Early colonization of mutans streptococci in 2- to 36-month-old Thai children.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the timing of colonization of streptococci mutans (SM) in 2- to 36-month-old Thai children.


METHODS
Two hundred and two 2- to 36-month-old children were divided into 3 groups: group 1 = 84 predentate children; group 2 = 68 children with 1 to 8 erupted teeth; and group 3 = 50 children with 9 to 20 erupted teeth. Microbiological samples were obtained from children by cotton swab. Samples were diluted and plated on mitis salivarius agar supplemented with Baocitracin (MSB) for selection and enumeration of SM.


RESULTS
SM colonization was found in 26% of children, who had a mean age in months of 20.5 +/- 103 (SD). MS colonization was detected in 5% of predentate children and was detected in children as young as 2 months old. The percentage of children who were colonized with SM rose significantly with increasing age and numbers of erupted teeth (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Streptococci mutans colonization in 2- to 36-month-old Thai children was found in predentate children and detected in children as young as 2 months old. The results suggest that prevention of early SM colonization in some populations may need to be initiated prior to tooth eruption.
Tankkunnasombut
Sarinthron
S
Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand. sarinthron@yahoo.com
Youcharoen
Kwanchanok
K
Wisuttisak
Wallapit
W
Vichayanrat
Sukritta
S
Tiranathanagul
Siriluck
S