[The determination of caries risk in schoolchildren based on microbiological-chemical analyses of the saliva and on the clinical dental status].

In a feasibility study for the determination of the caries risk in children by whole school class, the number of the colony forming units of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in the stimulated saliva, the buffer capacity of the saliva and some chosen clinical indicators of increased caries risk were determined and evaluated in 103 schoolchildren (7 to 10 years old) in the city of Zurich. Mutans streptococci in the saliva were found in 73% of the children and lactobacilli in 77%. In 11% of the children, neither of the microorganisms were found. Sixty-three percent of the children showed a strong buffer capacity of the saliva and 12% a small one. On the basis of these results and some selected clinical factors, 30% of the children were classified as patients with a high caries risk and are now following an intensive prophylaxis program.