Abstract
Introduction: Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli are most important bacteria in the pathogenesis of dental caries. Cariogenic microflora has been associated to the primary caregiver transmission and sugary diets.
Aim: This study aimed to relate S. mutans and lactobacilli in the plaque to demographic factors in Iraqi children.
Materials and methods: The study included 135 children aged 3-10 years. Samples of their dental plaque were taken from the upper second primary molars on the buccal surfaces using a clean toothpick. Each sample was stored in 1 ml of normal saline followed by dispersion for 30 seconds using Vortex mix. Before inoculation, serial dilutions were done. Inoculation was done in the selective media for each microorganism: mitis salivarius-bacitracin agar for S. mutans and Rogosa agar for lactobacilli. The bacterial count was estimated by counting CFU and a dissection microscope (×15). A questionnaire on the demographic factors was sent to each child to be filled in by their parents.
Results: S. mutans was demonstrated to be greater in the dental plaque of 3-6-year-old children whose mothers are housewives, groups that add sugar to milk, groups without any history of systemic disease, mother’s age, and normal-weight children, whereas lactobacilli increased in the plaque of children aged 7–10 years, women, children with fathers who are government employees, mother’s occupation, children who were not nursed during sleep, father’s age, normal weight, and times of teeth brushing.
Conclusion: S. mutans and lactobacilli are clearly associated with different demographic factors. Education of parents and children has an effective impact on controlling their number, reducing dental caries.