Mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva from children with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus

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Abstract
The quantitative distribution of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in saliva of insulin‐dependent diabettic children was compared witha group of healthy children and related to the metabolic control of the disease. The study group, consisting of 94 boys and girls (age 4‐19) with type 1 diabetes was matched by sex and age witha non‐diabetic control group. Stimulated whole saliva was collected and flow rate, buffer capacity and the levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli were analysed in all children. In the diabetic group, total salivary proteins and glucose content of saliva were determined. Data on caries experience were recorded from the dental cards of all children. There were no difference in the distribution or number of mutans streptococci between the groups, but significantly (p < 0.05) lower levels of lactobacilli were found among the diabetic children. The number of lactobacilli was positively correlated (p < 0.05) to glucose concentration in saliva. There was no difference in the prevalence of caries between the groups. The present findings suggest that the dietary treatment of young insulin dependent diabetics gives rise to a reduced number of lactobacilli in saliva but does not affect the mutans streptococci.