PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to undertake a systematic review to investigate whether mutans streptococci levels are a strong risk indicator/factor for ECC, based on the current quality of the literature regarding the relationship between early childhood caries (ECC) and these microorganisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors searched PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases for papers from 1951 to 2007. The minimal inclusion requirements were assessment of preschool children reporting mutans streptococci counts, mainly in saliva and biofilm samples, and caries assessment. Since the heterogeneity of the studies did not allow a meta-analysis (chi(2) test), a qualitative analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The electronic search yielded 120 articles, but only 16 scientific papers were critically appraised. Of the 16 scientific papers included in the review, only one cross-sectional study achieved a high value of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that mutans streptococci levels are a strong risk indicator for ECC. However, further well designed longitudinal studies with high evidence values are required to confirm mutans streptococci levels as a significant ECC risk factor.
PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to undertake a systematic review to investigate whether mutans streptococci levels are a strong risk indicator/factor for ECC, based on the current quality of the literature regarding the relationship between early childhood caries (ECC) and these microorganisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors searched PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases for papers from 1951 to 2007. The minimal inclusion requirements were assessment of preschool children reporting mutans streptococci counts, mainly in saliva and biofilm samples, and caries assessment. Since the heterogeneity of the studies did not allow a meta-analysis (chi(2) test), a qualitative analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The electronic search yielded 120 articles, but only 16 scientific papers were critically appraised. Of the 16 scientific papers included in the review, only one cross-sectional study achieved a high value of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that mutans streptococci levels are a strong risk indicator for ECC. However, further well designed longitudinal studies with high evidence values are required to confirm mutans streptococci levels as a significant ECC risk factor.
Authors: Jonatas Rafael de Oliveira; Daiane de Jesus; Leandro Wagner Figueira; Felipe Eduardo de Oliveira; Cristina Pacheco Soares; Samira Estves Afonso Camargo; Antonio Olavo Cardoso Jorge; Luciane Dias de Oliveira Journal: Exp Biol Med (Maywood) Date: 2017-01-17
Authors: Marta Relvas; Inmaculada Tomás; Maria de Los Angeles Casares-De-Cal; Corsina Velazco Journal: Clin Oral Investig Date: 2014-08-14 Impact factor: 3.573
Authors: S Gregoire; J Xiao; B B Silva; I Gonzalez; P S Agidi; M I Klein; K S Ambatipudi; P L Rosalen; R Bauserman; R E Waugh; H Koo Journal: Appl Environ Microbiol Date: 2011-07-29 Impact factor: 4.792
Authors: Y Zeng; M Youssef; L Wang; N Alkhars; M Thomas; R Cacciato; S Qing; O Ly-Mapes; J Xiao Journal: J Clin Pediatr Dent Date: 2020 Impact factor: 1.065