Salivary Levels Of Mutans Streptococci Research Articles

Effect of Probiotic Containing Ice-cream on Salivary Mutans Streptococci (SMS) Levels in Children of 6-12 Years of Age: A Randomized Controlled Double Blind Study with Six-months Follow Up.

To evaluate the caries risk based on the salivary levels of streptococcus mutans in children of 6-12 years of age group before and after consuming probiotic ice-cream containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 and Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5. A double blind, placebo controlled trial was carried out in 60 children aged between 6 to 12 years with zero decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT). They were randomly divided into two equal groups. Saliva sample were collected before the consumption of ice-cream and Streptococcus mutans count was calculated and recorded as baseline data. For the next seven days both the groups were given ice creams marked as A and B. Saliva samples were collected after ice-cream consumption at the end of study period and also after a washout period of 30 days and again after six months. Samples were inoculated and colonies were counted. On statistical evaluation by students paired t-test, probiotic ice-cream brought significant reduction in the Streptococcus mutans count after seven days of ice-cream ingestion (p<0.001) and also after 30 d of washout period (p<0.001). There was no significant reduction (p=0.076) by normal ice-cream consumption. After six months of the study period in both the groups the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans was similar to the baseline. Probiotic ice-cream containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 and Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 can cause reduction in caries causative organism. The dosage of the probiotic organisms for the long term or synergetic effect on the oral health are still needed to be explored.

Comparison of risk indicators of dental caries in children with and without cleft lip and palate deformities

Objective:To test the hypothesis that there are no differences in various risk factors of dental caries among children with cleft lip and palate when compared to non-cleft high caries risk and non-cleft caries free children.Design:Seventy-three children in the age range of 4–9 years comprised three groups; Group-I (n = 23, children with cleft lip and palate), Group-II (n = 25, non-cleft high caries risk children) and Group-III (n = 25, non-cleft caries free children). Various risk factors for dental caries like type of oral hygiene practice, sugar exposures/day, developmental defects of enamel, caries activity, salivary streptococci mutans levels and lactobacilli levels were evaluated and compared among the three groups of children.Results:The mean deft score among Group-II children was significantly more (P < 0.01) as compared to the Group-I children. The mean deft + DMFT score among Group-I and Group-II children was comparable (P = 0.149). Developmental enamel defects were more among Group-I children as compared to Group-II and Group-III children (P < 0.01). Hypoplasia of the maxillary anterior teeth was more common among Group-I children as compared to Group-II (P < 0.05) and Group-III children (P < 0.001). The association between hypoplastic teeth and dental caries was significant (P < 0.05). The salivary acidogenic potential as evaluated by Snyder test was comparable among Group-I and Group-II children. The salivary streptococcus mutans levels in Group-I and Group-II children were higher when compared to lactobacillus counts.Conclusion:The risk factors of dental caries among children with cleft lip and palate were more as compared to non-cleft high caries risk and non-cleft caries free children.

Quantitative analysis of changes in salivary mutans streptococci after orthodontic treatment

The purpose of this study was to analyze the initial changes in salivary mutans streptococci levels after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. Our subjects consisted of 58 adults. Whole saliva and simplified oral hygiene index values were obtained at 4 time points: at debonding (T1), 1 week after debonding (T2), 5 weeks after debonding (T3), and 13 weeks after debonding (T4). Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine the time-related differences in salivary bacterial levels and the simplified oral hygiene index values among the 4 time points after quantifying the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and total bacteria with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Simplified oral hygiene index values and total bacteria significantly decreased, but salivary mutans streptococci levels significantly increased after orthodontic treatment. The amounts of total bacteria in saliva significantly decreased at T3 (T1, T2 > T3, T4), and the simplified oral hygiene index values decreased at T2 (T1 > T2, T3, T4). However, salivary S mutans and S sobrinus significantly increased at T3 and T4, respectively (T1, T2 < T3 < T4). Furthermore, the proportion of mutans streptococci to total bacteria significantly increased at T4 (T1, T2, T3 < T4). This study suggests that careful hygienic procedures are needed to reduce the risk for dental caries after orthodontic treatment, despite overall improved oral hygiene status.

