Caries experience and streptococci and lactobacilli salivary levels in 6-8-year-old Sardinians

Objectives. The aim of this investigation was to compare clinical data regarding oral status (DMFT/DMFS indices) and streptococci or lactobacilli counts in stimulated whole saliva in two groups of children, aged 6 and 8 years. Methods. Seventy-nine boys and 93 girls aged 6 (84 subjects) and 8 (88 subjects) years old were selected. DMFT/dmft, DMFS/dmfs and OHI-S indices were recorded. Mutans streptococci (Sm) and lactobacilli (Lb) salivary levels were assessed using commercially available strip tests and were rated from 0 to 3 and from 0 to 4 in the group as a whole. Results. Mean dmfs was 9·06 ± 10·80, made up of ds = 7·28 ± 9·54, fs = 1·19 ± 3·64 and ms = 0·59 ± 3·47. Mean DMFS was 0·73 ± 1·91, made of DS = 0·54 ± 1·29, FS = 0•08 ± 0·56 and MS = 0·11 ± 0·56. Statistically significant differences were found for both Sm and Lb scores between those with and without caries in the primary teeth (P < 0·05). The different Lb scores were also significant in relation to caries in permanent teeth in older children. Conclusion. A high proportion of children had some caries experience, and were in need of treatment