title: Continuous effect of pit and fissure sealing on S. mutans presence in situ.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The effect of sealants on S. mutans presence in situ was investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four intact, fully erupted first permanent molars in each of 74 children, aged 6-8 years were required for inclusion in the study. Baseline examination included deft and plaque index. S. mutans presence on occlusal surfaces of the molars was evaluated, using a microbial replica method. Immediately after sealing the first permanent molars on one side, S. mutans presence in situ was re-evaluated, as well as three and six months thereafter. Three months after the initiation of the study, S. mutans presence was evaluated on the molars of the unsealed side, which were consequently sealed and re-evaluated immediately, and three months later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Positive correlation was found between deft scores, plaque indices and microbial replica values, at baseline. Sealing caused a significant reduction in S. mutans levels on the treated occlusal surfaces, in vivo (P < 0.001), which lasted, in most cases, up to six months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data suggest that sealants enable a prolonged reduction of S. mutans presence in situ, indicating an additional prevention effect, by reducing one source of dissemination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mass
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Eli
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lev-Dor-Samovici
authors.forename: E I
authors.initials: EI
authors.lastname: Weiss
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004245:DMF Index; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000382:microbiology; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar / Q000382:microbiology*; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000254:growth & development*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants