Sociocultural aspects and Streptococcus spp isolation from dental biofilm: comparison between public health system and private dental practice patients

The different sociocultural contexts and lifestyles may influence oral health. To evaluate the interference of these factors, we conducted a quantitative-qualitative cross-sectional study. The research was carried out in a private dental office, in an urban area, and in the Family Health Unit (USF), in a rural area. 100 patients, 50 of each location, participated in the research. A semi-structured questionnaire covering sociocultural profile, oral hygiene habits, drug consumption, use of medicinal plants, and antibiotics usage was applied. Also, laboratory tests to evaluate the tendency to have dental decay and Streptococcus sp colony counting were performed. There was no significant difference between patients in the two groups regarding gender, race, marital status, type of residence, number of residents in the same household, and type of employment. Private clinic participants were more prone to consuming alcohol and/or cigarettes and reported brushing their teeth more often. In general, participants from the public health system showed less Streptococcus biofilm colonization. There was no association between salivary acidity and higher biofilm bacterial density. The usage of medicinal plants was more evident in the public service. In conclusion, the lifestyle of dental patients prevailed over the context of dental care in the characteristics related to oral colonization by Streptococcus spp.