Abstract:

Objective:The study aimed to investigate the levels ofStreptococcus mutansandLactobacillusspp. as well as the relation- ship between lactate-productive and aciduric organisms and nursing bottle caries.Methods:Totally, 30 children of 2- to 2.5-year- old were divided into two groups, including the group of nursing bottle caries and the group of caries-free.Streptococcus mutans andLactobacillusspp. were isolated from dental plaque of all the children. The amount of lactate produced was measured with a microlitre plate reader.Results:The isolation frequency ofStreptococcus mutansandLactobacillusspp. were both 100 percent in the childrenwith nursing bottle caries, and that the composition of these bacteria from nursing bottle caries lesionswas higher than that of caries-free dental surface. Lactate-producing level was higher in the caries group than that of the caries-free group.Con- clusion:This study suggestsStreptococcus mutansandLactobacillusspp. may be the major pathogenic bacteria leading to nursing bottle caries.

Key words: nursing bottle caries, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp., Lactate