Dental caries, cariogenic microorganisms and salivary properties of allergic rhinitis children

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to observe the caries activities of allergic rhinitis patients in relation to salivary properties, salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacillus (LB), oral hygiene and dietary habits. MethodsThe study groups composed of 40 allergic rhinitis children and 40 healthy controls aged between 6 and 13 years old. Demographic data, oral hygiene practices and dietary habits were recorded by questionnaire. For permanent teeth, caries experience was expressed as DMFT (D=decayed; M=missing; F=filled; T=teeth) index. The dmft (d=decayed; m=missing; f=filling; t=teeth) index was used for caries prevalence in primary teeth. Unstimulated salivary flow rate, salivary buffering capacity, and salivary MS and LB were also determined in children with allergic rhinitis and controls. ResultsThere were no significant differences in combined DMFT/dmft, salivary flow rate, buffer capacity of saliva, salivary LB levels, and sugary food consumption between cases and controls (p>0.05). However, higher salivary MS levels were observed in allergic rhinitis patients, compared to controls (P<0.05). ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that patients with allergic rhinitis had an increase in the level of salivary MS.

Evaluation of the effects of manuka honey on salivary levels of mutans streptococci in children: a pilot study.

There has been much debate in the past about whether honey is harmful to the teeth, mostly as part of the debate about raw sugar versus refined sugar and the results have been equivocal. However, what has not been taken into account is that honey varies markedly in the potency of its antibacterial activity. Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey from New Zealand has been found to have substantial levels of non-peroxide antibacterial activity associated with an unidentified phytochemical component, denoted as Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). Considering the potential antimicrobial effects of manuka honey, the present study attempted to investigate effects of twice daily use of manuka honey with UMF 19.5 on salivary levels of Mutans streptococci in children. The investigation was a stratified comparison of two parallel groups of children who either used manuka honey with regular tooth brushing regimen or continued only with regular tooth brushing regimen twice daily under professional supervision for a 21-day period. A total of three salivary samples were taken from each individual at baseline, day 10, and day 21; colony counts of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) were determined. All data was subjected to paired T-test and Wilcoxon's signed ranks sum for intra- and intergroup comparisons respectively. Children using manuka honey showed statistically significant reductions in salivary S. mutans after 10 and 21 days. Manuka honey with UMF 19.5 may be considered as an effective adjunctive oral hygiene measure for reducing colony counts in children.

Assessment of relationship between dermatoglyphics, dental caries and mutans streptococci levels among 3–6 year old children in Davangere city-A cross sectional survey

Objectives : To assess the relationship between dermatoglyphics, dental caries and salivary Mutans Streptococci levels among 3-6 year old children in Davangere city. Materials and method : Children of 3-6 year old who had DMFT/deft ≥ 5 were selected as cases (n=115) and those who had DMFT/ deft=0 were selected as controls (n=115) from primary schools. Dermatoglyphics was recorded using ink stamp pad method and interpreted using magnifying lens(10x). Salivary Mutans Streptococcus levels were estimated by microbial culture of the collected salivary samples. Unpaired t test was used to compare the means of frequency of dermatoglyphic patterns and Mutans streptococci between the groups and Pearson's correlation test was used to test the correlation between the dermatoglyphic patterns, dental caries and salivary Mutans Streptococci. Results : The cases had low frequency of loops of 3.62±2.39 when compared to controls who had 6.35±2.62 (p<0.001). The frequency of whorls in cases was 3.4± 2.88 when compared to controls, 2.1 ±2.51 (p<0.05). With respect to arches, the cases had more frequency of arches 2.72 ± 2.46 and controls had 1.06 ± 1.65 (p<0.001). The cases had high salivary S. Mutans growth (CFU per ml), 11.9 x 106 ± 27.83 when compared to controls who had 5.5 x 106 ±17.73 (p<0.001). There was a negative correlation between mean DMFT/ deft and the frequency of loops (r = - 0.51, p<0.001) and a positive correlation between mean DMFT/deft and salivary Mutans Streptococci (r = 0.76, p<0.001). Positive correlation was also found with mean DMFT/deft and frequency of whorls (r = 0.17, p < 0.05) and also for frequency of arches (r = 0.38, p<0.001). Conclusions : Cases had less frequency of loops and more frequency of whorls and arches when compared to controls. Cases had high salivary Mutans Streptococci when compared to controls. There was a negative correlation between DMFT/deft and frequency of loops and a positive correlation between the DMFT/deft and salivary Mutans Streptococci. A poor correlation was found between DMFT/deft and frequency of whorls and also between DMFT/deft and frequency of arches.

