Streptococcus Mutans Counts In Saliva Research Articles

EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF 38% SDF VS 5% NAF VS APF GEL IN ARRESTING DENTAL CARIES AND REDUCING BACTERIAL ACTIVITY: AN IN-VIVO STUDY

Background: The study was formulated to compare the efficacy of 38% SDF as a caries arresting agent as well as antibacterial and antiplaque agent in vivo with 5% sodium fluoride varnish (NaF) and 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel. Study Design: Total of 74 children aged 6-9 years (boys = 34, girls = 40) who had active caries with dmfs/DMFS score equal to or more than 1 were included in the study for a period of 12 months. Children were divided into three different groups-Group 1: 38%SDF Group 2: 5% fluoride varnish and Group 3: 1.23% APF gel. Fluoride application was done at baseline, 6th month and 12th month. Saliva collection was done at baseline, after 72 hrs, 6th month and12thmonth.Tryptone-yeastcysteine-sucrose-bacitracin agar (TYCSB) was used inoculate salivary Streptococcus mutans and incubated at 37°C for 72 hrs.The colony characteristics were studied and number of colony forming units of Streptococcus mutans (CFU/ml) of saliva were counted using digital colony counter.All subjects were evaluated for caries arrest status and plaque score (Silness&Loe index)at 6th and 12thmonthas well as Streptococcus mutans counts in saliva at 72 h, 6th and 12thmonth. Results: Significant reduction was found in caries arrest status plaque score as well as S. mutans counts in Group 1 as compared with Groups 2 and 3. Conclusion: In vivo application of SDF is effective in controlling progression of caries, decreases plaque score and S. mutans counts in saliva as compared to fluoride varnish and APF gel.

Comparative Evaluation of Changes in Salivary pH and Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva by Natural Sugar Substitutes: An In Vivo Study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of natural sugar substitutes-stevia, jaggery, and honey on salivary pH and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) count in saliva. Children aged between 7 and 12 years with no active carious lesion were selected. A total of 80 subjects were randomly selected and divided into three experimental groups and one control group, with 20 subjects in each group. Prior to rinsing with the respective solutions, the baseline pH and S. mutans count were evaluated for each individual. All solutions were freshly prepared whenever required. After rinsing with the respective solutions, saliva samples were collected to evaluate pH and S. mutans count. The pH was analyzed at different time intervals, that is, 0 (immediately after rinsing), 15, and 30 minutes. The S. mutans count was analyzed after 30 minutes of rinsing with the respective solutions. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc tests. The results depicted that group I (stevia) showed a maximum increase in salivary pH, followed by group III (honey) and group III (jaggery) at different time intervals (0, 15, and 30 minutes). The maximum number of subjects who had shown a decrease in S. mutans count were from group III (honey), followed by group I (stevia), and group II (jaggery) after 30 minutes of rinsing with the respective solutions when compared to baseline S. mutans count. It is a universally known fact that dental caries is a multifactorial disease process, one of the key factors of which is the consumption of sugar. Of all the fermentable carbohydrates, sucrose is considered the archcriminal in the carious process. Hence, this advocates the need for developing suitable sugar substitutes that help in controlling dental caries. An ideal sugar substitute should not only minimize the risk of dental caries but also should have nutritional benefits. Natural sugar substitutes (stevia, jaggery, and honey) have the ability to reduce caries risk in children. Sharma W, Bhola M, Bajaj N, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Changes in Salivary pH and Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva by Natural Sugar Substitutes: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):728-733.

Biological Properties and Antimicrobial Potential of Cocoa and Its Effects on Systemic and Oral Health.

Cocoa is considered a functional food because it is a natural source of macro- and micronutrients. Thus, cocoa is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids, methylxanthines and flavonoids. In addition to favoring the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates, the bioactive components of cocoa can have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect, providing numerous benefits for health. This literature review presents an overview of the effects of cocoa, fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree, on systemic and oral health. Several studies report that cocoa intake may contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, immunological, inflammatory, metabolic and bone diseases, in addition to reducing the risk of vascular alterations and cognitive dysfunctions. On oral health, in vitro studies have shown that cocoa extract exerted an inhibitory effect on the growth, adherence and metabolism of cariogenic and periodontopathogenic bacteria, also inhibiting acid production, glycosyltransferase enzyme activity and the synthesis of insoluble polysaccharides. Additionally, administration of cocoa extract reduced biofilm accumulation and caries development in animals infected with cariogenic species. Clinical studies also reported that the use of mouthwashes containing cocoa extract reduced Streptococcus mutans counts in saliva and dental biofilm formation. In short, these studies highlight the nutritional value of cocoa, considering its clinical applicability, stability and economic accessibility.

