Study on the role of streptococcus mutans in dental caries
Journal Title: Medpulse International Journal of Dentistry - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 3
Abstract
Dental infections like tooth decay and periodontal disease are common chronic infectious diseases in humans. The mutans streptococci are found in plaque and are cariogenic. They colonize the host only after the eruption of the first teeth localizing the tooth surfaces and found in abundance in plaques of initial lesions. They are almost always recovered on cultivation of both initial and established carious lesions sites. A total of 48 children aged 6–18 years, were included in the study. Salivary samples were collected with a wooden spatula. A sample of chewed gum was also taken. From enamel, white spot and cavitated lesions, the plaque was obtained by swiping the tooth surface with a dental explorer. The samples were seeded on the surfaces of SB – 20M culture medium selective for MS sugar fermentation tests were done. The study group consisted of 24 children with dental caries and the control group had the same number, that is 24 children without caries. The study group had a culture positivity of 17 (70.8%), as compared to only 2 (8.3%) culture positives in the control group. Chewing gum was a better specimen as compared to saliva in our study which detected 17 (70.8%) of S. mutans versus 13 (54.2%) with sputum. Public health promotion of strategies to reduce colonization of mothers with streptococcus mutans, by use of xylitol, restriction of sucrose, filling of carious lesions and antiseptic treatment will prevent transmission to their children. The similar steps can be taken to improve the dental health of children also. Further studies are imperative to give an insight into the contribution of various risk factors in tooth decay.
Authors and Affiliations
Fatima Tasneem, Syed Salman Hamid Hashmi, Abdul Qadir A W Siddiqui, Humera Q F Ansari
Keywords
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- EP ID EP486229
- DOI 10.26611/1019731
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