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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

An Analytical Tool-box for Comprehensive Biochemical, Structural and Transcriptome Evaluation of Oral Biofilms Mediated by Mutans Streptococci
11:09

An Analytical Tool-box for Comprehensive Biochemical, Structural and Transcriptome Evaluation of Oral Biofilms Mediated by Mutans Streptococci

Published on: January 25, 2011

Distribution and determinants of mutans streptococci among African-American children and association with selected

A P Dasanayake1, J M Roseman, P W Caufield

  • 1School of Dentistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.

Pediatric Dentistry
|May 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Early childhood antibiotic use and household crowding significantly increase the risk of mutans streptococci (MS) oral colonization in children. These factors may alter the oral environment, promoting MS prevalence.

Area of Science:

  • Oral microbiology
  • Pediatric health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Mutans streptococci (MS) are key pathogens in dental caries development.
  • Understanding factors influencing MS colonization is crucial for early intervention.
  • Early childhood is a critical period for oral microbiome development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of MS in African-American children aged 5-12.
  • To examine the association between early childhood antibiotic use and MS oral colonization.
  • To identify other variables affecting MS colonization.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 353 African-American children.
  • MS prevalence assessed via pooled plaque and stimulated saliva samples.
  • Data on antibiotic use and other factors collected through questionnaires and validated with health records.

Main Results:

  • MS prevalence was 92% and associated with dental caries, age, sweet consumption, and number of teeth.
  • Higher MS levels correlated with decayed teeth and maternal primary caregiving in the second year of life.
  • Early childhood antibiotic use (OR=8.3) and household crowding (OR=1.5) significantly increased MS prevalence.

Conclusions:

  • Early childhood antibiotic exposure and household crowding are significant risk factors for MS colonization.
  • Potential mechanisms include antibiotic-induced oral ecological shifts and sugar exposure from medications.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise pathways linking early antibiotic use to increased MS prevalence.

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