Ten-year results of a Screening Program during pregnancy for children’s dental caries prophylaxis

Abstract

INTRODUZIONELa carie dentale è una malattia multifattoriale alla cui genesi concorrono molti fattori di rischio (11). Lo Streptococcus mutans (SM) è un batterio Gram positivo e anaerobio facoltativo che comunemente si trova nella cavità orale umana (Figura 1). Descritto per la prima volta da Clarke nel 1924, è il principale germe responsabile della patologia cariosa (5, 9). Infatti, lo SM produce un insolubile polisaccaride extracellulare del saccarosio, che svolge un ruolo importante come mediatore dell'adesività dello SM, sia come molecola cementante per altri microrganismi, sia per creare un sito protetto ove il microrganismo può proliferare (6, 9, 10). La sua presenza nella placca batterica non è uguale per tutte le persone ed è strettamente correlata al consumo di zuccheri (9). La sua trasmissione può avvenire nei primi mesi di vita del bambino, attraverso la saliva della madre (2,3,4,8). L'acquisizione precoce di questo microrganismo è associata con la Carie Infantile Precoce (ECC = Early Caries of Childhood) e crea una colonizzazione primaria difficile poi da modificare (1, 7). Nell'ambito di una particolare attenzione alla Described for the first time in 1924 by Clarke, is the main germ responsible for the caries disease (5, 9). In fact, SM produces an insoluble extracellular polysaccharide sucrose which plays an important role as a mediator of the adhesiveness, both as a cementing molecule for other microorganisms, and to create a protected site where the microorganism can proliferate (6, 9, 10). Its presence in the plaque is not equal for all people and is closely related to sugar consumption (9). Its transmission can take place early in the life of the child through the mother's saliva (2,3,4,8).The early acquisition of this organism is associated with Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and then creates a primary colonization which is hardly removed (1, 7). Paying special attention to the health of women and children, this work aimed to decrease the incidence of childhood tooth decay, streamlining preventive efforts in a population at risk. Methods:Since 1999, all women referred to our clinic in the second trimester of pregnancy or during childbirth were offered the opportunity to perform a simple test to measure the presence of SM in saliva and have been given some advice (diet, hygiene, fuoro-prophylaxis, dental visit). The sampling of saliva was performed after chewing one paraffin tablet for about 1 minute. For the microbiological examination the technique of dip-slide test (CTR bacteria, Ivoclar Vivadent) was used; results were classified according to semi-quantitative classes of microorganism concentration. Women were classified positive when bacterial concentration was Ն100000 CFU/ml. Besides a general advice on hygiene and diet, these women were invited to undergo a prophylactic treatment with chlorhexidine, a disinfectant with bactericidal properties against SM. Results: 84% of surveyed women adhered to the screening (29% pregnant women, 55% in the puerperium). In the 12-year study, 2170/7213 (30%)...