ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The age at which a child becomes colonized with mutans streptococci (MS) is important for understanding early childhood caries. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship of age with MS colonization in infants. METHODS: Inner-city children (n = 149) between the ages of 8 months and 15 months, inclusive, who reportedly were still using a baby bottle, were sampled for MS. RESULTS: Evidence of MS colonization was seen as early at 10 months of age. For children 12 months old or younger (n = 80), 25 percent had detectable levels of MS; in the 15-month age group, 60 percent were colonized. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that prevention of MS colonization in some populations may need to be initiated prior to the child's first birthday.
