Streptococcus Mutans In Children Research Articles

The Effect of Probiotic Yogurt and Fermented Skim Milk Beverages on The Reduction of Streptococcus Mutans In Children's Dental Caries

The Effect of Probiotic Yogurt and Fermented Skim Milk Beverages on The Reduction of Streptococcus Mutans In Children's Dental Caries

Comparative Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of Propolis and Chlorhexidine on Salivary Isolates of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans in Children with Severe Early Childhood Caries: An In Vitro Study.

Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans are the chief microbes associated with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). Diverse antimicrobial agents are widely used to prevent ECC, and a quest for newer natural products has been on the rise in the recent past. To estimate the antimicrobial activity of propolis with chlorhexidine on salivary specimens from children with S-ECC in vitro. A total of 60 children with S-ECC were designated. Salivary samples of 30 children (group I) were inoculated onto mitis salivarius agar (MSA) to isolate S. mutans. Another 30 samples (group II) were inoculated on sabouraud's dextrose agar and subcultured on HiCrome Candida differential agar to isolate C. albicans. Sensitivity testing for 0.2% chlorhexidine and 10% propolis extract was done using the agar well diffusion technique using Mueller-Hinton agar medium. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated by calculating the diameter of the zone of inhibition surrounding the well. All saliva samples collected from groups I and II showed growth of S. mutans and C. albicans, respectively. All cultured microbes were sensitive to 0.2% chlorhexidine and 10% propolis extract. The mean inhibition zone for S. mutans with chlorhexidine was 14.57 ± 0.63 mm, and with propolis, 11.93 ± 0.52 mm. The mean zone of inhibition for C. albicans with chlorhexidine was 12.83 ± 0.59 mm, and with propolis, 9.50 ± 0.73 mm. Chlorhexidine consistently showed statistically significantly larger zones of inhibition and hence appeared to be a more potent antimicrobial agent than propolis extract for both S. mutans and C. albicans. However, propolis has irrefutable action against both S. mutans and C. albicans. Propolis may be an acceptable substitute for chlorhexidine for long-term use as it has demonstrated antimicrobial activity and fewer side effects. Hence, this Association of Physicians of India herbal drug can be incorporated into mouthwashes and toothpaste to reduce microbial counts. Kodgi V, Shetty P, Thimmaiah C, et al. Comparative Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of Propolis and Chlorhexidine on Salivary Isolates of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans in Children with Severe Early Childhood Caries: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(5):591-595.

Efficacy of BioMin F and NovaMin toothpastes against streptococcus mutans: an in vitro study

ObjectiveThis in vitro study was accomplished to demonstrate the antibacterial efficacy of BioMin F and NovaMin toothpastes against the recently-isolated Streptococcus Mutans in comparison with a commonly used fluoride toothpaste.Materials and methodsDental plaque collection method was adopted to isolate streptococcus mutans in children with dental caries. Then an ideal Streptococcus Mutans colony was incubated in 20 Petri dishes that contained Mueller-Hinton medium. Each dish had 3 wells; one well for each toothpaste (BioMin F, NovMin, and Signal) to perform the agar diffusion test. After incubating for 24 hours, the inhabitation zone around each well of each Petri dish was noticed and measured. Statistical Analysis was achieved using a statistical package, SPSS Windows version 17, by applying Kruskal-Wallis with Mann–Whitney U test (α = 0.05).ResultsBioMin F showed the highest mean of inhibition zone diameter (x¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\bar{x}$$\\end{document} = 2.67 mm) in compared with NovaMin and Signal (x¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\bar{x}$$\\end{document} = 0.39 mm and x¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\bar{x}$$\\end{document} = 2.19 mm; p < 0.001 in each pairwise comparison).ConclusionBioMin F toothpaste showed superior antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans to Signal and NovaMin toothpastes. Novamin showed the lowest antibacterial effect. This in vitro study suggests that BioMin F toothpaste shows encouraging potential to be recommended as a preventive measure to reduce the caries risk.

Antibacterial effects of dentifrices against Streptococcus mutans in children: a comparative in vitro study.

