A longitudinal controlled study of factors associated with mutans streptococci infection and caries lesion initiation in children 21 to 72 months old.

Resident: Adam J. Bottrill
Date: 06AUG10
Region: Providence
Article title: A longitudinal controlled study of factors associated with mutans streptococci infection and caries lesion initiation in children 21 to 72 months old.
Author(s): Law V.
Journal: Pediatric Dentistry
Page #s: Jan-Feb; 28(1): 58-65
Year: 2006
Major topic: Strep mutans infections and carious lesions
Minor topic(s): NA
Type of Article: Longitudinal, controlled study
Main Purpose: To determine factors associated with mutans streptococci (MS) infection and development of carious lesions in a group of children 21-72 months old.

Key points in the article discussion:

I. Methods:

A. 63 caries-free children divided into:
1. 24 children colonized with MS.
2. control group of 39 children without MS.
B. Recalled every 3mo for approx 24mo.
C. Each visit, data recorded
1. Plaque, enamel hypoplasia, carious lesions, MS status

II. Results:

A. MS associated with...
1. visible plaque, enamel hypoplasia
2. begining "tooth-brushing" AFTER 12mo.
3. lack of parental assistance
4. increase hours of non-parental "child care."

B. Those who developed carious lesions during study did/presented with the following MORE than those children who remained caries-free.
1. had more hypoplastic teeth
2. ate more sugar
3. did not brush regularly

III. Conclusions!

A. You might want to sit down for this one!!! .... Lack of oral hygiene, consumption of sugary snacks and enamel hypoplasia are significant factors for both MS infection AND carious lesion initiation.

Assessment of article:

This is EITHER:
1. The article to end all articles...
OR
2. An irrefutable breakthrough that will shock the world...
OR
3. An article describing stuff we sort of already knew...

....YOU DECIDE