High levels of salivary lactobacilli in Estonian schoolchildren.

AIM This was to assess oral salivary lactobacilli levels compared with oral health in a group of 12-year-old schoolchildren in Tartu, Estonia. METHODS Whole saliva samples were collected and transferred to dip-slides (Dentocult LB) and incubated at 37 degrees C for 3 days. Dental caries, dental plaque, and data concerning the general health, dental habits and eating patterns were recorded. RESULTS Salivary lactobacilli were found in all children, with a quarter of them having high or very high lactobacilli counts. Caries prevalence of 75% and 2.6 DMFT were recorded. A positive correlation was found between the DMFS counts and the lactobacilli counts. CONCLUSION High levels of salivary lactobacilli were found in Estonian schoolchildren. Caries indicators of these children were slightly higher than in the same age group in Nordic countries.