Fluoridated dentifrices have antibacterial effects on children's teeth. On the other hand, the side effects encountered with the use of them have led researchers to look for safe alternatives. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial effect of different commercially available fluoride-free dentifrices on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in comparison with different concentrations of fluoridated dentifrices. Study groups comprised of fluoride-free dentifrices, which contain Probiotic (Activated Charcoal Probiotic Dentifrice-Group P), Aloe Vera-Group AV and Salivary Proteins-Group SP. Fluoridated dentifrices containing 1450 ppm fluoride-Control Group 1 and 500 ppm fluoride-Control Group 2 served as control groups. Antibacterial activity was assessed by Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations and agar well diffusion assays on S. mutans. Biofilm inhibition assay was performed with dentifrices, which had antibacterial activities, and a negative control phosphate-buffered saline (Group PBS) on sterile hydroxyapatite discs against S. mutans. Statistical evaluation was performed. Only group AV showed an antibacterial effect on S. mutans, while control groups showed a similar antibacterial effect. The mean number of viable bacteria present in S. mutans biofilm in Control Group 1 and 2 and Group AV were statistically significantly lower than that in Group PBS, but there were no statistically significant differences between Control Groups and Group AV. Antibacterial activity of commercial dentifrices against S. mutans may be exerted by antibacterial components other than fluoride. Aloe vera-containing toothpaste showed an antibacterial effect on S. mutans, although not as much as the fluoride-containing toothpastes in the control groups. However, further in vivo and long-term studies are required.

Evaluation of Chewing Gums Containing Natural Products on Salivary Concentrations of Streptococcus mutans in Children

Edmir Geraldo de Siqueira Fraga, Edilson Martins Rodrigues Neto, Fernanda Maria Teófilo Campos, Manoel Patrick da Silva Cavalcante, Frederico Augusto Amorim, Luiz Filipe Barbosa Martins, Antônia Kelly Martins Sousa, Ana Cristina de Mello Fiallos and Marcelo Jenné Mimica Author informationArticle notesCopyright and License information Department of Health Sciences, Division of Microbiology, Santa Casa de São

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Streptococcus Mutans in Children

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Streptococcus Mutans in Children

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Coconut Oil and Low-fluoride Mouthwashes against Streptococcus mutans in Children: A Comparative Clinicomicrobiological Study

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Coconut Oil and Low-fluoride Mouthwashes against Streptococcus mutans in Children: A Comparative Clinicomicrobiological Study

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effect of Garlic with Lime on Streptococcus Mutans in Children

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effect of Garlic with Lime on Streptococcus Mutans in Children

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Chlorhexidine and Herbal Mouth Rinse on Salivary Streptococcus mutans in Children with Mixed Dentition: A Randomized Crossover Study.

Aim and objectiveStreptococcus mutans (S. mutans) shows increased resistance to currently available antibiotics and chemotherapeutics. The present study compares the effectiveness of chlorhexidine and Herbal mouth rinse against salivary S. mutans in children with mixed dentition.Materials and methodsSubjects (n = 60) with mixed dentition were selected for the study. Caries status was recorded using Nyvard's criteria. Baseline saliva samples were collected and assessed for quantifying S. mutans. Subjects were instructed to rinse their mouths with 0.2 % w/v chlorhexidine and herbal mouth rinse for 7 days. Saliva samples were collected after 7 days and assessed for S. mutans. After a run-in period of 21 days, both the mouth rinses were crossed over according to the Latin square design, and a similar procedure was carried out. Later, determination of mean colony-forming units (CFU/mL) from the saliva samples was done. For statistical analysis, Kolmogorov and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied.ResultsBoth the groups showed a significant reduction in S. mutans count, at baseline and 7 days (p = 0.0001), and the reduction of S. mutans count in herbal mouth rinse as compared to chlorhexidine mouth rinse (p = 0.0209) was statistically significant.ConclusionHerbal mouth rinse proved to have better antimicrobial efficacy than Chlorhexidine mouth rinse.How to cite this articleShah SV, Badakar CM, Hugar SM, et al. Antimicrobial Efficacy of Chlorhexidine and Herbal Mouth Rinse on Salivary Streptococcus mutans in Children with Mixed Dentition: A Randomized Crossover Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(1):99-103.

Oral colonization of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans in children with or without fixed orthodontic appliances: A pilot study

Background/purposeAdolescents undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy have an increased risk of oral diseases due to additional plaque accumulation sites. However, the effect of fixed orthodontics appliances (FOAs) on the colonization of Candida albicans (Ca) and Streptococcus mutans (Sm), two synergistic oral pathogens, is largely unknown and was, therefore, the primary objective of this pilot investigation. Material and methodsSixteen children aged 10–15 years were enrolled, nine in the FOA and seven in the control groups. Saliva and occlusal plaque were collected, and the Ca and Sm levels were quantified with a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. ResultsA trend of higher Ca levels was observed in the saliva and occlusal plaque of the FOA group, while the control group contained higher levels of Sm. Furthermore, for Sm levels, a positive correlation between saliva and occlusal plaque was shown in both the FOA and control groups; in contrast, Ca levels were negatively correlated between these samples only in the FOA group. Between Ca and Sm, a positive correlation was observed in saliva and occlusal plaque in the control group; however, this relationship was disrupted in the FOA group. ConclusionOur preliminary study demonstrated that the presence of FOAs disturbs the colonization of Ca and Sm within the oral cavity. This perturbation might increase orthodontic patients’ risk for Ca- and Sm-related diseases.

