Oral colonization of Streptococcus mutans in 6 month old predentate infants

Resident’s Name: Brian Schmid Date: Happy Halloween!
Article title: Oral colonization of Streptococcus mutans in 6 month old predentate infants
Author(s): Wan AKL, Seow WK, Purdie DM
Journal: Journal of Dental Restoration
Volume (number): 80
Year: 2001
Major topic: Mutans colonization in predentate full term and premature infants
Type of Article: Retrospective/Observational
Main Purpose: To determine whether the oral cavities of pre-term infants are more likely to be colonized by SM than full term infants, since earlier colonization typically leads to an increased caries rate which affects pre-term children more than full term

Overview of method of research: 172 pre-dentate, 6 month-old had their mouths swabbed for SM counts and returned for a re-evaluation 3 months later.
Findings: 50% of pre-term and 60% of full term infants harbored SM. This difference was not clinically significant. Upon return for a 3 month re-evaluation, every infected child showed a second positive culture. In both groups, infected children were more likely to do demand-breast feeding and slept next to their mothers. There was no difference in incidence of bottle feeding between infected and non-infected. Infection was correlated with starting earlier on solid foods. Non infected infants had a higher rate of daily gum cleaning and reported less chewing on adults fingers. Infected infants were more likely to have shared food with others or have their food pre-tasted. Infants treated with 5+ courses of antibiotics were less likely to be infected. Mothers with infected children were more likely to have higher levels of mutans, however the DMFS rating of the mothers was not different between mothers of infected and non infected children. Mothers with deep pocketing and visible plaque were more likely to pass it to their children. Low SES was also correlated with infection.

Key points/Summary : This article points out several important issues for prevention in neonates but roundly rejects the idea that prematurity alone is a factor for mutans colonization.

Assessment of article: Super!