Journal of Dental Research, Vol 69, 1160-1166, Copyright © 1990 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Distribution and prevalence of mutans streptococci in the human dentition
B. Lindquist and C. G. Emilson
Department of Cariology, Faculty of Odontology, University of Goteborg, Sweden.
The prevalence of mutans streptococci was determined in 14,859 samples of
plaque from all available tooth surfaces in 114 subjects. The clinical
examination included location of incipient caries lesions, fillings, and
crowns. Mutans streptococci were detected on 40% of all tooth surfaces. The
frequency distribution of mutans streptococci and the level of colonization
showed a decreasing gradient from molars to incisors for buccal, lingual,
occlusal, and approximal surfaces. The location and number of approximal
restorations were closely related to the colonization level of mutans
streptococci except for second and third molars. Restored surfaces tended
to be more colonized by mutans streptococci than sound surfaces, except for
occlusal surfaces. A high prevalence of mutans streptococci was found in
plaque samples from tooth-colored fillings, especially on buccal and
lingual surfaces.
