The Number of Mutans Streptococci and Its Relationship to the Daily Habits of Children

Abstract

The number of Mutans Streptococci was assessed using the Dentocult-SM®s trip mutans among 114 caries-free children. The age range was from 3-5 years old. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the daily habits of the children. Hayashi's Quantifying Theory was used to analyze the relationship between the number of Mutans Streptococcus and daily habits. Results:
1. Dentocult-SM strip Mutans test
(1)69.3% (79/114 children) had a Class 0 result
(2)21.9% (25/114 children) had a Class 1 result
(3)8.8% (10/114 children) had a Class 2 result
(4)Nobody had a Class 3 result
2. Factors showing a highly significant correlation with regard to the number of Mutans Streptococci are as follows
(1)Children with irregular eating habits (chi-square test p<0.01)
(2)Children who eat 3 times or more a day (chi-square test p<0.01)
(3)Excessive intake of sweet drinks (chi-square test p<0.05)
(4)Children with many guardians have more caries (chi-square test p<0.05)
(5)Not brushing teeth after snak (chi-square test p<0.05)
Based on these factors, we can see that a high possibility for the number of Mutans Streptococci.