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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Periodontal Pathogen Colonization in Young Children by PCR Quantification - A Longitudinal Survey
Introduction:
Periodontal diseases are among the leading causes of premature tooth loss in adults, but the microbiota associated with this problem is established over time in childhood.
Aim:
This longitudinal study aimed to verify the occurrence of periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity of children aged six, twelve, eighteen and twenty-four months through PCR quantification, correlating them with the oral microbiota of their mothers.
Study Design:
Saliva and oral biofilm samples were collected from mothers and children by using sterilized paper points. Furthermore, a questionnaire was applied in all periods to evaluate hygiene and dietary habits.
Results:
A positive correlation was found between mother-child pairs in all periods. No correlation was observed between hygiene and dietary habits and occurrence of periodontal pathogens.
Conclusion:
Early inclusion of children in preventive and biofilm control programs could contribute to preventing acquisition of aggressive pathogens.
