Abstract

CHIBINSKI, Ana Cláudia Rodrigues  and  WAMBIER, Denise Stadler. Clinical evaluation of salivary levels of streptococcus mutans of preschool children during preparation phase of oral environment. IJD, Int. j. dent. [online]. 2010, vol.9, n.2, pp. 68-73. ISSN 1806-146X.

This paper evaluated two protocols used during preparation phase of oral environment, through the analysis of colony-forming units of Streptococcus mutans in saliva. Twenty-eight children, 3-4 years old, with acute caries activity, were divided, randomly, in two groups, according to the accomplished treatment: silver diamine fluoride application (Group I) and silver diamine fluoride application associated with cavity sealing with zinc oxide/eugenol cement type II (Group II). A pre-calibrated operator got the initial levels of dental plaque, as well as dmf-s index. Stimulated saliva samples were collected at baseline (PI); 24 h ours (P24) and 7 days (P7) after treatment. In both groups, all the procedures involved in clinical treatment were done by a pediatric dentist, in only one appointment. The sample was homogeneous at the beginning of the study, when dmf-s index, plaque index and salivary level of Streptococcus mutans were considered (p>0,05). In Group II, statistical differences were found in all evaluation periods (p<0,01). In the other hand, Group I showed no differences between PI and P7 (p>0,05). It is concluded th at bot h protocols significantly reduced th e number of colony-forming units of Streptococcus mutans; the highest reduction took place in the first 24 h ours; ater 7 days, the reduction was still significant only for Group II; the association proposed in Group II treatment protocol seems to be the most effective form to prepare the oral environment for restorative treatment, specially for children to be treated in public health dentistry services.

Keywords : Streptococcus mutans; Dental Caries; Silver Diamine Fluoride.