Eff ectiveness of Menthol and Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinses on Reduction of Plaque, Gingivitis, and Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva

Introduction: Menthol is a new product made from mint that is the most eff ective approach to avoid infections. There has been little human research on using menthol as a mouth rinse ingredient, and there is little information on the subject. Aim: This study aimed to know the eff ectiveness of menthol and chlorhexidine mouth rinses in reducing plaque, gingivitis, and Streptococcus mutans in saliva among 21 to 45 years old subjects. Material and method: The study is a placebo-control, parallel-group blind randomized clinical trial consisting of a 2-week period. Forty subjects were selected and randomized into 2 groups consisting of 20 subjects: group A (menthol) and group B (chlorohexidine). The subjects were clinically examined for plaque accumulation using the plaque index (Turesky et al.) and gingival infl ammation using the gingival index (loe and silness). The saliva samples were collected for estimation of S. mutans count on the fi rst day of baseline and after the 14th day using an assigned mouth rinse. Results: Menthol mouth rinse showed lower scores in plaque index, gingival index, and S. mutans count compared to the chlorhexidine mouth rinse which was statistically signifi cant (p = 0.05). Mouth rinse with menthol is better compared to mouth rinse with chlorohexidine. Conclusion: Menthol mouthwash has therapeutic potential and can be prescribed by a dentist as part of routine oral hygiene practice

Comparative Evaluation of Different Varnishes and Pit and Fissure Sealants on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva of Children.

AimThis study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of different varnishes: 3M ESPE Clinpro and Voco Profluorid and fissure sealants- 3M ESPE ClinPro and Ivoclar Vivadent Helioseal-F on the S. mutans count in the saliva of children.Materials and methodsEighty children of 6–12 years of age with no incidence of caries were selected and saliva samples were collected by drooling method after oral prophylaxis. The children were divided randomly into four groups and materials were applied accordingly. Saliva samples were obtained immediately after the procedure as well as 1-month, 3-months and 6-months posttreatment. Saliva samples were inoculated on Mitis salivarius agar and colony counts of S. mutans were obtained.ResultsThis study showed that both the varnishes and pit and fissure sealants were equally effective in reducing the salivary S. mutans count in children in a time period of 6-months however pit and fissure sealants were more effective in preventing caries.ConclusionBoth varnishes and pit and fissure sealants are equally effective in reducing S. mutans count in saliva.How to cite this articleSharma R, Ghambir N, Gupta N, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Different Varnishes and Pit and Fissure Sealants on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva of Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(3):362-365.

Comparison of Antibacterial Effect of Probiotic Yogurt and Xylitol-Containing Chewing Gum in Geriatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of probiotic bacteria in yogurt on Streptococcus mutans (MS) count, plaque adherence and salivary pH compared to xylitol-containing chewing gum in geriatric patients.Materials and methodsTotal number of 96 high caries risk geriatric patients were randomized into two equal groups (n=48). Group 1 (intervention group) received probiotic yogurt (Activia, Danone) once per day, and group 2 (control group) received xylitol chewing gum (Trident original) three times per day. The primary outcome was salivary Streptococcus mutans count and secondary outcomes were interdental plaque Streptococcus mutans count, salivary pH and bacterial adherence.ResultsFor Streptococcus mutans count in saliva and plaque, a statistically significant reduction in the level of MS over all the examined follow up periods of the study in probiotic yogurt group as well as xylitol gum group was found. An intergroup comparison for salivary MS count showed statistically significant difference between the two materials in a two week and a three month period of time and there was no statistically significant difference between both materials at one month time period. Salivary pH results showed statistically significant increase in pH in both groups along the follow-up periods. Bacterial adherence results showed statistically significant reduction in both groups.ConclusionsProbiotic yogurt is an effective antibacterial agent against salivary and plaque bacteria in geriatric patients.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effect of Cinnamon Extract on Streptococcus Mutans

