Reduced salivary flow and colonization by mutans streptococci in children with Down syndrome
Clinics
;
67(9): 1007-1011, Sept. 2012. ilus, tab
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-649377
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
Although individuals with Down syndrome have considerable oral disease, the prevalence of dental caries in this group is low. The present study aimed to compare known risk factors for dental caries development in children with Down syndrome and a matched population (siblings). In both populations, the number of acidogenic microorganisms, such as mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and Candida species, and the paraffin-stimulated pH, flow rate and IgA concentration in whole saliva were evaluated and compared.METHOD:
Saliva was collected, and the caries index was evaluated in 45 sibling pairs aged between 6 and 18 years old. The salivary IgA concentration was determined by immunoturbidimetry. Salivary mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and Candida species were quantified on mitis salivarius agar containing bacitracin and 20% sucrose, rogosa agar supplemented with glacial acetic acid and sabouraud agar supplemented with chloramphenicol, respectively.RESULTS:
Down syndrome children had a higher caries-free rate (p<0.05) and lower salivary mutans streptococci counts (p<0.03) compared to their siblings. Similar numbers of lactobacilli and Candida species were found in both groups. Salivary flow rates were 36% lower in Down syndrome children compared to their siblings (p<0.05). The salivary pH did not differ between Down syndrome children and controls. The Down syndrome children had an IgA secretion rate 29% lower than that of their siblings, but this difference was not statistically significant.CONCLUSIONS:
In conclusion, the lower number of mutans streptococci in the saliva may be one of the factors contributing to the lower caries rate observed in Down syndrome children, despite evidence of hyposalivation.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Streptococcus mutans
/
Xerostomia
/
Down Syndrome
/
Dental Caries
Type of study:
Etiology study
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
English
Journal:
Clinics
Journal subject:
Medicine
Year:
2012
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Portugal
/
United kingdom
Institution/Affiliation country:
Porto University/PT
/
University College London/GB
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