Correlation between mutans streptococci counts of parents and their children residing in Chandigarh, India.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Mutans Streptococci (MS) in children and to evaluate the relationship between the salivary levels of MS in children and their parents. Material and Methods: 100 children aged 3-6 years along with their parents (100 mothers and fathers each) were included in the study. The children were segregated depending upon their age and level of caries experience. The children were examined clinically on an ordinary chair in natural daylight using the Møller’s index criteria. Assays for Mutans Streptococci (MS) were done for both the children and their parents using the Dentocult SM strip mutans test. Collected data was assessed using SPSS software. Results: The overall prevalence of MS in the children was 83%. A statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) was observed between salivary MS counts of children and their mothers. No significant correlation was seen with the fathers. Conclusions: The findings conclude that if primary caregivers harbour high levels of MS in their saliva, it is likely that their children will have the same. Key words:Mutans streptococci, parents, children, dentocult SM kits.

Relationship between severe-early childhood caries, salivary mutans streptococci, and lactobacilli in preschool children of low socioeconomic status in Bengaluru city

To find out the relationship between severe-early childhood caries (s-ECC) and salivary counts of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacillus (LB) in preschool children of low socioeconomic status. A cross-sectional study was designed among 50 children aged 2-5 years selected from five Anganwadi centers in Bengaluru city. Clinical examination was carried out and caries status was recorded using the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Twenty-five children diagnosed with s-ECC based on American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) criteria and 25 caries-free counterparts were selected. Whole non-stimulated saliva was collected from all children and cultured for MS and LB. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 14. Fisher's exact test, Mann-Whitney test, and Spearman's correlation were used to find out significant relationships. P values <0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Twenty-one out of 25 children with s-ECC were positive for MS and 22 children were positive for LB. A significant difference in the mean number of MS colonies (12.2 vs. 4.16) and LB colonies (8.4 vs. 3.8) among children with s-ECC and caries-free counterparts (P < 0.01) was also found. A significant positive correlation was also found between caries experience and salivary MS and LB counts. s-ECC is positively correlated with salivary levels of both MS and LB in preschool children of low socioeconomic status. Suitable preventive strategies need to be planned when children are still young.

Salivary levels of mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli among Palestinian school children in East Jerusalem

The aim of the present study was to investigate the distribution of oral cariogenic bacteria among 12-year-old Palestinian children attending schools in East Jerusalem. Salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS) and Lactobacilli (LB) were examined by semi-quantitative commercial kits and then correlated to social-demographic parameters. Overall, 52.1 % of the examined children presented the highest possible ranking score categories for MS bacteria, with only 5.4 % in the lowest category. Only 12.6 % of the school children presented the highest LB score, while 25 % had the lowest ranking score. Salivary MS levels in children attending private schools were lower than those of children in government schools and United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) schools. Conversely, levels of LB were lowest in children attending UNRWA schools compared to government and private schools. Girls had significantly higher amounts of MS and LB than boys (p = 0.001). Lower MS levels were significantly related to the following socioeconomic variables: higher father's education level (p = 0.037), higher mother's education level (p = 0.063), mother's employment status (p = 0.012), and lower home density (p = 0.001). For LB, the only significant socioeconomic variable was higher father's employment level, which was related to lower LB level (p = 0.025). Levels of MS and LB were found to be strongly related with socioeconomic status among Palestinian children in East Jerusalem. The relatively high prevalence of cariogenic bacteria suggests that oral care prevention and treatment demands special attention from the health care institutions and authorities.