Purpose: To compare the effect of cinnamon extract mouthwash with chlorhexidine mouthwash on Streptococcus mutans counts in saliva of some children. Materials and methods: A total of 40 children from both sex were involved in the present study. Age of Children was between 6 and 12 years in a good physical condition. Children were distributed into 2 groups (A&B), each one consists of 20 children. Group A (Experimental group): each participant was given a new bottle of specific effective amount of cinnamon extract mouthwash (150ml) to be used. Group B (Control group): each participant was given a new bottle of specific effective amount of (150 ml) chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.12 %) to be used. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected and examined. Results: The average number of S.mutans was reduced significantly in cinnamon extract group and chlorhexidine group as well. Conclusion: Cinnamon extract mouthwash was successful as an antimicrobial agent and it can be used as a natural alternative to chlorhexidine.

Caries intensity and Streptococcus mutans in the saliva of patients with Turner syndrome

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the caries intensity and Streptococcus mutans (SM) counts in patients with Turner syndrome. Materials and methodsNineteen patients aged 20–40 years were clinically and cytogenetically diagnosed with Turner syndrome (45, X). The karyotype was determined by chromosome analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes. The control group comprised 47 healthy women aged 21–40 years. Both groups included non-smokers with no specific diet, such as a vegetarian or vegan diet, who were generally healthy with good oral hygiene and periodontal condition. Patients treated with antibiotics or steroid preparations in the past 6 months or with diseases or conditions that might affect the oral mucosal environment, such as disorders of salivary secretion and diabetes, were excluded from the study. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) scores and SM counts in saliva were determined. ResultsNo colony growth of SM was noticed in 53% of patients with Turner syndrome and 4.2% of controls (p < 0.001). Colony counts of SM ≥ 105 in saliva were observed in none of the patients with Turner syndrome but in 66% of controls (p < 0.001). The mean DMFT score was 1.63 ± 2.52 in patients with Turner syndrome and 14.49 ± 6.88 in controls. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed (p < 0.05). ConclusionPatients with genetic disorders may have different severities of caries and SM counts in saliva compared to those without genetic disorders. Further studies on saliva properties and genes located on the X chromosome could contribute to determining the effect of the X chromosome on the pathological processes in the oral cavity.

Effect of Coconut Oil Pulling on Streptococcus Mutans Count in Saliva in Comparison with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

ABSTRACTPurpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of Coconut oil on Streptococcus mutans count in saliva in a group of Egyptian children and Compare its effect with chlorhexidine mouth wash. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 Egyptian children were included in this study their ages ranging from (5-10) years. The children (60) were divided into two groups; each group consists of 30 children (Group A, Group B). Group A (study group) : Coconut oil consisted of thirty child, each participant was instructed to rinse with 10 ml of Coconut oil 3 times per day for two weeks with average (1minute /rinse) Group B (Control group): chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.2%) consisted of thirty child, each participant was instructed to rinse with 10 ml of chlorhexidine mouthwash, 3 times per day for two weeks with average (1minute /rinse). Results: Statistically significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans count was seen in both oil pulling and chlorhexidine groups but the reduction was found to be more in the oil pulling group than in thechlorhexidine group. Conclusion: Use of coconut oil pulling therapy may be used as preventive therapy at home to maintain oral hygiene as it is natural, safe and has no side effects

Effect of xylitol and sugar-free chewing gums on salivary bacterial count of streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in a group of Egyptian school children of different ages: A randomized clinical trial

