title: Cariogenic microorganisms and oral conditions in asthmatic children.
abstract: This study evaluated the caries risk of asthmatic patients on the basis of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli levels in saliva samples as well as the index of oral hygiene and dental caries (DMFT index). The study population was composed of 80 asthmatic children, aged 3-15 years, who use specific medication, and 80 matched, healthy control children. The parents were interviewed about oral health-related factors. The World Health Organization criteria were used for dental examinations. The Köhler and Bratthal methodology was used to detect salivary MS levels and dilutions of saliva were done for lactobacilli counting. No differences between asthma and control groups were observed for caries prevalence in children aged 3-6 and 7-10 years, except in severe cases in the younger group. However, higher caries prevalence for permanent dentition was observed in 11- to 15-year-old asthmatic children. An increased dental biofilm was observed in the asthma group, as well as salivary levels of MS. No differences were observed in levels of lactobacilli. No statistical correlations were found between medication, frequency of treatment, method of consumption and caries experience, dental biofilm and salivary levels of MS or lactobacilli. However, there was a correlation between MS levels and treatment duration. The logistic regression revealed that MS level is an important risk factor for increased caries experience. Asthma should be evaluated as a risk factor for caries experience because it can increase the levels of MS and the dental biofilm.
authors.affiliation: Central University of Maringá (CESUMAR), Maringá, Brazil.
authors.forename: M P J
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Botelho
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Maciel
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cerci Neto
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Dezan
authors.forename: K B P
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.forename: F B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: de Andrade
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D018441:Biofilms; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009911:Oral Hygiene Index; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012463:Saliva / Q000382:microbiology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids