title: PROP test: prediction of caries risk by genetic taste perception among the visually impaired children.
abstract: The study sample consisted of 100 children with visual impairment aged 6-14 years. 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) sensitivity test was carried out. The Caries experience was recorded, estimation of Streptococcus mutans done and their taste likes and dislikes assessed through a food preference questionnaire. The Caries experience and S. mutans levels were highest in the non-tasters, comparatively low in medium tasters and the least in the supertasters. Dietary preferences indicated tasters were sweet dislikers and non-tasters, sweet likers. PROP test can be a useful tool in determining genetic taste sensitivity levels amongst the visually impaired children and thus used as a screening tool in those children who are at a high risk of developing dental caries.
authors.affiliation: Professor.
authors.forename: Vabitha
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.forename: Pooja
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: B L
authors.forename: Amitha M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Hegde
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013649:Taste; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*
keywords: 6-n-propylthiouracil; S. mutans; dental caries; labeled magnitude scale