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. 2017 Aug;18(4):251-261.
doi: 10.1007/s40368-017-0295-7. Epub 2017 Jul 18.

Quantitative analysis of S. mutans, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium found in initial and mature plaques in Thai children with early childhood caries

K Mitrakul  1 , S Chanvitan  2 , A Jeamset  2 , K Vongsawan  2
Affiliations

Quantitative analysis of S. mutans, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium found in initial and mature plaques in Thai children with early childhood caries

K Mitrakul et al. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2017 Aug.

Abstract

Aims: To quantify Streptococcus mutans, lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in initial and mature plaque collected from children with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) and caries-free (CF) groups and to analyse the association between these bacteria and caries-related factors in each group.

Study design: A collection of 120 initial and overnight supra-gingival plaques were collected from Thai children aged 2-5 years-old (S-ECC = 60, CF = 60). Plaque, gingival indices and decayed, missing, filled tooth (dmft) scores were recorded. A questionnaire was used to assess the parents' attitudes and behaviour regarding the child's oral hygiene care and diet.

Methods: After DNA extraction, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using fluorescent dye (SYBR green) was performed.

Results: Levels of Streptococcus mutans, lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in both initial and mature plaques of S-ECC were significantly higher than those from the caries-free group (p < 0.05). The ratio of S. mutans, lactobacillus, and bifidobacterium to the total bacteria in S-ECC was significantly higher than in the caries-free group (p < 0.05). Levels of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in both plaques significantly correlated with dmft scores and the plaque index, while S. mutans levels only correlated with dmft scores (p < 0.05). Factors that were significantly associated with caries were parents's education, duration of bottle feeding, especially during sleeping and the frequency of consuming cariogenic food between meals (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Levels of S. mutans, lactobacillus, bifidobacterium and the ratio of these bacteria to total bacteria in both initial and mature plaques were significantly higher in children with S-ECC and related to dmft scores, oral hygiene and dietary habits.

Keywords: Bifidobacterium; Dental plaque; Early childhood caries; Lactobacillus; Polymerase chain reaction; S. mutans.

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