A Longitudinal Epidemiological Study on Dental Plaque and the Development of Dental Caries—Interim Results After Two Years

Abstract

1. During the two-year period, caries developed at 20% of the target premolar sites. The attack rate for these surfaces was similar in the plaque panel and the other subjects in the study. 2. The microbial composition of plaque samples from caries-free sites and from carious sites before and after radiographic detection of lesions was broadly similar. 3. Numerical domination of particular sites by S mutans before detection of caries can occur, but has only been observed so far in 2 of 15 sites. 4. Pooled date from sites which have developed lesions indicate a rise in the isolation frequency and mean numbers of S. mutans after detection of caries. This trend was particularly obvious in the one subject who developed bilateral lesions by the second examination and in three of four sites where caries was detected at the fourth examination. Similar observations have been made with lactobacilli. 5. In two of 15 instances no isolations of S mutans were made from sites which developed caries. 6. To date, no single species appears to be uniquely associated with the onset of dental caries.

The effects of short-term consumption of commercial yogurt on salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli counts: an in vivo investigation

“…Given that these bacteria are responsible for dental caries development (Hardie et al, 1977), the use of antibacterial substances to reduce their numbers and pathogenicity seems to be helpful.…”

Caries management strategies by risk assessment-prevention and treatment

“…13,14 Chair side tests are available to help clinicians to quantify Streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus levels in saliva. Culture based methods require tests that evaluates saliva bacteria.…”

Immunisation of Rhesus Monkeys with Streptococcus Mutans, Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Lipoteichoic Acid for Protection Against Dental Caries

“…mutans was also isolated by them but a significant relationship with caries was not found. The number of S. mutans, and to a lesser extent that of lactobacilli, increases after the development of caries (Hardie et al, 1977).…”