Value of secretory immunoglobulin A and Streptococcus mutans from oral fluid in predicting dental caries in children

Abstract

Objectives. To investigate the predictive value of salivary secretory immunoglobulin A and Streptococcus mutans count in oral fluid for dental caries development in children. Material and methods. In this observational cohort study, 398 children aged between 3 and 15 years were clinically examined. The study group (L1) included 132 children with dental caries, while the control group (L0) consisted of 266 caries-free children. Caries experience indices (dft, dfs, DMFT, DMFS) and the Green-Vermillion oral hygiene index (OHI) were assessed. Caries risk was evaluated using Cariogram software. Streptococcus mutans count and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels in oral fluid were also determined. To evaluate predictors of new carious lesions one year after baseline examination, a multivariable linear regression model was constructed. The study was conducted in accordance with ethical standards. Results. Higher Streptococcus mutans counts in oral fluid were associated with an increased number of new carious lesions (β = 1.53, p < 0.001). Conversely, higher sIgA levels were negatively associated with new caries development, suggesting a possible protective effect (β = –0.0073, p < 0.001). The integration of salivary biomarkers with clinical indicators improved the accuracy of caries risk prediction (adjusted R² = 0.74). Conclusions. Assessment of Streptococcus mutans count and sIgA levels in oral fluid, combined with clinical indicators, may improve the prediction of dental caries development in children.