Antimicrobial Effect of Different Pastes on Streptococcus Mutans in Children

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of CPP-ACP in reducing S. mutans, and compare that with fluoride alone, or combined use of fluoride and CPP-ACP.

Materials and methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial involving 127 children ages between 4 and 5 years. They will be examined and chosen randomly for the study. One hundred and twenty seven children will be divided equally into three groups: Group 1 will use CPP-ACP twice daily, Group 2 will apply fluoride toothpaste twice daily, Group 3 will apply fluoridated toothpaste and CPP-ACP twice daily. Oral swabs will be collected from children to measure S. mutans levels in terms of Colony forming units (CFU) using Saliva Check Mutans kits (GC© , Asia) for this purpose. Samples will be analyzed for S. mutans colonization before antibacterial agent application (baseline) and at 3, and 6 month intervals.

Expected results: it is expected that all used anti-cariogenic agents will have the ability to reduce the S. mutans levels in different levels.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy 4-5 years old children, with primary dentition, and early childhood caries/high risk caries

Exclusion criteria

• Milk protein (casein) sensitivity
• Patient who has taken antibiotics in the last month
• Lack in cooperation in oral examination
• Medically compromised children
• Children that have received fluoride supplement or professional topical fluoride application at least three months before or during the study period.