Correlation of Streptococcus Mutans by 16SrRNA Gene Sequencing in Children with Different Caries Experience- A PCR Based Study

Background and Objectives: Early Childhood Caries is considered as a common chronic disease in children. Since some research had concluded that children with higher levels of Streptococcus mutans are associated with a higher incidence of decayed, missing, and filled teeth, the present study was undertaken to analyze the salivary Streptococcus mutans of children with different caries status using species specific 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology to evaluate the quantity of Streptococcus mutans with respect to different caries status.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Children between 3-6 years were selected and divided into 3 groups, Group I- Caries free, Group II-Early Childhood caries and Group III- Severe Early childhood caries. The caries status was assessed using dmfs and the severity of caries was assessed using pufa index. Salivary samples were collected to isolate DNA and Real time PCR was done with 16SrRNA primer specific to Streptococcus mutans to estimate the quantity of Streptococcus mutans in children with different caries status.&#x0D; Results: There was a significant difference in the mean CT values among the study groups (p &lt; 0.001). Post hoc Tukey test revealed that, Group I had a significantly higher mean CT values than that of Groups II and III. Pearson's correlation analysis was carried out to correlate dmfs value with CT values and to correlate the pufa value with the fold change. There was a negative correlation between dmfs score and CT values and positive correlation between pufa score and fold change.&#x0D; Conclusion: There was a higher expression of 16SrRNA gene in Severe Early childhood caries group, followed by Early childhood caries and caries free group, indicating a high level of Streptococcus mutans in Severe Early childhood caries group and there was a negative correlation between dmfs score and CT values and a positive correlation between pufa score and fold change.

Effectiveness of cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii) extract against Streptococcus mutans in children’s dental caries

The main cause of dental caries is pathogenic microorganism such as Streptococcus mutans bacteria. The most practical ways to prevent dental caries are by inhibiting and killing the bacteria. The purpose of this study is to determine the cinnamon extract can inhibit the growth of S.mutans. Dilution method was used to determine the capability of the cinnamon extract in inhibiting and killing S.mutans. The extract was obtained by maceration method and the concentration were 20%, 40%, 80% and 100%. The results showed that the extract with a minimum concentration of 40% could inhibit bacterial growth while there were not found any bacteria growing on at 80% and 100% as well as using 0.2% as a positive control. Normality test using the Shapiro-Wilk method found that the value of p(sig) &gt; 0.05, so the data are normally distributed. On homogeneity test using the Levene test, the value of p(sig) = 0.001, while the value of p (Sig) &lt; 0.05, so the data were not homogeneous. Then it was continued by one-way Anova to determine the different between treatment groups with value of p (sig) &lt; 0.05 was obtained which means that there is a significant difference. Tamhanes test was conducted to determine the difference on each concentration. There is a sig-nificant difference between positive and negative control as well as on 20% and 40% concentration. The minimum killing ca-pacity concentration is 80% as bacteria are still founded on 40% concentration. It can be concluded that the present of alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, saponin, phenol, steroid and triterpenoid that contained in cinnamon extract have antibacterial properties and have the capability of inhibiting and killing S.mutans.

Oral health status and microbial load of Streptococcus mutans in children with Cerebral palsy in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a childhood debilitating condition which impairs the physical and mental ability of an individual to maintain oral health. The objective of the present study was assessment of dental neglect and burden of treatment needs of children affected with CP as compared to normal children in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. A sample size of 104 children of age group of 6-14 years was selected, in which 52 children of CP (case group) and 52 normal school children (control group) were recruited. Children from both groups were examined, and calculation of drug master files (DMFS), defs, oral hygiene index (OHI), and gingival index was done. The presence of trauma and malocclusion was assessed. Present caries activity was assessed by the level of Streptococcus mutans present in saliva in both groups. Treatment needs were then assessed based on intraoral findings. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0 software. Student's t-test and nonparametric statistical tests such as Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney test were used as per the nature of variables studied for statistical analysis with the level of significance denoted at P < 0.05. The mean DMFS, gingival index, OHI, and treatment needs were observed to be higher in the CP group. Increased S. mutans levels were observed in saliva of CP patients. Defs score, trauma, and malocclusion were not statistically significantly higher in CP group as compared to the control group. Cerebral palsy group had a poor oral and gingival health, a higher DMFT and burden of treatment needs and an increased risk of further caries progression due to high caries activity indicated by increased level of salivary Streptococcus mutans than the control group.

