Relationship Between Lactobacillus, Streptococcus Mutans And Caries In Early Childhood

The present study aimed to investigate the relationships of oral Lactobacillus, Streptococcus mutans and dental caries status of the children with primary dentition. Sliva samples were collected from 332 children (aged 3-4 years old) who fulfilled the selection criteria. The criteria of the WHO modified by the inclusion of active white spot lesions was used. Both cavitated and non-cavitated lesions were diagnosed as caries in this study. The participants underwent exhaustive oral examination, and saliva sample collection. Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans were analyzed through real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (v20, IBM, NY, USA) with the significance level set at 5%. The caries was detected in 25.3% of all subjects. The mean dmft (decayed, missing, filled teeth) index of all children was 1.2±2.6. S. mutans, L.acidophilus, L.fermentum, and L.rhamnosus were detected in 100%, 87.3%, 71.4% and 62.3% subjects, respectively. There was a significant increase (P=0.035) of S. mutans in children with dental caries compared to the control group. Significant positive correlations were found between levels of L.acidophilus, L.fermentum and dmft index (P=0.002, P < 0.001, respectively). Lactobacilli have been implicated as important contributory species in dental caries. whether it is a positive or negative correlation between lactobacilli and caries still needs the prospective cohort study.