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Early colonization of mutans streptococci in 2- to 36-month-old Thai children

Sarinthron Tankkunnasombut1, Kwanchanok Youcharoen, Wallapit Wisuttisak

  • 1Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand. sarinthron@yahoo.com

Pediatric Dentistry
|March 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Early childhood cavities are linked to streptococci mutans (SM). This study found SM colonization in Thai children as young as two months, even before teeth erupt, suggesting early prevention is key.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Streptococci mutans (SM) are primary causative agents of dental caries.
  • Understanding the timing of SM colonization is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies.
  • Early childhood caries (ECC) poses a significant global health burden.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the age and developmental stage of tooth eruption at which streptococci mutans colonize Thai children.
  • To investigate the prevalence of SM colonization in infants and toddlers.
  • To inform early intervention strategies for preventing dental caries.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 202 Thai children aged 2 to 36 months.
  • Children were categorized into three groups based on the presence and number of erupted teeth (predentate, 1-8 teeth, 9-20 teeth).
  • Microbiological samples were collected using cotton swabs and analyzed for SM presence and enumeration on mitis salivarius agar supplemented with Bacitracin.

Main Results:

  • Streptococci mutans colonization was detected in 26% of the children studied.
  • SM colonization was identified in 5% of predentate children, with the youngest case at two months of age.
  • A statistically significant increase in SM colonization rates was observed with increasing age and number of erupted teeth (P < .001).

Conclusions:

  • Streptococci mutans can colonize infants in Thailand as early as two months of age, prior to tooth eruption.
  • The findings indicate that preventive measures against early SM colonization may need to commence before the emergence of primary teeth.
  • This research highlights the importance of early oral health interventions in high-risk populations.
Abstract

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