Early Colonization of Mutans Streptococci in 2- to 36-month-old Thai Children

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the timing of colonization of streptococci mutans (SM) in 2- to 36-month-old Thai children. Methods: Two hundred and two 2- to 36-month-old children were divided into 3 groups: group 1=84 predentate children; group 2=68 children with 1 to 8 erupted teeth; and group 3=50 children with 9 to 20 erupted teeth. Microbiological samples were obtained from children by cotton swab. Samples were diluted and plated on mitis salivarius agar supplemented with Bacitracin (MSB) for selection and enumeration of SM. Results: SM colonization was found in 26% of children, who had a mean age in months of 20.5±10.3 (SD). MS colonization was detected in 5% of predentate children and was detected in children as young as 2 months old. The percentage of children who were colonized with SM rose significantly with increasing age and numbers of erupted teeth (P<.001). Conclusions: Streptococci mutans colonization in 2- to 36-month-old Thai children was found in predentate children and detected in children as young as 2 months old. The results suggest that prevention of early SM colonization in some populations may need to be initiated prior to tooth eruption.