Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus Levels in Oral Cleft Patients

Aim. The aim of the present study was to search the manner in which cariogenic bacteria might coexist with know bacteria that produce volatile sulfur compounds and represent the cause of habitasis. Materials and methods. 100 patients aged 11-21y with palatal clefts and malocclusions were divided into two groups: group A was treated with fixed orthodontic appliances, group B was treated with removable appliances. The untreated group C represented the control one. Patients were examined for halitosis and an assessment for cariogenic bacteria from saliva samples was performed. Significance established at p<0.05 was used to analyze the data by U-Mann-Whitney test and r-Spearman coefficient. Results. The patients presented lower levels of Streptococcus mutans than expected. Group B showed an inverse relationship between halitosis and the presence of cariogenic bacteria. Groups A and C had higher levels of Streptococcus mutans that did not inhibit the development of microbes that produce volatile sulfur compounds. Conclusion. Our study showed that cleft palate patients have a diminished caries risk comparing to non cleft ones. Therefore, these patients have special oral hygiene needs and must focus on brushing either the tongue or an appliance.