Abstract
A new caries activity test (Cariostat-LB) was developed. This study was conducted to investigate the influences of incubation time for S. mutans and Lactobacillus of this Cariostat-LB test. The relationship between Cariostat-LB and the caries indexes was also investigated among 362 children 4-5years of age.
The following results were obtained;
1. A color change after incubation at 37°C for 72 hours was found in the Lactobacillus material, but not in S. mutans.
2. The caries prevalence, mean dt, mean dft and caries severity index (CSI) of the subjects were 63.9%,2.4,4.1,7.9, respectively.
3. A rapid color change was found from 48 to 72 hours after starting incubation of the subjects.
4. The Cariostat-LB showed significant correlation with dt, dft and CSI (p<.001).
5. The high risk group designated according to Cariostat-LB had a more severe oral status than the low risk group (p<.001)
From these results, it was suggested that the Cariostat-LB could be useful for clinical application.