AimThe purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the effect of xylitol containing and sugar free brands of chewing gum on the salivary Colony Forming Unit (CFU) count of streptococcus mutans (SM) and lactobacilli (LB) cariogenic organisms in a group of Egyptian school children of different ages. Study designThis pragmatic randomized controlled trial (parallel group design) was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University. Materials and methods42 high caries risk children (DMFT/dmft/deft of 3 or more) were randomly allocated to either the xylitol or polyol group. Each main group was divided into three equal subgroups. Each subgroup comprised a block of seven children of the same age group as follows: Nursery group aging 3–6 years, junior primary school group aging 6–9 years and senior primary school group aging 9–12 years. Salivary analysis was carried out at baseline and after three weeks of daily gum chewing to all participating children by recording his/her stimulated salivary flow and salivary CFU counts of SM and LB bacteria. ResultsCompared to polyol gum, xylitol gum showed lower SM CFU counts. LB CFU counts were not affected by either gum types. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two chewing gum groups in the different ages and regardless of age. ConclusionXylitol gum is more effective in decreasing SM count in saliva compared to polyol gum wheras both sugarless chewing gums show similar effect on LB species.

Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Propolis and Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes on Streptococcus mutans Counts in Saliva: An In Vivo Study

Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Propolis and Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes on Streptococcus mutans Counts in Saliva: An In Vivo Study

A Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Streptococcus mutans Counts in Saliva: An in vivo Study.

Dental caries is a disease of multifactorial origin and Streptococcus mutans is considered as the chief pathogen responsible for its development. However, reduction in the number of pathogenic bacteria, particularly S. mutans, with the use of various preventive measures, can reduce dental caries to a significant level. Therefore, the present clinical study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the efficacy of toothbrushing, fluoride varnish, chlorhexidine mouthwash, and a probiotic (Yakult) in reducing the S. mutans counts in the saliva using Dentocult SM Strip Mutans kit in children. A total of 40 school students between the age group of 4 and 8 years were selected for the study and S. mutans count was taken on the first dental visit using Dentocult SM Strip Mutans test kit. After the initial scores of S. mutans were obtained, the children were divided into four groups and provided with different caries preventive regimen for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, the scores of S. mutans were reevaluated for reduction in their counts, if any. The data thus collected were tabulated and statistically analyzed. All the groups showed a significant reduction in S. mutans counts with the highest reduction from the Fluor Protector varnish followed by chlorhexidine mouthwash, probiotic (Yakult), and toothbrushing.How to cite this article: Sharma M, Pandit IK, Srivastava N, Gugnani N, Gupta M. A Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Streptococcus mutans Counts in Saliva: An in vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(2):94-99.

Influence of resin-modified glass ionomer and topical fluoride on levels of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and biofilm adjacent to metallic brackets.

Decalcification of enamel during fixed orthodontic appliance treatment remains a problem. White spot lesions are observed in nearly 50% of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The use of fluoride-containing orthodontic materials has shown inconclusive results on their ability to reduce decalcification. The aims of this investigation were to compare the levels of Streptococcus mutans (SM) in saliva and biofilm adjacent to orthodontic brackets retained with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) (Fuji ORTHO LC) and a light cured composite resin (Transbond XT), and to analyze the influence of topical application of the 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) on SM counts. In a parallel study design, two groups (n=14/15) were used with random allocation and high salivary SM counts before treatment. Biofilm was collected from areas adjacent to the brackets on teeth 13, 22, 33, and 41. Both saliva and biofilm were collected on the 7th, 21st, 35th, and 49th days after appliance placement. Topical fluoride application was carried out on the 35th day. Bonding with RMGIC did not alter SM counts in saliva or biofilm adjacent to the brackets. On the other hand, the biofilm adjacent to brackets retained with composite resin showed a significant increase in SM counts along the trial period. Topical application of 1.23% APF did not reduce salivary or biofilm SM counts regardless of the bonding material. In conclusion, fluoride topical application did not show efficacy in reducing SM. The use of RMGIC as bonding materials allowed a better control of SM cfu counts in dental biofilm hindering the significant increase of these microorganisms along the trial period, which was observed in the biofilm adjacent to the composite material.

Effects of Fluoride Varnish on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva.

