Increased number of teeth predict acquisition of mutans streptococci in infants

Abstract

This longitudinal study of 194 very low birth weight (VLBW) and 184 normal birth weight (NBW) infants, hypothesized that the causal pathway between birth group (VLBW, NBW) and mutans streptococci (MS) acquisition (presence) at 18-20 months is mediated by biological, behavioral, and caregiver MS levels. Biological (number of teeth at 8 and 18-20 months, enamel hypoplasia) and behavioral (brushing/cleaning, sweet snacks, breast feeding, dental access) factors were assessed using dental exams and caregiver questionnaire responses at 8 and 18-20 months. Infant MS acquisition and caregiver levels were assessed from saliva and plaque samples collected at 8 and 18-20 months. Structural equations model evaluated the causal pathway with latent variables for biology and behavior. MS presence was similar between birth groups at 18-20 months (VLBW: 40%; NBW: 49%), but significantly higher for NBW at 8 months. Increased number of teeth at 8 and 18-20 months was associated with biological risk. Infants whose caregivers had a one point higher score on MS had a significantly 1.5 higher odds of MS presence. Caregiver behavior was not associated with MS presence. Early Intervention efforts should focus on delaying initial acquisition and improving caregiver awareness of taking care of erupting primary teeth.

Effect of Mode of Delivery on Early Oral Colonization and Childhood Dental Caries: A Systematic Review

“…Eight studies [14, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31] showed results on differences between groups by the mode of delivery in the prevalence of children with S. mutans (or mutans streptococci) and/or S. salivarius . Results were stratified according to the children’s age and summarized in Table 2.…”

“…Three studies rated weak [24] to moderate [25, 30] in quality assessment reported significant lower frequency of S. mutans detection among infants born by cesarean section compared with those vaginally delivered but only among younger groups (2 days, 1 month, and 3 months old). Instead, 6 studies that were considered to have moderate [14, 27, 28, 31] to strong [21, 23] methodological quality reported no significant differences in prevalence of oral colonization by S. mutans between groups by mode of delivery (Table 2). …”

Continuous‐time causal mediation analysis

“…The data for the present example are from a longitudinal study of dental caries in a cohort of very low birth weight (VLBW) and normal birth weight (NBW) children followed from birth . In this study, 468 child‐caregiver dyads (234 VLBW; 234 NBW) were enrolled and assessed at child ages 8, 18, and 36 months on oral health outcomes, as well as behavioral and demographic variables, including socioeconomic status (SES).…”

Relationship between Interdental Spacing and Colonization by <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> in Children

“…A number of factors in the oral environment have been reported to show a correlation with colonization by S. mutans, including diet 14,17) , salivary composition 4,6) , enamel hypoplasia 9,11) , eruption of teeth 5,7,15) and oral hygiene 14,16) . Traditionally, colonization of the oral cavity by S. mutans is believed to only occur when teeth are present.…”