Early childhood caries, salivary and microbiological aspects among 3- to 4-year-old children in Cali, Colombia.

AIM: To investigate the presence of early childhood caries (ECC) in relation to plaque index, colony-forming units of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus spp., pH and salivary buffer capacity in day-care pre-schooler's aged 3-4 years old in Cali, Colombia, 2016.

METHODS: Caries prevalence was determined in 124 children using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System and plaque index. In addition, a non-stimulated saliva sample was obtained to determine its pH, and buffer capacity.

RESULTS: 55.65% of the children had ECC. The mean decayed-missing-filled teeth index was 2.94 ± 4.26. The absence or presence of ECC, compared to the median plaque index showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). There was not an association between ECC and S. mutans, Lactobacillus spp. colonies, pH and buffer capacity of saliva.

CONCLUSIONS: This study reported association between ECC and the increasing amount of bacterial plaque. Other important biological risk factors were not associated with ECC. Regular tooth cleaning can be the most important public health measure to control ECC in day-care children.