Assessment of the caries activity test (Cariostat) based on the infection levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in 2- to 13-year-old children's dental plaque.

It is generally agreed that mutans streptococci and lactobacilli are associated etiologically with dental caries. The caries activity test, Cariostat, was designed to measure the pH decrease caused by microorganisms in the plaque sample obtained from the buccal surfaces. Researchers found the test to be a reliable, diagnostic, and predictive device. Incubation was done on MS and MSB plates in an atmosphere of 95 percent N and 5 percent CO at 37 degrees C and for 48 hours. The relationship of the Cariostat scores and the pH values are shown in a table. The test scores are shown for two age-groups: Ages two-to-six years with primary dentitions, and ages five-to-thirteen years with mixed dentitions. The advantages of the Cariostat test are: the sampling method is simple and the time of analysis is short; the test can be used for the very young and for patients difficult to manage; and it requires no specialized knowledge or equipment.