Investigation of colonization of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus spp. and Candida spp. in oral microflora in infancy and transmission from the parent to the infant

Aim: Dental caries is an infectious disease and occurs at rather early age today. The placement of cariogenic microorganisms in oral microflora is one of the important factors in dental caries. The aim of this study is to research from whom, when and how the cariogenic microorganisms are first transmitted to the infant. Material and Method: Oral swab samples were taken from 47 healthy infants within the first 24 hours after birth, at first month and the first tooth eruption. Saliva samples were taken from the mothers of the infants and from the fathers of 20 infants in the last meeting. The strains isolated from the infants and their parents were compared in terms of clonal interaction. Results: The samples taken from the newborns within the first 24 hours revealed that only 5 newborns had C. albicans. In the first month, 4 infants had Lactobacillus spp. while 7 infants had Candida spp. At first tooth eruption, S. mutans was isolated from 15 infants, Lactobacillus spp. was isolated from 17 infants and Candida spp. was isolated from 22 infants. 80% of S. mutans strains seen in mothers and infants, 78.5% of L. fermentum strains and 86.6% of C. albicans strains were related to each other. The rate of similarity with fathers was found to be low. Conclusion: Cariogenic microorganisms are observed in infants with the first tooth eruption and these microorganisms are generally transmitted from mothers. There is the need to raise awareness of the parents about oral hygiene and feeding habits for themselves and their children. Keywords: Familial transmission, Candida, Lactobacillus, S. mutans, newborn