Mutans streptococci colonization associates with the occupation of caretaker, a practise-based study.
BACKGROUND
The early mutans streptococci (MS) bacteria colonization is connected to early childhood caries. The aim of this study is to examine associations between the MS-colonization and background factors in young children, in order to enhance the oral health program in a low caries prevalence community.


METHODS
An age cohort of 512 children was screened for MS in the oral biofilm at the age of 18 months. The caretakers were, using a structured form, interviewed of demographical factors and habits connected to oral health: antibiotic treatments, child's appetite, frequency of night feeding, use of sugary products or drinks, and maternal xylitol use. The associations were evaluated with logistic regression analysis.


RESULTS
Mutans streptococci colonization was significantly associated with both the occupation of the caretaker and the non-Finnish background.


CONCLUSIONS
The early MS-colonization, in preschool children, strongly associates with the socioeconomic status of the family.
Meurman
Pia
P
Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. pia.meurman@utu.fi
Pienihäkkinen
Kaisu
K
Eriksson
Anna-Leena
AL
Alanen
Pentti
P
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001066:Appetite; D017028:Caregivers; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004245:DMF Index; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology*; D018865:Dental Research; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D004651:Employment; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D012923:Social Class; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014993:Xylitol
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D014993:Xylitol