairs. Less than 50% of mother-child pairs showed similarity in distribution of Streptococcus mutans strains.

Effect of Fluoride-releasing Elastomers on Mutans Streptococci in Dental Plaque: An In Vivo Study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride-releasing elastomeric modules in the control of Streptococcus mutans levels in the oral cavity. The study consisted of 30 patients, with two experimental periods of three weeks and a three-week washout period between experimental periods. At the first visit, fluoridated modules were placed around brackets on 12 11 33 and non-fluoridated ones on 21 22 43. During the 2nd visit, the modules were removed and sent for a microbiological analysis. Non-fluoridated modules were placed on all brackets for one visit to allow for a washout period. At the 3rd visit, fluoridated elastomeric modules were placed around brackets on 21 22 43 and non-fluoridated on 12 11 33. At the 4th visit, the procedures at the 2nd visit were repeated. A mean comparison between bacterial counts of fluoride-releasing and non-fluoridated elastomeric modules in both the trials were done by the Mann-Whitney U test, which showed the result to be significant (p < 0.001). The mean comparison of bacterial counts between fluoride-releasing and non-fluoridated elastomeric modules in a specific area was done by the Wilcoxon signed rank test, which showed the result to be significant (p < 0.001). A comparison between bacterial counts of fluoride-releasing elastomeric modules in both trials were done by the Mann-Whitney U test, which also showed a significant result (p < 0.001). The sustained-release fluoridated elastomeric modules are effective in reducing the levels of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque around the brackets for a time period of 21 days. The sustained-release fluoridated modules were effective in reducing the CFU of S. mutans and are also stable at the end of 21 days of the experimental period. But the action of fluoride released from the modules is localized, temporary, and requires constant maintenance of these modules over the brackets throughout the treatment period.

Effect of Green Tea Extract Mouthwash on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Counts in a Group of Preschool Children: An In Vivo Study.

ABSTRACTAimThis study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of green tea mouthwash on the salivary level of Streptococcus mutans in the preschool children.Materials and methodsIn this randomized controlled clinical trial, 40 cooperative children (4–5 years old) were divided into two groups. The study group included 20 children who did the routine tooth brushing 3 times/day, and then green tea extract mouthwash (8 mL/day) 2 times/day for 4 weeks. The control group included other 20 children who did the routine tooth brushing as the study group but did not use any green tea extract mouthwash. The quantitative microbiological laboratory cultivation method of S. mutans was carried out for each child at the baseline, after 2 weeks, and after 4 weeks of the study period.ResultsStatistically, the results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean log S. mutans counts between the study and control groups in both follow-up periods after 2 weeks and after 4 weeks. Also, there were statistically significant mean percentage decreases in log S. mutans counts for the two groups.ConclusionThe use of green tea mouthwash showed promising results in reducing the cariogenic salivary S. mutans counts.Clinical significanceGreen tea extract mouthwash is a nontoxic and safe, particularly for children. Catechins, the main bioactive ingredient of green tea, show an antibacterial action; thus, it has a promising effect in decreasing the count of salivary S. mutans and in the prevention of dental caries.How to cite this articleSalama MT, Alsughier ZA. Effect of Green Tea Extract Mouthwash on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Counts in a Group of Preschool Children: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(2):133–138.

Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Green Tea Mouth Rinse and Green Tea Gel on the Salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus Colony Count in 12-18-year-old Teenagers: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Aims:Green tea is an antibacterial agent with no significant side effect. This feature makes green tea safe for children to use. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of green tea gel and mouth rinse on salivary level of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus of teenagers aged 12–18 years.Subjects and Methods:In this randomized controlled clinical trial study, 30 children aged 12–18 years were included in the study according to the inclusion criteria and were randomly divided into two groups. Participants in mouth rinse group were asked to rinse their mouth with 0.5% green tea mouthwash twice a day for 2 weeks. In the gel group, participants were requested to brush their teeth with 0.5% green tea gel twice a day for 2 weeks. After 4 weeks of washout period, mouthwash group applied the gel and the gel group rinsed the mouthwash for 2 weeks and with the same instruction as mentioned. Colony count of S. mutans and Lactobacillus was determined before and after intervention and data were analyzed using t-test.Results:According to the independent t-test, there was no significant difference in the salivary levels of S. mutans before and after intervention regarding age and gender (P = 0.33). Results from paired t-test showed significant decrease in the mean count of S. mutans and Lactobacillus colonies in both groups before and after intervention (P < 0.001).Conclusions:Green tea gel and mouthwash contribute to a significant reduction of salivary levels of S. mutans and Lactobacillus colonies, with a greater effect of mouthwash than the green tea gel, which was not statistically significant.

Effficacy of Probiotic Drink Containing Lactobacillus Casei Shirota Strain on Factors Affecting Dental Caries

Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of probiotic drink on factors affecting dental caries. Materials and Method A three phase study where 12 volunteers were recruited with a DMFT score >3.The unstimulated saliva samples were collected prior to the start of intervention. The saliva samples were also collected after two weeks of consumption of the probiotic drink, Yakult (Yakult Honsha co., Ltd) and after wash out period of two weeks. These samples were cultured to detect the Streptococcus mutans level by colony count and to detect pH using pH strips. The volunteers were also asked to maintain a diet chart to determine sugar exposure. Results The mean of Streptococcus mutans colony count has significantly decreased from 27.17 (baseline count) to 2.50 (two weeks of intervention) respectively and has increased to 11.75 (washout period of two weeks). The mean of pH at baseline, after two weeks of intervention and after washout period were 6.08, 6.92 and 7.00 respectively. The correlation coefficient of dietary sugar exposure with Streptococcus mutans count for baseline and after two weeks of intervention were-.227 and-.007 respectively. Conclusion Probiotics when used as a regular drink reduces the Streptococcus mutans count in the oral cavity. People who have high sugar exposure can also control the oral microbiome with regular usage of probiotic with no significant variation in the salivary pH. It exhibits transient colonisation and lacks substantivity.