Effect of mixed mutans streptococci colonization on caries development

Objective: To evaluate the clinical importance of mixed mutans streptococci colonization in predicting caries in preschool children. Methods: Caries prevalence was examined twice, with a 6‐month interval, in 410 preschool children aged 3–4 years at baseline. A commercial strip method was used to evaluate the mutans streptococci score in plaque collected from eight selected interdental spaces and in saliva. Mutans streptococci typing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays (Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus mutans, including serotypes c, e, and f) were performed using colonies on the strips as template. Results: Twenty variables were examined in a univariate analysis to predict caries development: questionnaire variables, results of clinical examination, mutans streptococci scores, and PCR detection of S. sobrinus and S. mutans (including serotypes c, e, and f). Sixteen variables showed statistically significant associations (P