Association of dental and gingival health status with level of salivary characteristics and Streptococcus mutans in children

Background/purposeCaries and periodontal diseases are the most common oral diseases that lead to teeth loss. The aim of this study is to assess the association of combination of salivary characteristics, Streptococcus mutans levels and clinical parameters to the dental and gingival health statuses of children. Materials and methodsSaliva samples were collected from 89 children. Children were allocated to the low caries group (45 children: mean DMFT/dmft ≤ 2) or high caries group (44 children: mean DMFT/dmft ≥ 5) according to WHO method and criteria. Additionally, gingival health status was assessed as fair (gingival index and plaque index < 2) or bad (gingival index and plaque index ≥ 2). Each participant's resting saliva hydration (RSH), viscosity (RSV), pH (RSpH), stimulated saliva flow rate (SSFR), buffering capacity of saliva (BCSS) and level of S. mutans (SSM) were determined by chair side test kits. ResultsThe result showed statistically significant differences in all salivary characteristics and SSM levels for both types of dentition between the low and active caries groups as well as between fair and bad gingival health status (except for RSH for permanent teeth and RSH plus SSFR for primary teeth). Logistic regression showed that combination of plaque index (PI), RSH, RSV, RSpH and SSM provided accurate association (permanent teeth: 92.1%, primary teeth: 100%) of caries status and PI plus BCSS provided accurate association (permanent teeth: 92.1%, primary teeth: 93%) of gingival health status. ConclusionThis study has suggested that combination of salivary characteristics, PI and SSM levels could provide significant association of caries and gingival health statuses of children.

Streptococcus mutans Level Estimation in Saliva before and after Consumption of Chewable Probiotics among School Children

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization (WHO) deemed probiotics to be the next most important immune defence system. Also known as the “friendly bacteria”, these lactobacilli-derived food supplements are the current trending weapons to fight against Streptococcus mutans, the prime causative organism for dental caries. AIM: To compare the levels of salivary mutans streptococci in children before and after short-term consumption of dental probiotic chewable containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus salivarius M18. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed on 10 healthy subjects in the age group of 6-12 years who were followed for 7 days. The assessment of S. mutans in saliva was done at baseline, 1 hour after consumption of probiotic chewable and after 7-day of intervention period using mitis salivarius bacitracin agar. The colonies of S. mutans were identified and counted using a digital colony counter.RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction of salivary S. mutans was recorded after consumption of the probiotic chewable on the 7th day in the probiotic group. Results were found to be statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) when the differences in the reduction of mutans streptococci counts with probiotic chewable and plain chewable on the 7th day were compared. CONCLUSION: The following study, based on its observations, does conclude that short term consumption of probiotic chewable displays a significant reduction in the level of salivary Streptococcus mutans in children. Thus, keeping in mind the idea that prevention is always better than cure, the awareness regarding probiotics as a therapy to prevent dental caries should be made among both dental practitioners, especially paediatric dentists as well as parents.

Estimation of Levels of Streptococcus Mutans in Children with Black Stain

Background: Black stain is a discolouration which mainly occurs along the cervical third of buccal or lingual surfaces of the teeth. It most commonly affects the primary dentition, but permanent dentition may also be affected. Studies state that children with black stain are generally caries free.Aim: To estimate levels of Streptococcus mutans in children with black stain.Objective: To evaluate levels of Streptococcus mutans in children with black stain, in children with dental caries and non carious children.Materials and Method: The study was conducted in school going children of the age group between 3-12 years of age, 5ml unstimulated saliva samples were collected from 15 children comprising of three groups (5 children each) with black stains, with and without dental caries and evaluated for Streptococcus mutans colony forming units.Results: This study showed that children with black stains had lower levels Streptococcus mutans (189.6+/-64.16) colony count which was significantly lower when compared to children without any stains or caries (388+/-106.47) and children with dental caries (680.80+/-280.07) which was found to be statistically significant (P value of 0.003*).Conclusion: Children with black stain have low levels of Streptococcus mutans when compared to children with and without Dental caries.

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.

Human Leucocyte Antigen Profile and Transmission of Mutans Streptococci in Mother-Child Pairs.

