title: Association between salivary level of infection with Streptococcus mutans/Lactobacilli and caries-risk factors in mothers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Understanding factors in mothers associated with high and low salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli is an important strategy for early childhood caries prevention. Aim of the study was to identify the association between salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans/Lactobacillus and potential caries risk factors in mothers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional design used a voluntary sample of 300 mothers of young children. Close-ended questions and observations were used to identify mothers' potential caries risk factors. The presence of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli was determined using the CRT bacteria test (Ivoclar Vivadent). All collected information was converted into frequency and proportion describing the prevalence factor in correlation with Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli cariogenic bacteria levels of infection. Results Sample participants showed a high caries risk based on socioeconomic, behavioural and clinical factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  also showed high levels (>105) of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli infections among 28% of mothers. Three factors were significantly associated with Streptococcus mutans infection: level of education, past caries experiences, and observable dental plaque, whereas, a fourth factor, frequency of daily tooth brushing, was associated to Lactobacilli infection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed that easily collectible informations such as maternal level of education, frequency of daily tooth brushing and past clinical factors tend to be associated with high level of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli infections in caregivers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Medical Faculty, University of Pristina, Pristina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Latifi-Xhemajli
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Véronneau
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Medical Faculty, University of Pristina, Pristina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Begzati
authors.affiliation: Private practice in Pristina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bytyci
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Medical Faculty, University of Pristina, Pristina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kutllovci
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Medical Faculty, University of Pristina, Pristina, Kosovo.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rexhepi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D058491:Bacterial Load; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D003729:Dental Care; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000382:microbiology*; D003733:Dental Caries Susceptibility; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007778:Lactobacillus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009035:Mothers; D009909:Oral Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D012463:Saliva / Q000382:microbiology*; D012649:Self Concept; D062410:Snacks; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014099:Toothbrushing; D055815:Young Adult