Some Population Changes in Oral Anaerobic Microorganisms, Streptococcus mutans and Yeasts Following Irradiation of the Salivary Glands

Abstract

Study of the streptococci, yeasts and anaerobic flora rampant caries, following irradiation of the main salivary glands for carcinoma of the upper respiratory and digestive tract, has shown an important increase in in saliva and dental Streptococcus mutans plaque. The yeasts were also increased, as well as Actinomyces. Veillonella were decreased whereas the anaerobic streptococci, Sphaerophorus and Bacteroides melaninogenicus stayed relatively constant. In patients irradiated for carcinoma of the maxillary sinus, where the main salivary glands were outside the field of irradiation, the oral flora was normal 2 years after irradiation and no rampant caries developed.