Acquisition of streptococcus mutans in infants and its correlation with mode of delivery and feeding patterns of infants

Introduction: Bacteria as Streptococcus mutans have been implicated to play a key role in causation of dental caries. Reducing the bacterial load can aid in prevention of caries. Further the acquisition of Stretococcus mutans is influenced by numerous maternal factors as mother’s SM counts, feeding practices, mode of delivery, oral hygiene, sharing of food and utensils etc. Objective: To investigate the correlation of streptococcus mutans counts with maternal factors as type of feeding practices and mode of delivery. Material and methods: A blind longitudinal Study was carried out on 60 full term healthy infants with normal body weights to assess the Streptococcus Mutans colonization pattern. Salivary samples of infants were taken at birth, 1 month, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months and data regarding type of feeding and delivery was noted through questainaires filled by parent. The non-parametric chi-square test was applied from birth till 9 months on obtained results and parametric ANOVA test was applied on all the obtained results at 12 and 15 months of age. Results: SM counts were seen to increase with increasing age of the infant. Significant association of SM colonization with infants born by C-section upto the age of 12 months was seen. With regards to feeding pattern, significant association at 5% level of significance was seen till 9 months of age in infants taking breast feed or combination of both.