Correlation between mutans streptococci counts of parents and their children residing in Chandigarh, India

OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of Mutans Streptococci (MS) in children and to evaluate the relationship between the salivary levels of MS in children and their parents. MATERIAL AND METHODS 100 children aged 3-6 years along with their parents (100 mothers and fathers each) were included in the study. The children were segregated depending upon their age and level of caries experience. The children were examined clinically on an ordinary chair in natural daylight using the Møller's index criteria. Assays for Mutans Streptococci (MS) were done for both the children and their parents using the Dentocult SM strip mutans test. Collected data was assessed using SPSS software. RESULTS The overall prevalence of MS in the children was 83%. A statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) was observed between salivary MS counts of children and their mothers. No significant correlation was seen with the fathers. CONCLUSIONS The findings conclude that if primary caregivers harbour high levels of MS in their saliva, it is likely that their children will have the same. Key words:Mutans streptococci, parents, children, dentocult SM kits.