Streptococcus mutans in plaque and saliva and the development of caries

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Abstract
Plaque samples from 10 different tooth surfaces of 10 children with varied caries experience (DFS [decayed, filled score] 10-33) were collected 5 times during 2.5 yr. The samples were examined with an immunofluorescent technique for identification and enumeration of S. mutans serotypes c/e/f and d/g. At each sampling occasion the children were scored for caries. A stimulated saliva sample was also collected and the number of S. mutans/ml saliva was determined. The saliva level of S. mutans was shown to reflect the prevalence and proportion of this microorganism on the selected surfaces. Five surfaces carried S. mutans at each sampling. Four of these surfaces showed progressive caries. S. mutans infection was also found to precede the development of incipient caries on 4 surfaces. Of the surfaces that stayed sound 80% were only transiently carriers of S. mutans in low numbers. Serotype c/e/f dominated in prevalence and proportion on the surfaces with a history of caries during the study.