Streptococcus mutans establishment and dental caries experience in children from 2 to 4 years old

Abstract

– 39 children were studied longitudinally at the age of 2, 3, and 4 yr for the colonization of S. mutans in plaque and saliva and for caries experience. S. mutans was found in 38% of the children, and the predominant serotype group was c/e/f. A total of 16 children got caries before the age of 4. Children who harbored S. mutans in their plaque at the age of 2, appeared to be the most caries‐active individuals. Their caries index values (number of decayed, missed and filled surfaces, dmfs = 10.6±5.3) at the age of 4 differed significantly from the values of children who harbored S. mutans later (dmfs = 3.4±1.8,P<0.005) or remained free from S. mutans infection (dmfs = 0.3±1.1, P<0.0003). It was thus concluded that the early establishment of S. mutans in the plaque of primary incisors indicated early and extensive caries attack in young primary dentition.

Perfil de salud bucal de niños que concurrieron a Servicios Odontológicos Universitarios en Porto Alegre (Brasil) y Córdoba (Argentina)

“…These findings reinforce the multifactorial etiology of caries, where the joint action of several etiological factors is needed, that is, a cariogenic diet, poor oral hygiene, susceptible host and Streptococcus mutans oral infection: together they create an environment that promotes the development of carious lesions (7)(8)(9)(10) . Regarding healthy habits and oral health risk, we observed that children in Argentina do not have oral hygiene habits, and there was a significant difference with the Brazilian cohort.…”

“…Studies conducted by Adair et al (3) have shown the influence carbohydrates, especially sugars, have on the occurrence of carious lesions. Poor eating habits, such as the intake of sugary substances in the baby's bottle, are closely tied to early Streptococcus mutans colonization, one of the main cariogenic bacteria in the oral cavity (7)(8)(9)(10) .…”

“…Frequent contact between the mother and the child may cause early colonization and bacteria transmission (7) . Several studies agree that the mother is the child's primary source of infection through cariogenic bacteria (8)(9)(10) .…”

Prevalência de cárie dentária em crianças da faixa etária de 0 a 6 anos matriculadas em creches: importância de fatores socioeconômicos

“…É sabido que quanto mais precocemente ocorrer a infecção na dentição decídua da criança, por microrganismos patogênicos, maior a prevalência de cárie nessa dentição 1,14 . Hábitos arraigados no cotidiano do cuidado infantil, como provar os alimentos com a colher da criança, ou resfriá-los soprando, são as principais formas de transmissão da infecção da mãe para o filho 1 .…”

“…Hábitos arraigados no cotidiano do cuidado infantil, como provar os alimentos com a colher da criança, ou resfriá-los soprando, são as principais formas de transmissão da infecção da mãe para o filho 1 .…”