To investigate possible association between the transmission of mutans streptococci and sharing the immune system component Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) class II in mother-child pairs. Plaque samples from 43 mother-child pairs were cultivated and screened for mutans streptococci. In 14 pairs where both mother and child harboured the bacteria, the strains were genotyped by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and samples were run on PAGE gels. Analysis of genetic identity between mother and child strains was performed with help of software and Dice similarity index. The distribution of HLA of serogroup DR4 (HLA DR4) was studied in relation to maternal transmission and mutans streptococci colonisation in children. The study hypothesis was that in pairs where both mother and child were HLA DR4 positive, transmission of mutans streptococci was more likely. No correlation between the presence of HLA DR4 in mother and child and maternal transmission of mutans streptococci was established. However, the results showed no linkage between mutans streptococci colonisation and HLA DR 4. Of 15 children with mutans streptococci, 12 were HLA DR4 positive. The result suggests that presence of HLA DR4 could be a predisposing factor for colonisation with mutans streptococci in children.

Early childhood caries in five to seven-year-old children, having as variants the mode of delivery and mutans streptococci colonization: a pilot study

Introduction: The oral cavity is colonized by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa [1]. Early oral colonizers are related to the mode of delivery, personal relationships, and the surrounding environment. These will be responsible for subsequent colonization, which will lead to a more complex and stable ecosystem in adult life [2]. The first exposure to microorganisms in children born by vaginal delivery occurs during passage of the vaginal canal, while children born by caesarean section have their first contact with the mother’s skin and with medical equipment [3]. Streptococcus Mutans is recognized as the main bacteria etiological factor of dental caries in humans [4]. The initial acquisition of Streptococcus mutans can be influenced by several factors, such as bacterial levels in maternal saliva, low birth weight, poor oral hygiene, low socioeconomic and educational level, early eruption of primary teeth, prolonged bottle feeding and still high consumption of sucrose [5]. It is documented that children with caries in a deciduous dentition have a higher risk of developing caries in the final dentition, leading to life-long oral health consequences [6]. The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between the type of delivery (vaginal/ caesarean) and colonization of Streptococcus Mutans and establish a relationship between the colonization of Streptococcus Mutans and the early caries in children aged 5 to 7 years. Materials and methods: The Committee of Ethics of the Egas Moniz Cooperativa de Ensino superior CRL approved this study unanimously. All participants signed an informed consent. This study was carried out in the Pediatric Dentistry clinics of the Egas Moniz University Clinic. The sample consists of 40 children, between 5 and 7 years of age. Saliva samples were collected to quantify the density of Streptococcus Mutans present in the oral cavity. The CRT® bacteria test from Ivoclar Vivadent was used. The mother of each child completed an inquiry that contained socio demographic questions about pregnancy, childbirth, hygiene and eating habits of children, and the DMFT index of the children was calculated. Data were submitted to a descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, using the Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney, Fisher and Kruskal-Wallis tests in IBM SPSS Statistics 24®. Results: There was no relationship between the type of delivery and the colonization of Streptococcus Mutans. Children with high values of caries index had a higher density of bacterial colonies. (p = 0.036) Discussion and conclusions: Despite the results, it would be beneficial to carry out new studies in order to facilitate the development of strategies capable of preventing or delaying the colonization of Streptococcus mutans in children.

Horizontal transmission of Streptococcus mutans in children attending kindergarten

Background: Transmission of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), the main pathogen found in dental caries, is particularly prevalent during the first two years of infancy. Numerous children are reportedly infected with S. mutans by their mothers with early initial acquisition of the condition considered to carry a higher risk of subsequent dental caries. Purpose: This research aimed to examine the possibility of horizontal transmission of S. mutans in children attending Surabaya-based kindergartens. Methods: The number of subjects who satisfied the inclusion criteria totaled 146. Dental plaque was collected for one minute with a sterile toothbrush. After completion of an isolation process, 25 S. mutans colonies were identified in Tripticase Cysteine Yeast (TYC) media by means of morphological, microscopic and biochemical tests using API 20 Strept (bioMerieux France). A polymerase chain reaction with OPA-2 and 13 was subsequently used to determine the genotype of S. mutans. Primary data collection was completed by the administering of a questionnaire intended to elicit information regarding the gender, age, diet and medical history of subjects. Results: An arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) fingerprint profile of the strains isolated from the subjects indicated similarities in five genotypes of S. mutans and differences in 18 genotypes. Conclusion: The study indicated that certain children are similarly infected by S mutans bacteria which might be due to horizontal transmission between classmates.