Evaluation of Changes in Oral Microflora in Children with Early Childhood Caries after Full Mouth Rehabilitation

Aim: To evaluate the change in microflora in children suffering from severe early childhood caries (ECC) after full mouth rehabilitation.

Materials and methods: A total of 60 children, aged 3-5 years suffering from severe ECC who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Pooled plaque samples were taken and subjected to quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to obtain baseline mean values of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus), Candida albicans (C. albicans), and Candida dubliniensis (C. dubliniensis) before full mouth rehabilitation was done under general anesthesia. Posttreatment samples were collected at 6, 12, and 18 months. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the mean values of S. mutans, S. sobrinus, C. albicans, and C. dubliniensis before and after full mouth rehabilitation.

Results: A total of 60 patients recruited for the study were present at the follow-up at 6 and 12 months. At 18 months, 55 patients returned, and five were lost due to follow-up. A statistically significant reduction was seen in all microorganisms at 6, 12, and 18 months compared to baseline values. At 18 months a slight increase in S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and C. albicans was seen. C. dubliniensis was not detected in any cases after full mouth rehabilitation. Caries recurrence was seen in four patients at 18 months.

Conclusion: Significant reduction of S. mutans, S. sobrinus, C. albicans, and C. dubliniensis was seen at 6, 12, and 18 months. A complete reduction of only C. dubliniensis was seen. A significant but not permanent reduction of S. mutans, S. sobrinus, and C. albicans. Caries recurrence was seen in 7.27% of patients at 18 months.

How to cite this article: Mathew MG, Jeevanandan G, Rathod NN. Evaluation of Changes in Oral Microflora in Children with Early Childhood Caries after Full Mouth Rehabilitation. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(1):21-25.