A preliminarily Investigation on Oral Colonization and Counts of and in a Group of Predentate Infants in Relation to Some Maternal and Infant Factors (A Longitudinal Observational study).

AIM

Bacterial colonization of infants' oral cavities is a key factor for future caries risk. This study sought to longitudinally assess oral bacterial colonization in a group of predentate infants in relation to some mother and infant factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 mother-infant pairs were enrolled. When infants were 3-month-old, data were collected about some infant and mother factors; additionally, maternal Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores and salivary samples of mothers and infants were obtained. At 6 months of infant's age, another infants' salivary samples were obtained. Saliva was cultured to detect and quantify () and ().

RESULTS

() was detected in all infants at 3 months. 74 and 96% of infants acquired at 3 and 6 months, respectively. detection was significantly higher with higher maternal DMFT scores, salivary counts, and lower counts, as well as when infants were given sugar-containing complementary foods/drinks. At 3-6 months, infants' counts were significantly positively correlated with maternal counts and DMFT scores and negatively correlated with maternal counts. The opposite was evident for infants' counts. Regression analysis showed that increased maternal DMFT scores and counts, and Cesarean delivery were strong predictors for increased infant's counts. While increased DMFT scores and maternal counts were strong predictors for reduced infant's counts.

CONCLUSION

Poor maternal oral health, early introduction of sugars in the diet, and probably Cesarean delivery can negatively impact infants' oral bacterial colonization and possibly future caries risk.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding factors associated with oral colonization of both caries-producing and protective flora in infants of different populations is important for caries prevention. This, in turn, can aid tailoring oral health promotion programs for expectant mothers.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Wassel MO, Salman NS, Metwalli NE. A preliminarily Investigation on Oral Colonization and Counts of and in a Group of Predentate Infants in Relation to some Maternal and Infant Factors (A Longitudinal Observational study). Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):79-86.