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Oral colonization of Streptococcus mutans in six-month-old predentate infants
A K Wan1, W K Seow, D M Purdie
1University of Queensland, School of Dentistry, Brisbane, Australia.
Insights
Pre-term and full-term infants show similar early colonization by Streptococcus mutans, with sugar intake and saliva transfer being key factors. Antibiotic use was linked to non-colonization.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Microbiology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Early childhood caries is a significant public health concern.
- Streptococcus mutans is a primary etiological agent of dental caries.
- Infant oral microbiome development is influenced by various perinatal factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of Streptococcus mutans colonization in both pre-term and full-term infants.
- To compare S. mutans colonization patterns between pre-term and full-term infants.
- To identify maternal factors associated with S. mutans transmission.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 172 predentate, six-month-old infants.
- S. mutans colonization was assessed through repeat saliva sampling.
- Risk factors including diet, feeding practices, and maternal oral health were evaluated.
Main Results:
- S. mutans colonization was observed in 50% of pre-term and 60% of full-term infants.
- Increased sugar consumption, breastfeeding, and saliva-sharing habits were significant risk factors for colonization in both groups.
- Frequent antibiotic use was associated with non-colonization.
Conclusions:
- Pre-term infants do not show a significantly higher frequency of S. mutans colonization compared to full-term infants at six months.
- Dietary sugar and mother-to-infant saliva transmission are critical factors in early S. mutans acquisition.
- Maternal oral health and socioeconomic status play a role in infant colonization.
Abstract:
We hypothesize that S. mutans colonization occurs more frequently in pre-term children due to their relative immaturity. In this study of 172 predentate, six-month-old infants, we found that 50% of pre-term and 60% of full-term children harbored S. mutans. The colonization was confirmed by repeat sampling. Although there were minor differences, factors associated with S. mutans infection in pre-term and full-term infants were generally similar. In both groups, increased frequency of sugar was ranked the most important factor (p < 0.001), followed by breast-feeding (p < 0.001), and habits which allowed saliva transfer from mother to infant (p < 0.01). By contrast, non-colonization of S. mutans was associated with multiple courses of antibiotics (p < 0.001). Compared with pre-term children, there were higher percentages of full-term who had night feedings and consumed sugar during sleep times. Mothers with infected infants had S. mutans levels > 5 x 10(5) CFU/mL saliva (p < 0.001), poorer oral hygiene, more periodontal disease, and lower socio-economic status (p < 0.02) and snacked frequently (p < 0.001), compared with mothers with non-infected infants.