Prevalence of dental caries and cariogenic bacteria in tongue dorsum Cross sectional study

Objective: Identification and quantification of microorganisms in the tongue dorsum in subjects with high and low level of DMFT. Materials and methods: The study involved 50 subjects assessed for their DMFT levels, through a clinical examination, separated into two groups of 25 elements each, being one group a high prevalence of dental caries and the other a low prevalence of dental caries. In each individual the presence of microorganisms in the tongue dorsum was determined, using specific culture media (Columbia Agar, MSA, MSB e Rogosa Agar). The isolated microorganisms were identified and quantified. Inferential statistical analysis was performed on the experimental data. Results: The results showed a positive relationship between the values of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. with subjects with a high DMFT (p<0,001). Conclusion: The data from this study demonstrate that the back of the tongue is an important niche of bacteria, including cariogenic microorganisms. (C) 2011 Sociedade Portuguesa de Estomatologia e Medicina Dentaria. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.