A study on initial colonization of Mutans streptococci on teeth in infants and toddlers / 华西口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the initial colonization of Mutans streptococci (MS) on teeth of children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Dental plaque was collected from 123 children aged from 7 to 42 months. MS was isolated by culturing on selective medium and identified by biochemical tests.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MS was detected in 51 of 123 children. The rate of colonization was 41.5%, and the mean age of colonization was 29 month. The incidence of MS infection increased with age and tooth eruption, and reached peak at 25 - 31 months, which was statistically significant. There was a correlation between infection of MS and dental caries.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results indicate that the susceptive period of MS infection is from 25 to 31 months when the second primary molars erupt. MS infection is associated with dental caries.</p>