Breaking the sound barrier: oral health education for children with hearing impairment

In our study, a visual oral health education (OHE) program was specially designed for children with hearing impairment. Its efficacy in improving their oral health status was evaluated after periods of reinforcement and nonreinforcement. One hundred and ten institutionalized children with moderate-to-severe hearing impairment aged 6-14 years were selected for the study. Oral health status was evaluated at the start of the study (pre-OHE level) using the Modified Gingival Index (MGI) and the Turesky-Gilmore-Glickman modification of the Quigley Hein Plaque Index (MQPI). Salivary Streptococcus mutans levels of the children were also evaluated. Brushing skills were assessed using the Simmons index at the start of the study. Significant decreases were observed in the mean values of both the MGI and MQPI from the baseline up to the values obtained at the end of both periods of reinforcement and nonreinforcement. Significant reduction in S. mutans counts was observed, from Pre-OHE levels up to the levels at the end of the period of nonreinforcement. Brushing skills of children improved significantly at the end of study, notably in areas where brushing was previously deemed unsatisfactory. The OHE program specially formulated for the hearing impaired children was effective in improving their oral health status significantly.

Effects of Typified Propolis on Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli: a Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to determine in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial the effects of typified propolis and chlorhexidine rinses on salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LACT). One hundred patients were screened for salivary levels of MS >100,000 CFUs/mL of saliva. All patients presented with at least one cavitated decayed surface. Sixty patients met entry criteria. Subjects were adults 18-55 years old. After restoration of cavitated lesions patients were randomized to 3 experimental groups: 1) PROP-alcohol-free 2% typified propolis rinse (n = 20); 2) CHX- 0.12% chlorhexidine rinse; 3) PL-placebo mouthrinse. Patients rinsed unsupervised 15 mL of respective rinses twice a day for 1 min for 28 days. Patients were assessed for the salivary levels of MS (Dentocult SM) and LACT (Dentocult LB) at baseline, 7-day, 14-day, and at 28-day visits (experimental effects) and at 45-day visit (residual effects). General linear models were employed to analyze the data. PROP was superior to CHX at 14-day and 28-day visits in suppressing the salivary levels of MS (p < .05). PROP was superior to PL at all visits (p < .01). The residual effects of PROP in suppressing the salivary levels of MS could still be observed at the 45-day visit, where significant differences between PROP and CHX (p < .05), were demonstrated. PROP was significantly superior than CHX in suppressing the levels of salivary LACT at the 28-day visit (p < .05). Typified propolis rinse was effective in suppressing cariogenic infections in caries-active patients when compared to existing and placebo therapies.

Role of Probiotics on Oral Health - A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Microbiological Study

The aim of this study was to investigate commercially available combined probiotic formulation for its effect on plaque, gingivitis and salivary Streptococcus mutans levels in subjects with chronic gingivitis. A total of 36 subjects were finally enrolled in a double blind placebo controlled randomized trial. Selected subjects were randomly divided in two groups; Group A (Control group) with 17 subjects, receiving placebo tablets twice daily and Group B (Probiotic group) with 19 subjects receiving probiotic tablets twice daily. The study consisted of two 2 weeks periods, a two week intervention period (T1-T2) and a two week post treatment period (T2-T3). Clinical parameters and bacterial counts of salivary Streptococcus mutans, were evaluated at the baseline (T1), at the completion (T2) of medication and 2 weeks after medication (T3). On comparative evaluation between the two groups, results indicated that Group-B (Probiotic group) exhibited statistically significant reduction in Plaque Index, Gingival index and Streptococcus mutans level than Group-A (Control group) over the entire span of the study. Our results indicated that probiotic could be useful in the improvement/ maintainance of oral health.

Correlation between the salivary Streptococcus mutans levels and dental caries experience in adult population of Chandigarh, India.

Objectives:To determine the level of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in adults of Chandigarh and to correlate the dental caries in these individuals with their S. mutans titers.Materials and Methods:Salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans, using Dentocult SM commercial kits were estimated in 200, 25-35 year old adults (males and females). Streptococcus mutans were detected in 87% of the study sample. Score 2, representing 105-106 CFU/ml (Colony Forming Unit) of saliva was found to be most prevalent, i.e. in 80 of 200 adults, followed by score 1, depicting S mutans with <105 CFU/ml, in 56 of 200 adults and score 3, with bacterial titer >106 CFU/ml in 38 of 200 adults.Results:Dental caries, recorded using Møller's index, was found to be maximum in individuals with score 3, followed by score 2,1 and 0, thereby showing a positive correlation of dental caries with increasing titers of S. mutans. This correlation was statistically highly significant in males with figures as 8.73 decayed surfaces at score 2 rising to 17.38 at score 3. The mean of DMFT was higher among females than in the males in the present study.Conclusion:The split up data in males and females, showed a positive association between caries experience and salivary S. mutans scores. The results of the study will serve as a baseline data for future planning of preventive programs in adults.

