title: Factors associated with mutans streptococci among young WIC-enrolled children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study is to assess relationships between the presence or absence of mutans streptococci (MS) and other covariates in children aged 12-49 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were analyzed using baseline information from 411 children enrolled in the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) who participated in a psychoeducational study in Iowa. Children were assessed for MS using a semiquantitative method (RODAC plates). Dental examinations using d(1) d(2) .(3) criteria and presence of visible plaque on incisors and molars were completed. Mothers completed a series of detailed questionnaires regarding their child's oral health, their socioeconomic status, their child's dietary/oral hygiene habits, and beverage consumption, among other behaviors. Bivariate relationships with the presence of MS were assessed and followed by multivariable modeling using logistic regression (alpha = 0.05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  MS was present in 144 children (35 percent). Bivariate relationships with MS presence were identified for multiple covariates that included demographic characteristics, type of beverage consumption, dental caries, and plaque measures. Multivariate logistic regression modeling suggested that MS presence in children was positively associated with nonwhite race of the child, number of teeth present, presence of cavitated lesions, proportion of teeth with plaque, and lower levels of maternal education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presence of MS was associated with greater caries and plaque scores and with low maternal education and nonwhite racial background.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1001, USA. karin-weber@uiowa.edu. Karin
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Weber-Gasparoni
authors.forename: Bryce M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Goebel
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Drake
authors.forename: Katherine W O
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Kramer
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.forename: Johnmarshall
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reeve
authors.forename: Deborah V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Dawson
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology*; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000009:adverse effects; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D063105:Food Assistance / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D007484:Iowa; D016015:Logistic Models; D009035:Mothers; D009752:Nutritional Status; D016017:Odds Ratio; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011203:Poverty; D012307:Risk Factors; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016986:Streptococcus sobrinus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D019422:Dietary Sucrose