Effect of Streptococcus mutans colinization activing in saliva, breast milk, formula milk

Objectives : This study was performed to provide the basic data for oral health of infants, through the comparison of Streptococcus mutans activities(the representative bacteria of initial dental caries), in main nutritional foods for infants: breast milk, milk powder, and soya milk. Methods : The study targeted 30 infants and the saliva was sampled after the oral examination. The pH of sampled saliva was measured; and the sample of 'the saliva', 'the saliva and breast milk', and 'the saliva and formula milk' by researcher were produced; and the measurement was repeated 7 times. Results : As a result of examining the change of colony number of Streptococcus mutans by hour, the bacterial activity took in the source of nutrition took place in the first place; and in the group with dental caries, breast-feeding at night occurreds most frequently. Due to the combined activities, such as the increase in the contact time, the existence rate of dental caries appeared high. However, as the improvement of breast-feeding is closely related to the nutrition supply to babies, rather than the improvement of breast-feeding, the 12 hours after the culture in which Streptococcus mutans activities started was considered. Conclusions : In case of breast-feeding at night, it is necessary to remove the dental plaque in the mouth, before 12 hours has passed. Especially, using toothbrush and toothpaste to decrease the occurrence of dental caries, after the eruption of teeth, is recommended for oral administration.