Journal vol.1 no.1 abstract1 of The Japan Health Care Dental Association

The Journal of The Japan Health Care Dental Association Vol.1 No.1, 1999
abstract

Takashi Kumagai et al.

It has passed nearly 5 years since the examination method for saliva and cariogenic bacteria was introduced into Japan, which is helpful for handy evaluation of caries risks at the chair side. During October, 1980 to October, 1998, 4,110 individuals who visited Hiyoshi Dental Clinic (Sakata City) were examined and the data were collected. Among the obtained data, the collectable value in relation to caries-risks are reported here.

Regional deviation has to be considered. Therefore, the mean profile of dental patients' in the whole country can not be defined immediately from this data. However, it can be useful reference materials when the similar tests are performed at the clinic. When making risk evaluation or self-evaluation of a clinic it based on their examination results, it can be valuable to refer to the examination results which contains great number of cases. Among advanced industrial nations, the intraoral conditions of Japanese people are unique reflecting the differences of medical and health system, the ratio of treated tooth, frequency in use of fluoride agents, and sugar intake. In Japan, from this view points, it is also important to make people's caries-risk profile clear.

By the examination of mutans streptococci level (Dentcult SM) in the saliva, the residence of mutans streptococci (occupying more than 80% of tooth surface) was shown in 39% in men and 46% in women. In salivary buffering capacity test (Dentobuff Strip), very low-level value was indicated in 25% of men and 32% of women, respectively. Additionally salivary secretion speed, lactobacilli level in saliva, the frequency of eat and drink, taking medicine for the adverse effect against sialoschesis, the conditions of use of fluoride agents, and plaque control level were examined and data were collected. The results are reported here.