Salivary Streptococcus mutans and dental caries in relation to nutritional status among 6 years old children

Abstract

Background: Nutritional status is the mirror image of health and one of its most
accurate indicators. Normal salivary gland functions are essential for maintenance
of oral health. Salivary flow rate and composition which could be influenced by
nutritional status. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nutritional
status on Streptococcus mutans and their relations to dental caries.
Materials and methods: Stimulated saliva was collected from 28 children with an
age 6 years old. Those randomly selected children were divided into wellnourished
and chronic malnourished children according to their age, weight and
height indicators. Dental caries examination of primary teeth was assayed
following the criteria of WHO. Microbiological assessment of Streptococcus
mutans was done after measuring the salivary flow rate.
Results: No significant differences were found between well-nourished and chronic
malnourished children in caries experience. Chronic malnourished children had a
significant lower salivary flow rate and higher mean counts of salivary
Streptococcus mutans than that of well-nourished children. Significant
correlations were found between nutritional status with flow rate and
Streptococcus mutans.
Conclusion: Early identification of malnourished children will lower the prevalence
of dental caries and enhance their quality of life.