Relationship of caries incidence to the recovery of S.mutans and from lactobacilli from plaque and saliva

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship of DMF-T to the recovery of S. mutans and Lactobacilli from plaque and saliva. The main objective was to find out whether S.mutans count or lactobacilli count of saliva be used as caries susceptability of a person. Twelve volunteers were included in the study. Plaque and Saliva samples were cultivated on suitable selective media. Results revealed that the number of S.mutans from persons with greater DMF-T score was greater in general. The saliva contained more bacteria than the plaque. Lactobacilli on the other hand were found inconsistent and there was no relationship of DMF-T to the recovery of Lactobacilli either from saliva or plaque