AimTo evaluate the effect of fluoride varnish on Streptococcus mutans count in saliva among 12-year-old school children.Materials and methodsA field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of fluoride varnish on S. mutans count in saliva among 12-year-old school children. A total of 42 school-going children attending schools in Vadodara district, Gujarat, India, were divided into two groups. Group I was treated with fluoride varnish and group II received no treatment. Assessment of S. mutans was carried out at baseline and 3 to 6 months postfluoride varnish application. Friedman analysis of variance test and post hoc test were applied to detect statistically significant differences between baseline, 3 to 6 months of fluoride varnish application, and also between groups I and II.ResultsThe mean number of salivary S. mutans value found in case group at baseline, 3 to 6 months was 31.23 ± 1.119, 9.27 ± 0.852, and 9.39 ± 0.908 × 104 colony-forming unit CFU/mL respectively. The difference in S. mutans count from baseline to 3 to 6 months was highly statistically significant (p = 0.000), but the difference from 3 to 6 months was not statistically significant (p = 0.142). In control group, the mean S. mutans value found at baseline, 3 to 6 months was 30.63 ± 1.436, 31.23 ± 1.351, and 31.40 ± 1.374 × 104 CFU/mL respectively. The differences between these values were not statistically significant (p = 0.11).ConclusionStatistically significant reduction in S. mutans count in saliva was seen 3 to 6 months after fluoride varnish application.How to cite this articleBadjatia S, Badjatia RG, Thanveer K, Krishnan ACG. Effects of Fluoride Varnish on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2017;10(1):62-66.

The Effect of Coconut Oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva in Comparison with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash.

Oil pulling is an age-old practice that has gained modern popularity in promoting oral and systemic health. The scientific verification for this practice is insufficient. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of coconut oil pulling on the count of Streptococcus mutans in saliva and to compare its efficacy with that of Chlorhexidine mouthwash: in vivo. The null hypothesis was that coconut oil pulling has no effect on the bacterial count in saliva. A randomized controlled study was planned and 60 subjects were selected. The subjects were divided into three groups, Group A: Oil pulling, Group B: Chlorhexidine, and Group C: Distilled water. Group A subjects rinsed mouth with 10 ml of coconut oil for 10 minutes. Group B subjects rinsed mouth with 5 ml Chlorhexidine mouthwash for 1 minute and Group C with 5 ml distilled water for 1 minute in the morning before brushing. Saliva samples were collected and cultured on 1st day and after 2 weeks from all subjects. Colonies were counted to compare the efficacy of coconut oil and Chlorhexidine with distilled water. Statistically significant reduction in S. mutans count was seen in both the coconut oil pulling and Chlorhexidine group. Oil pulling can be explored as a safe and effective alternative to Chlorhexidine. Edible oil-pulling therapy is natural, safe and has no side effects. Hence, it can be considered as a preventive therapy at home to maintain oral hygiene.

Efficacy of silver diamine fluoride as an antibacterial as well as antiplaque agent compared to fluoride varnish and acidulated phosphate fluoride gel: An in vivo study

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is already proven as an antibacterial agent in vitro. Present study was formulated to compare the efficacy of SDF as an antibacterial as well as antiplaque agent in vivo with fluoride varnish and acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel. Total 123 children (male = 82, female = 41) were included in the study for a period of 18 months. Children were divided into three different groups-Group 1: SDF; Group 2: fluoride varnish; and Group 3: APF gel. All subjects were evaluated via plaque score at 6 th, 12 th, and 18 th months as well as Streptococcus mutans counts in saliva at 72 h, 6 th, 12 th, and 18 th months of follow-up. Significant reduction was found in plaque score as well as S. mutans counts irrespective of group division. On intergroup comparison, no statistically significant difference was found in plaque score, but significant reduction in S. mutans counts was found in Group 1 as compared with Groups 2 and 3, while no significant difference was found between Groups 2 and 3. In vivo application of SDF on enamel significantly decreases S. mutans counts as compared to fluoride varnish and APF gel.

Comparative evaluation of chlorhexidine mouthrinse versus cacao bean husk extract mouthrinse as antimicrobial agents in children

To compare the antimicrobial efficiency of chlorhexidine and cacao bean husk extract mouthrinses in children. A randomised comparative study which employed purpose sampling. Study was conducted on 50 children of both sexes aged 6-10 years old. A group of 25 children were given 10 ml of 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse and another 25 children were given 10 ml of 0.1% cacao bean extract mouthrinse to rinse twice daily for about 30 seconds. The salivary samples were collected from each child in Dentocult SM vials on day one (pre-rinse) and after 7 days, 1 month and 2 months. The readings were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Mann-Whitney test and the p-value were used for statistical analysis. There was significant reduction in streptococcus mutans counts in saliva at all follow-up intervals for both mouthrinse groups. However, there was no significant difference in reduction of streptococcus mutans counts in saliva, between chlorhexidine mouthrinse group and cacao bean husk extract mouthrinse group. Cacao bean husk extract mouthrinse can be used in children as an alternative to chlorhexidine mouthrinse as it has similar antimicrobial properties and evades the side-effects of the latter.

