Comparison between Clinical Aspects and Salivary Microbial Profile of Children with and without Early Childhood Caries: A Preliminary Study

Purpose: To compare the clinical aspects and microbial profile of children with and without early childhood caries (EGG). Study design: 14 patients (7 without caries and 7 with EGG) were submitted to anamnesis, clinical exam and saliva collection for microbiological analyses. Counts of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. Candida spp., and total microorganisms were performed by culture methods. Microbial diversity was characterized by PCR-DGGE. Demographic/clinical data and salivary microbial counts were compared between groups. Results: Habits of hygiene and breasffeeding presented no association with EGG. Use of pacifiers was associated with absence of caries (p=0.035). Counts of total microorganisms and Candida spp. did not differ between the groups. The EGG group presented larger quantity of S. mutans (p=0.026) and Lactobacillus spp. (p=0.002). There was no correlation between microorganisms and breastfeeding and pacifier use. The dmf-t of ECC Group was 10.5 +/- 1.9 and the modified dmf-t was 11.3 +/- 3.6. The DGGE demonstrated difference in the pattern of bands between the groups. Conclusion: Pacifiers usage was associated with the absence of EGG and microorganism number was higher in the caries group. The PCR-DGGE revealed a characteristic microbial diversity in the EGG Group, being an excellent tool for observing the dynamics of the salivary microbial community in these patients.