Effect of minimally invasive restorations on microorganism count in the oral cavity of a patient with early childhood caries

The effect of minimally invasive restorations on the microorganism count in the oral cavity of children with early childhood caries (ECC) has been only briefly discussed in the literature. This study presents the case of a child with ECC who was treated using a minimally invasive restorative approach and the patient's salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. and Candida spp. were recorded throughout the treatment. In addition, a detailed discussion on the role of these microorganisms in the development of ECC is also presented. Included minimally invasive techniques such as ART and removal of caries with ultrasound. The whole unstimulated saliva samples of the patient were inoculated in culture media for microbial count. A 6-monthly review was achieved for a period of 1year. The microbiological data were statistically analysed and a significant reduction (ANOVA, p<0.05) of all microorganisms studied were recorded at the end of the treatment. The therapy used in this case and the salivary microorganism levels reported at the end of the treatment showed that minimally invasive restorative techniques were effective in controlling oral microorganisms involved in ECC.

Nitric oxide modulates levels of salivary Lactobacilli

Objective. Nitric Oxide (NO) is one of the most powerful antibacterial compounds. The aim of this study was to determine the association between salivary NO, dental caries and cariogenic bacteria. Materials and methods. The salivary NO concentration of 257 Korean children was analyzed by the Griess colorimetric reaction method. Salivary mutans streptococci (MS) and Lactobacilli (LB) were counted using the Dentocult MS and Dentocult LB kit, respectively. Dental caries status was examined using the WHO criteria. Confounders were age, gender, salivary flow rate and salivary buffer capacity. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to evaluate the association among NO, salivary MS level, salivary LB level and dental caries status after adjusting for the effects of confounders. Results. A significant decrease was found in salivary NO levels as the salivary LB count increased after controlling for confounders (p = 0.049). However, the MS level, caries experience and active caries status showed no significant association. Conclusion. This result indicates that NO production might be a host defense mechanism against the growth of cariogenic bacteria.

The effects of asthma and asthma medication on dental caries and salivary characteristics in children.

To investigate the prevalence and severity of dental caries in children with a history of asthma in addition to their salivary characteristics, flow rate and buffering capacity, as well as the salivary level of Mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli present. The study sample was composed of 30 cases and 30 controls with an age range from 5 to 13 years. The cases involved children with a past history of asthma, while the controls were medically fit children. The study was conducted from 2010 to 2011 and patients were randomly selected through the electronic filing system at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital (R4 system), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Interviews and questionnaires were completed by the parents of the children involved and dental examinations were performed. Stimulated salivary samples were collected to determine the salivary flow rate, buffering capacity and salivary levels of MS and lactobacilli. No significant differences were found in the DMFT, dmft scores or community periodontal index (CPI) scores between the cases and controls. However, there was a positive correlation between DMFT and dmft scores (r = 0.83, P < 0.0001) in both the cases and controls. In asthmatic patients who took their medication 3 times a day or more, the level of MS and lactobacilli was significantly higher (P = 0.014 and P = 0.008, respectively) compared with other asthmatic patients. Patients with severe asthma had significantly lower salivary flow rate levels than other asthmatic patients (P = 0.040), while patients taking a combination therapy of anti-asthmatic drugs with corticosteroids had higher levels of lactobacilli compared with patients using other medications (P = 0.02). The frequency of taking asthma medication, the severity of asthma and the use of combination therapy can significantly alter the salivary characteristics in asthmatic children.

