2 research outputs found
Correlation between mutans streptococci counts of parents and their children residing in Chandigarh, India
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Mutans Streptococci (MS) in children and to evaluate the relationship
between the salivary levels of MS in children and their parents.
Material and Methods: 100 children aged 3-6 years along with their parents (100 mothers and fathers each) were
included in the study. The children were segregated depending upon their age and level of caries experience. The
children were examined clinically on an ordinary chair in natural daylight using the Møller's index criteria. Assays
for Mutans Streptococci (MS) were done for both the children and their parents using the Dentocult SM strip mu
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tans test. Collected data was assessed using SPSS software.
Results: The overall prevalence of MS in the children was 83%. A statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) was
observed between salivary MS counts of children and their mothers. No significant correlation was seen with the
fathers.
Conclusions: The findings conclude that if primary caregivers harbour high levels of MS in their saliva, it is likely
that their children will have the same