The aim of this study was to clarify connection between S. mutans and caries pattern of deciduous dentition. For this purpose 330 6-years old children and 152 8-years old children were selected. The selected subjects were surveyed by calibrated examiner under natural light with dental mirror and explorer using the WHO criteria. The S. mutans level in the saliva was estimated using peptone solution rinsing method. According to S. mutans level examined children were classified into three groups low(CFU=O), moderate (CFU= 1,000-50,000), high (CFU) 50,000). The examined tooth surfaces were categorized into three patterns- fissure pattern, posterior buccaVlingual smooth pattern, posterior proximal pattern. The caries data were analyzed using "Caries Analysis System" proposed by Douglass.
The result obtained were as follows;
1. The rate of caries positive children was 69% in low S. mutans level, 92% in moderate S mutans level, 96% in high S. mutans level.
2. The rate of dfs significantly increased with S. mutans level.
3. The prevalence and severity in all patterns significantly increased with S. mutans level.
4. Distribution of fissure pattern significantly decreased with S. mutans level, but distribution of posterior proximal and posterior buccaVlingual smooth surface patterns significantly increased.
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