High levels of salivary lactobacilli in Estonian schoolchildren

Authors:

ABSTRACT

Aim

This was to assess oral salivary lactobacilli levels compared with oral health in a group of 12-year-old schoolchildren
in Tartu, Estonia.

Methods

Whole saliva samples were collected and transferred to dip-slides (Dentocult LB) and incubated at 37C
for 3 days. Dental caries, dental plaque, and data concerning the general health, dental habits and eating patterns were recorded.

Results

Salivary lactobacilli were found in all children, with a quarter of them having high or very high lactobacilli counts.
Caries prevalence of 75 and 2.6 DMFT were recorded. A positive correlation was found between the DMFS counts and the
lactobacilli counts.

Conclusion

High levels of salivary lactobacilli were found in Estonian schoolchildren. Caries indicators of
these children were slightly higher than in the same age group in Nordic countries.

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