Background  Salivary levels of Bifidobacteria have been shown to be significantly correlated with caries experience in adults but not as yet in children.

  Hypothesis.  Salivary levels of Bifidobacteria are positively associated with caries experience in children.

 Aim.  To compare the salivary concentrations of Bifidobacteria of caries-free and caries-active children.

 Design.  Saliva was collected using the tongue-loop method from 38 caries-active children and from 22 clinically caries-free children, and the numbers of Bifidobacteria, mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and yeasts were determined. Additionally, the age and gender of the children, a plaque index, sugar amount in diet, sugar frequency in diet, hygiene practice and fluoride toothpaste usage were recorded.

 Results.  Bifidobacteria were isolated from 95% of the caries-active children and from only 9% of the caries-free children (P < 0.001). Salivary levels of Bifidobacteria were significantly correlated with amount of sugar in the diet, frequency of sugar consumption and oral hygiene practice. The significant variables that discriminated between the caries-free and caries-active subjects were salivary levels of Bifidobacteria, salivary levels of mutans streptococci and oral hygiene practice (χ2 = 72.57, P < 0.001) and overall 90.0% of cases were correctly classified.

 Conclusions.  Salivary levels of Bifidobacteria are significantly associated with caries experience in children. The salivary levels of this genus may be a useful marker of caries risk.

 Source: International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry

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