Salivary Anti-Streptococcus mutans Changes over a Six-month Period in Children Ages Two - Five Years

Abstract

Fourteen children, from two to five years of age, were surveyed at two periods: the first on day zero before carious lesions were filled; and the second at six mo after filling carious lesions. The variables surveyed were salivary IgA specific for S. mutans, oral hygiene, caries experience (deft), age, and saliva flow rate. The findings indicate a three-fold increase in salivary IgA specific for S. mutans during the six-month period.