Mutans Streptococci Count and Salivary Histatin 5 Level in Relation to Early Childhood Caries

Background: ECC is one of the most common chronic infectious diseases preschool-aged children (3).Mutans Streptococci (MS) cheif microorganism that causes Saliva a significant factor in thedevelopment teeth decay. have many innate defense molecules take part protection oforal tissues by either direct antimicrobial effect or interference with microbial colonization. These moleculesinclude peptides AMPs among main natural proteins saliva . Salivaryhistatine-5 (HST-5) protective factors possess anti-bacterial properties againstseveral types oral bacter. This study aimed to measure viable count mutans streptococci and salivaryhistatin 5 level relation early childhood caries.Materials Method: Sixty three ages 4-5 years old were enrolled this study. Theywere divided into two groups; 33 severe type ECC) ategory as group 30 cariesfree child) control group. Unstimulated sample collected for ms on mitis bacitracinagar evaluation salivary Histatin level.Results: Statistical analysis revealed M.S. was higher significantly compared tothan histatin than