Longitudinal Study Assessing Factors Associated with Mutans Streptococci Acquisition in Infants and Toddlers

Avasare, Tejasi / Warren, John / Qian, Fang / Marshall, Teresa / Weber-Gasparoni, Karin / Drake, DavidPage 543 - 548Purpose: To assess the role of sociodemographic, dietary, and clinical factors in early mutans streptococci (MS) colonization in children aged 6 to 24 months who were followed for 18 months.Materials and Methods: Ninety-four children (mean age: 11.5 ± 4.99 months at baseline) were enrolled in the study from the Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program during 2003-2004. Salivary MS levels of the children were determined at baseline and at 18 months using a semi-quantitative method. Detailed information about the children's bev erage consumption pattern, dietary behavior, and clinical information about oral health status was collected at baseline, 9 months, and 18 months. None of the children included in this study had detectable levels of MS at baseline.Results: Of the 94 children at baseline, 36 (38%) had acquired MS by the 18-month follow-up. The presence of>5 teeth [OR = 3.55 (1.46-9.04); p = 0.0062] was a significant risk factor for MS acquisition among the baseline variables. At 9 months, sports drinks consumption [OR = 5.56 (1.39-26.26); p = 0.0143] and presence of caries [OR = 9.36 (2.55-40.90); p
Source: Oral health and Preventive dentistry - Category: Dentistry Source Type: research