Association Between the Salivary Streptococcus Mutans Levels and Dental Caries Experience in Adult Females

Objectives: The aim of this study was to look at the possible relationship between heavy colonization of salivary Streptococcus mutans and caries occurrence and other factors affect the colonization among adult mothers in Sana’a city, Yemen.

Study design: A total of 261; 19-55 year old mothers were selected. Clinical examination of mothers were conducted to estimate dental caries experience with the Silness-Loe index, as well as stimulated saliva were collected to assess S.mutans levels by colony forming units (CFU). Difference in proportions calculated the differences between the groups and the associated OR of colonization with tested factors were estimated and significancy was determine by chi square and P value.

Results: Out of 261 mothers, 72 (27.6%) showed heavy colonization of S.mutans. Overall 12 (4.6%) mothers were caries free (Score 0) and 249 (95.4%) presented with caries (Score 1-3). There was significant grow in the rate of S.mutans heavy colonization with growing caries score (score 1=20.8%, 32.2% for score2 and 46.2% for score 3). There was ascend in the rate of S.mutans heavy colonization with growing age. Regarding oral hygiene practices, there was significant grow in the rate of S.mutans heavy colonization with using mouthwashes while significant drop in the rate with using flossing and regular visit of dentist.

Conclusion: A high rate of heavy colonization of S.mutans occurred, with significant grow in the rate with growing caries score, there is negative effect of using regular mouthwashes while positive one with using flossing and regular visit of dentist.

Keywords: Colony forming units CFU); Saliva; Dental caries; Streptococcus mutans; Colonization; Adults