Early childhood caries in five to seven-year-old children having as variants the mode of delivery and mutans streptococci colonization: a pilot study

摘要

Introduction: The oral cavity is colonized by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa [1]. Early oral colonizers are related to the mode of delivery, personal relationships, and the surrounding environment. These will be responsible for subsequent colonization, which will lead to a more complex and stable ecosystem in adult life [2]. The first exposure to microorganisms in children born by vaginal delivery occurs during passage of the vaginal canal, while children born by caesarean section have their first contact with the mother’s skin and with medical equipment [3]. Streptococcus Mutans is recognized as the main bacteria etiological factor of dental caries in humans [4]. The initial acquisition of Streptococcus mutans can be influenced by several factors, such as bacterial levels in maternal saliva, low birth weight, poor oral hygiene, low socioeconomic and educational level, early eruption of primary teeth, prolonged bottle feeding and still high consumption of sucrose [5]. It is documented that children with caries in a deciduous dentition have a higher risk of developing caries in the final dentition, leading to life-long oral health consequences [6]. The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between the type of delivery (vaginal/ caesarean) and colonization of Streptococcus Mutans and establish a relationship between the colonization of Streptococcus Mutans and the early caries in children aged 5 to 7 years.