Quantitative detection of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Streptococcus mutans&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; from saliva using FTA&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;TM&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt; elute cards and real-time polymerase chain reaction

Dental caries is a localized, transmissible, pathological infection process that ends up in the destruction of hard dental tissue. Numerous reports have shown the close relationship between salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and dental caries. As S. mutans, is considered to be the principle etiological agent of dental caries, the development of a quick and convenient method for detection and quantification of these bacteria from patient saliva samples would simplify diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare a new means of quantifying bacteria using FTATM Elute cards and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction to a conventional culture-based assay using oral S. mutans as a model sample. A total of 60 different saliva samples were investigated. The results show a significant negative correlation between the two methods, with a correlation coefficient of -0.577 (Spearman’s Correlation) and p

The effect of chlorhexidine on plaque index and mutans streptococci in orthodontic patients: A pilot study

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess chlorhexidine effects on plaque index and salivary levels of mutans streptococci (MS) when used as the immersion solution for removable orthodontic appliances and added to their acrylic resin composition. Methods: Forty-five patients (6 to 12 years old) were randomly assigned into three groups with 15 patients each. Group I (control)—without orthodontic appliances disinfection; Group II—removable orthodontic appliances which had been immersed in 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate overnight (8 hours), and Group III—orthodontic appliances in which 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate solution had been incorporated into their resin composition. Saliva was collected for quantification of MS and evaluation of plaque index was performed before and after installation of orthodontic appliance at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance. Results: Number of MS colonies in saliva and plaque index showed no statistically differences among groups at the different periods (p > 0.05). Conclusions: It could be concluded that chlorhexidine incorporation into the acrylic resin of removable orthodontic appliances at 0.12% concentration and immersion of the appliance into 0.12% chlorhexidine solution were not effective in reducing plaque index and the number of MS in saliva.

Role of probiotics on oral health: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate commercially available combined probiotic formulation for its effect on plaque, gingivitis, and salivary Streptococcus mutans levels in subjects with chronic gingivitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 subjects were finally enrolled in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Selected subjects were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (control group) with 17 subjects receiving placebo tablets twice daily and Group B (probiotic group) with 19 subjects receiving probiotic tablets twice daily. The study consisted of two 2-week periods: a 2-week intervention period (T1-T2) and a 2-week posttreatment period (T2-T3). Clinical parameters and bacterial counts of salivary Streptococcus. mutans were evaluated at baseline (T1), at the completion (T2) of medication, and 2 weeks after the medication (T3). Results: On comparative evaluation between the two groups, results indicated that Group B (probiotic group) exhibited statistically significant reduction in Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Calculus Index and Streptococcus. mutans level than Group A (control group) over the entire span of the study. Conclusion: Our results indicated that probiotic could be useful in the improvement/maintenance of oral health. Clinical Relevance to Interdisciplinary Dentistry If left untreated, gingivitis can progress, increasing the risk of tooth loss. Oral administration of probiotics benefits oral health by preventing the growth of harmful microbiota or by modulating mucosal immunity in the oral cavity. In this study, probiotics were given orally for 2 weeks to subjects suffering from gingivitis and results showed improvement in oral health. Bacteriotherapy in the form of probiotics seems to be a natural way to maintain health and protect oral tissues from disease. Efforts have been made in this article to increase the awareness with this aspect of oral disease therapy and encourage the implementation of the concept of food rather than medicine.

Mutans Streptococci and Caries Prevalence in Children after Early Maternal Caries Prevention: A Follow-Up at 19 Years of Age

Aim: The efficacy of early maternal caries prevention was evaluated. Furthermore, the difference between children colonised with mutans streptococci (MS) at an early or late stage with regard to the prevalence of carious lesions was determined. Methods: The children of first-time mothers selected on the basis of high salivary levels of MS for participation in a caries prevention programme were recalled at the age of 19 years. They were examined for salivary MS, lesion prevalence (decayed and filled surfaces, DFS) and MS in plaque from 12 selected proximal surfaces. Results: The recall rate was 70% for the children of both the high-control and interventional groups. All high-control children and 67% of the interventional children were colonised by MS. All the children with non-detectable MS in saliva were also negative in all plaque samples. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of DFS, although more interventional children were caries free than in the control group. Early-colonised children, irrespective of group identity, had higher salivary MS levels and DFS than later MS-colonised children. Conclusion: The results indicate that it is possible to remain negative for MS into adulthood if non-colonised at an early age and this affects the development of carious lesions. Strategies for the prevention of dental caries in early childhood should, therefore, include measures to prevent or delay early colonisation by cariogenic bacteria.