A pilot study of the role of green tea use on oral health

An increasing number of people all around the world are turning to the nature by using the natural herbal products in both prophylaxes and treatment of different diseases. Green tea with active chemical ingredients posses diverse pharmacological properties that include anti-inflammatory, anticariogenic, antioxidant and antibacterial effects. To assess the possible protective properties of green tea on oral health. The researchers used the following measurements: Streptococcus mutans count in saliva and plaque, Salivary and plaque pH values, Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI). The above-mentioned measurements were applied to a sample consists of 25 subjects before and after rinsing with green tea for 5 min (short-term study). While, S. mutans count for saliva and plaque and GBI measurements, this experimental intervention study was carried out in the El-Azhar University dental clinic. The results of this study showed that there was a statistically significant difference among subjects pre- and post-rinsing with 2% green tea for 5 min concerning S. mutans count in saliva and plaque, salivary and plaque pH values and GBI. This study supports the effectiveness of local application of green tea as antibacterial and anticariogenic material as it decreases the acidity of the saliva and plaque, so it is a cost-effective caries prevention measures especially in developing countries.

Evaluation of the Effect of Green Tea on Dental Caries and Composite Restorations

Background :An increasing number of people all around the world are turning to the nature by using the natural herbal products in both prophylaxis and treatment of different diseases. Green tea with active chemical ingredients posses diverse pharmacological properties that include anti-inflammatory, anticariogenic, antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Subjects & Methods: The researchers used the following measurments: Streptococcus Mutans count in saliva, Streptococcus Mutans count in plaque samples from margins of composite restorations and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI). The above mentioned measurements were applied to a sample consists of 60 subjects divided equally into control and study groups where in control group they use the regular oral hygiene measurements only while in study group they applicate 2% green tea 3 times daily for 7 days (long term study). This experimental intervention study was carried in Azhar university clinic. Objective: to assess the possible protective properties of green tea on oral health. Results: The results of present study showed that there was a statistically significant difference among cases and controls concerning streptococcus mutans count in saliva, streptococcus mutans count in plaque samples from composite restoration margins and GBI. Conclusion : This study supports the effectiveness of local application of green tea as antibacterial and anticariogenic material.

Microbiological evaluation of salivary Streptococcus mutans from children of age 5-7 years, pre- and post-atraumatic restorative treatment

Background and Objective:The objective of the study was to monitor Streptococcus mutans (SM) counts in saliva of children aged 5-7 years old over a period of 6 months with the subsequent use of Fuji IX, glass ionomer cement in atraumatic restorative technique (ART).Materials and Methods:One hundred children were selected to receive ART using Fuji IX glass ionomer cement. Caries status was recorded using DMFT index (WHO 1997) and revaluated after 6 months using DMFS index (WHO 1979). Saliva was collected for microbiological assessment of SM count on four occasions, baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after ART approach. The results of the microbiological tests were statistically analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney rank test.Results:The results showed a significant reduction of SM levels in saliva immediately 1 week following the ART approach with mean SM counts of 1.5763 (106 CFU/ml) and 1.1286 (105 CFU/ml) pre- and 1 week post–ART, respectively. Reduction in the SM count was seen in 89.47% of children after 1 week of ART treatment. The mean SM count after 1 month and 6 months post-ART was 1.4814 (106 CFU/ml) and 1.4722(106 CFU/ml), respectively.Conclusion:It was concluded from the results that the ART technique was successful in reducing the SM counts in saliva significantly for a period of 1 week post treatment. Although the mean SM counts remained less than the baseline after 6 month evaluation, a trend toward re-establishment of SM to the baseline count was noticed.