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Colonization of mutans streptococci in Costa Rican children from a high-risk population

Sylvia Gudiño1, Norman Rojas, Cristina Castro

  • 1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica. sgudino@racsa.co.cr

Journal of Dentistry for Children (Chicago, Ill.)
|April 24, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Mutans streptococci (MS) colonization in dental biofilm and saliva is common in high-risk infants. Higher MS levels were observed in older children and those with more erupted teeth, indicating an association with age and dental development.

Area of Science:

  • Oral microbiology
  • Pediatric dentistry
  • Public health

Background:

  • Mutans streptococci (MS) are key pathogens in early childhood caries.
  • Infants from low socioeconomic backgrounds in urban settings may represent a high-risk population for oral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and levels of mutans streptococci (MS) in the dental biofilm and saliva of high-risk infants.
  • To investigate the association of MS colonization with age and dental development in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 68 healthy, caries-free infants (8-20 months) with cariogenic feeding habits was studied.
  • Samples of dental biofilm and saliva were collected and cultured on specific media to quantify MS.
  • Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, were used to compare MS levels between age groups and correlate with dental development.

Main Results:

  • Mutans streptococci were detected in 75% of dental biofilm samples and 72% of saliva samples.
  • Higher MS levels were found in dental biofilm (35%) compared to saliva (4%) with counts >20,000 CFU/ml.
  • MS levels were significantly higher in children older than 17 months and associated with the number of erupted primary molars.

Conclusions:

  • Infant colonization by mutans streptococci in dental biofilm and saliva is prevalent in this high-risk population.
  • Age and the progression of dental development (erupted teeth) are significant factors associated with MS colonization levels.
Abstract

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