MESSAI.iO

AI summary

75% confidence

This study investigated the distribution of oral microbial flora and its association with tooth decay among university students in Nigeria. Using standard microbiological techniques and biochemical tests, researchers identified key bacterial isolates linked to dental conditions. The findings highlight a significant presence of cariogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans in this demographic.

Generated by MESSAI extraction pipeline · review against source PDF

Extraction

Reported parameters

No values extracted from this paper yet.

No 3D model is mapped to this paper yet. Parameter ranges above still place reported values on the literature distribution.

Abstract

Abstract Background: The human oral cavity harbours a diverse microbial community that influences both oral and systemic health. Disruption of this microbial balance can result in dental conditions such as tooth decay. University students are particularly at risk due to poor dietary habits and inconsistent oral hygiene. This study investigated the distribution of oral microbial flora and their association with tooth decay among students of a private tertiary institution in Nigeria. Methods: Oral swab samples were collected and cultured using standard microbiological techniques, including growth on chocolate, blood, and MacConkey agars for bacterial isolation, and Sabouraud agar for fungal isolation, and biochemical tests were performed for identification. A structured questionnaire assessed oral hygiene practices, sweet consumption, and oral health status. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression to identify variables. Results: The predominant microbial isolates were Streptococcus mutans (25%), Staphylococcus aureus (17%), Streptococcus sanguinis (12%), and Candida albicans (10%). Tooth decay was reported by 52% of participants and was significantly associated with S. mutans (p 0.001), S. aureus (p = 0.006), C. albicans (p = 0.001), and S. sanguinis (p = 0.031). These microorganisms also increased the odds of tooth decay, with odds ratios (OR) of 3.27(95% CI = 1.77–6.05), 2.08(95% CI = 1.23–3.52), 1.95(95% CI = 1.06–3.58), and 2.51(95% CI = 1.40–4.50) respectively (p 0.05). Furthermore, sweet consumption showed a significant positive correlation with tooth decay (p 0.001). Conclusion: Streptococcus mutans , S. aureus, S. sanguinis , and Candida albicans were strongly associated with tooth decay and high sugar intake was a key risk factor.

Key findings

  • The predominant microbial isolate was Streptococcus mutans at 25%.
  • Staphylococcus aureus was also identified as a major bacterial isolate.
  • The study utilized chocolate, blood, and MacConkey agars for bacterial isolation alongside Sabouraud agar for fungal isolation.

Keywords

Flora (microbiology)Logistic regressionDentistryOral microbiologyMacConkey agarOral hygiene

Identifiers

DOI
10.21203/rs.3.rs-8711724/v1
Journal
Research Square
Year
2026