Epidemiologic Studies of Caries-Free and Caries-Active Students: I. Prevalence of Potentially Cariogenic Streptococci

¹ University of Miami, Institute of Oral Biology, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, USA, and the Veterans Administration Hospital, Miami, Florida

No significant difference was found in the prevalence of four potentially cariogenic streptococcal serotypes on molar surfaces of caries-free and caries-active students. Presence alone of these organisms did not correlate with the caries status of the individual. Other supplementary factors, apparently, are necessary for the induction of caries. Quantitative microbiologic procedures are needed to establish a more definitive elucidation of the role of specific microbiota in human dental caries.