PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
Cariogenic microorganisms are crucial pathogens contributing to the development of early childhood caries. Snacks provide fermentable carbohydrates, altering oral pH levels and potentially affecting microorganism colonization. However, the relationship between snack intake and cariogenic microorganisms like Candida and Streptococcus mutans in young children is still unclear. This study aimed to assess this association in a prospective underserved birth cohort. Data from children aged 12 to 24 months, including oral microbial assays and snack intake information, were analyzed. Sweet and non-sweet indices based on the cariogenic potential of 15 snacks/drinks were created. Mixed-effects models were used to assess the associations between sweet and non-sweet indices and S. mutans and Candida carriage. Random forest identified predictive factors of microorganism carriage. Higher non-sweet index scores were linked to increased S. mutans carriage in plaques (OR = 1.67, p = 0.01), potentially strengthening with age. Higher sweet index scores at 12 months were associated with increased Candida carriage, reversing at 24 months. Both indices were top predictors of S. mutans and Candida carriage. These findings underscore the associations between snack intake and cariogenic microorganism carriage and highlight the importance of dietary factors in oral health management for underserved young children with limited access to dental care and healthy foods.
摘要：
致龋微生物是导致儿童早期龋齿发展的关键病原体。零食提供可发酵的碳水化合物，改变口腔pH水平并可能影响微生物定植。然而,零食摄入与幼儿念珠菌和变形链球菌等致龋微生物之间的关系尚不清楚。这项研究旨在评估前瞻性服务不足的出生队列中的这种关联。来自12至24个月儿童的数据，包括口腔微生物分析和零食摄入量信息，进行了分析。创建了基于15种零食/饮料的致龋潜力的甜味和非甜味指数。混合效应模型用于评估甜味和非甜味指数与变形链球菌和念珠菌携带之间的关联。随机森林确定了微生物携带的预测因素。较高的非甜味指数得分与斑块中变形链球菌携带增加有关（OR=1.67，p=0.01），可能随着年龄的增长而加强。12个月时较高的甜味指数与念珠菌携带增加有关，在24个月时逆转。这两个指数都是变形链球菌和念珠菌携带的主要预测因子。这些发现强调了零食摄入量与致龋微生物携带之间的关联，并强调了饮食因素在口腔健康管理中的重要性，这些儿童获得牙齿护理和健康食品的机会有限。
