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Early childhood caries, salivary and microbiological aspects among 3- to 4-year-old children in Cali, Colombia

  • Original Scientific Article
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European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Aim

To investigate the presence of early childhood caries (ECC) in relation to plaque index, colony-forming units of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus spp., pH and salivary buffer capacity in day-care pre-schooler’s aged 3–4 years old in Cali, Colombia, 2016.

Methods

Caries prevalence was determined in 124 children using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System and plaque index. In addition, a non-stimulated saliva sample was obtained to determine its pH, and buffer capacity.

Results

55.65% of the children had ECC. The mean decayed-missing-filled teeth index was 2.94 ± 4.26. The absence or presence of ECC, compared to the median plaque index showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). There was not an association between ECC and S. mutans, Lactobacillus spp. colonies, pH and buffer capacity of saliva.

Conclusions

This study reported association between ECC and the increasing amount of bacterial plaque. Other important biological risk factors were not associated with ECC. Regular tooth cleaning can be the most important public health measure to control ECC in day-care children.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by The Administrative Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (Government of Colombia) and University of Valle. Contract: 110665740954.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Dentistry, Universidad del Valle, Calle 3A No. 36B-00, Cali, Colombia

    J. Villavicencio, M. C. Arango, A. Ordonez & A. Contreras

  2. School of Basics Sciences, University del Valle, Cali, Colombia

    L. M. Villegas

Authors
  1. J. Villavicencio
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  2. M. C. Arango
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  3. A. Ordonez
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  4. A. Contreras
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  5. L. M. Villegas
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Correspondence to J. Villavicencio.

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Conflict of interest

J. Villavicencio declares that she has no conflicts of interest. MC. Arango declares that she has no conflicts of interest. A. Ordoñez declares that she has no conflicts of interest. A. Contreras declares that he has no conflicts of interest. LM. Villegas declares that she has no conflicts of interest.

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Villavicencio, J., Arango, M.C., Ordonez, A. et al. Early childhood caries, salivary and microbiological aspects among 3- to 4-year-old children in Cali, Colombia. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 19, 347–352 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-018-0365-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-018-0365-5

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