Dental Health Check with Dr. Linda Niessen
Dental health topics from Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry
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 Bacteria Tests

By Dr. Linda Niessen
Monday, April 25, 2005

STORY:  BACTERIA TESTS

A new test can discover the hidden cause of frequent cavities in children. Dr. Linda Niessen explains why diet alone does not cause tooth decay. Details in today's Dental Health Check.

7 year old Mary Hoffman has tooth decay despite good oral hygiene habits. So her dentist is testing her for high levels of a certain bacteria, bacteria that lives in the mouth and raises the risk of getting cavities.

"All right Miss Mary," said the Dental Assistant, "we are going to test the germs in your mouth today."

The test takes just a minute. Mary chews a device to create a saliva sample. The sample is tested for streptococcus mutans, a common bacteria that causes tooth decay.

Mary's Pediatric Dentist Dr. Mark Kogut said, "If you had a sterile mouth, you would not get decay no matter how much sugar you ate. But if you have bacteria in your mouth, and everyone does, then the question is how active is that bacteria, how much bacteria, and how much are we feeding that bacteria. So diet plays a role in this as well."

Mary tested positive and has high levels of the streptococcus mutans. To kill the bacteria, Mary will use a mouth rinse such as Colgate Periogard, containing chlorhexidine. To strengthen her enamel, she will use a fluoride gel such as Kam Stannous Fluoride..

"She's really good at brushing her teeth and everything. So when we've been getting these reports, we've been kind of surprised. This test is really helping us address that," said Holly Hoffman, Mary's mother.

If you or your children have a history of tooth decay, despite good oral hygiene, ask your dentist about testing for the bacteria, streptococcus mutans. For Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M Health Science Center, I'm Dr. Linda Niessen, Channel 8 News.

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and  the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.

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