1. Department of Biology-Microbiology, Islamshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr, Iran 2. Department of Biology-Microbiology, Islamshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr, Iran 3. Department of Biology-Microbiology, Islamshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Islamshahr, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
Dental caries is one of the most common prevailing disease in humans and a significant public health problem worldwide. mutans streptococci are a group of oral bacteria, among this group streptococcus mutans is frequently associated with dental caries. the aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of s. mutans in plaque and saliva samples of adults with different caries activity and to relate their presence to the incidence of dental caries.
Methods
128 patients from different age groups were included in the study. dental examinations were performed using a plane dental mirror and explorer. the dmft (decayed, missing, filled teeth) value calculated following the world health organization (who) caries diagnostic criteria. samples were collected and pcr testing for gtfb gene was performed for s. mutans detection. the data was analyzed by using spss software and eta coefficient were used to evaluate correlation between dmft score and s. mutans presence.
Results
Dmft mean showed a 5.6 score and prevalence of s. mutans was 77.16%. there was a positive correlation between s. mutans presence and dmft value (p<0.05) but s. mutans was not present in all patients with active caries.
Conclusion
S. mutans prevalence in dental plaque and saliva samples is high. other members of mutans streptococci can play key role in dental caries occurrence.
