Number of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> and <i>Lactobacillus</i> in saliva versus the status of cigarette smoking, considering duration of smoking and number of cigarettes smoked daily
2017
Marta Nakonieczna-Rudnicka | Teresa Bachanek
Introduction and objective A large number of colonies of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> (<i>SM</i>) and <i>Lactobacillus</i> (<i>LB</i>) cariogenic bacteria in the saliva show a high risk of dental caries development. Cotinine is a biomarker of exposure to the tobacco smoke. The aim of the study was assessment of the number of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> and <i>Lactobacillus</i> in the saliva of non-smokers and smokers considering the duration of smoking and the number of cigarettes smoked daily. The number of <i>SM</i> and <i>LB</i> was analysed in relation to the frequency of oral health check-ups. Material and Methods The investigated group comprised 124 people aged 20–54. 58 (46.8%) reported cigarette smoking; 66 (53.2%) reported they had never smoked cigarettes and had never attempted to smoke. Cotinine concentration in the saliva was assayed using the Cotinine test (Calbiotech), and the number of <i>SM</i> and <i>LB</i> with the use of the CRT bacteria test (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein). Statistical analysis was conducted using Chi<sup>2</sup> and Mann-Whitney tests. Test values of p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results No essential correlation was stated between the number of <i>SM</i> and <i>LB</i> and the status of smoking, the number of cigarettes smoked daily and duration of cigarette smoking. Smokers who reported having dental check-ups at least once a year significantly more frequently had a small number of <i>LB</i> stated in relation to people who had dental check-ups to control their oral health less frequently than once a year. Conclusions The number of <i>SM</i> and <i>LB</i> in saliva does not depend on the smoking status, the number of cigarettes smoked daily and duration of smoking.
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