Mutans streptococci -dental, oral and global aspects

Abstract

The evaluation of the levels of mutans streptococci have been used for many years in some countries, in clinical work to monitor patients during treatment of dental caries, based on the observations that teeth, and patients, with elevated levels of mutans streptococci are at higher risk for caries. Other studies have focussed on attempts to select high caries risk groups based on salivary levels. Several methods to estimate the bacteria have been developed, among them being the "Spatula method" and the more recent "Strip mutans" method. Both methods are based on observations made in studies aimed at determining factors of importance for the transfer of these bacteria between persons. This paper gives a background to saliva sampling for mutans streptococci and describes some studies that have evaluated the role of these bacteria for caries. Such background information is important for the correct use of bacterial tests in the clinic and for interpretation of the results.