Mycoplasmas in the plaque and saliva of children

Plaque and saliva samples from 60 children were screened for the presence of mycoplasmas. Each child provided a sample of stimulated saliva and one of plaque from the buccal surface of the most posterior tooth in the upper right quadrant. Mycoplasmas were cultured from 93% of the saliva samples and from 50% of the plaque samples. At the time of sampling, gingivitis was assessed at the site adjacent to that from which the plaque was taken. Mycoplasmas were found significantly more often in plaque from sites in which the adjacent gingivae exhibited inflammation than from sites in which no inflammation was detectable. The proportion of mycoplasmas in plaque from samples adjacent to inflamed gingivae was significantly greater than that in plaque from sites which were clinically healthy. A similar pattern was detected in the corresponding saliva samples. The finding of a greater incidence, together with increased levels, of mycoplasmas in plaque samples from sites with gingivitis may suggest a role for these organisms in this condition.