Evaluation of the effect of three supplementary oral hygiene measures on salivary mutans streptococci levels in children: A randomized comparative clinical trial

Abstract

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of tongue scraping, tongue brushing, and saturated saline on salivary MS levels.Materials and Methods:A single-blinded, randomized, parallel group clinical trial was conducted in children aged 9–12 years. Total sample of 45 subjects were randomly assigned to three groups, that is, Group A, Group B, and Group C comprised of 15 each. Group A, Group B, and Group C were asked to do tongue scraping, tongue brushing and saturated saline rinsing twice daily, respectively for 21 days. Saliva samples, collected from the subjects on the baseline, 7th day and 21st day, were inoculated on mitis salivarius bacitracin agar and incubated at 37°C for 48 h. The mean streptococcal colony forming counts were enumerated. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using Wilcoxon signed rank sum test for intragroup comparisons and Mann–Whitney U-test for intergroup comparisons.Results:Intragroup comparisons showed statistically significant reduction in MS levels (P < 0.01). However, the intergroup comparisons showed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05).Conclusion:The oral hygiene measures evaluated proved equal efficacy in reducing the colony counts. Hence, there is a need to emphasize the importance of incorporating supplementary oral hygiene measures in daily oral care.

Reduced salivary flow rate and high levels of oxidative stress in whole saliva of children with Down syndrome

“…It has been established that stimulated whole saliva is more reliable compared with unstimulated saliva and provides the total oral load of cariogenic microorganisms . The amount of S. mutans in dental biofilm has also been described as not being a better representation of variations in caries than the counts in stimulated whole saliva, since biofilm differs from tooth to tooth . The present study demonstrated no statistical differences between DS and control groups for MS and Lactobacillus spp counts in the saliva, although there were a higher number of decayed teeth in control subjects.…”

“…It has been established that stimulated whole saliva is more reliable compared with unstimulated saliva and provides the total oral load of cariogenic microorganisms . The amount of S. mutans in dental biofilm has also been described as not being a better representation of variations in caries than the counts in stimulated whole saliva, since biofilm differs from tooth to tooth .…”

Can smoking alter salivary homeostasis? A systematic review on the effects of traditional and electronic cigarettes on qualitative and quantitative saliva parameters

“…[79][80][81] The level of oral hygiene is determined by the number of caries-related bacteria, including variable streptococci and lactic acid bacteria, the levels of which can be measured in saliva. [82][83][84][85] In a study by Heintze, smokers had a significantly higher number of lactobacilli and Streptococcus mutans, considered major cariogenic bacteria. 86 The count of lactobacilli in saliva correlated positively with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, and about 40% of smokers had the count of S. mutans more than doubled as compared to non-smokers.…”

Evaluation of Antibacterial Effect of Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract on Streptococcus Mutans in Children

“…One milliliter of saliva sample was incorporated into Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin Agar (MSB) using pour plate method. The agar plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours under 10% CO 2 anaerobic conditions (13) , colonies of S. mutans were identified as round or spherical, convex, raised, and dark blue irregular colonies (14) .…”