Streptococcus mutans in Caries-free and Caries-active Naval Recruits

Streptococcus mutans was detected by a colorimetric test in all of 53 caries-active naval recruits and in 98 of 120 caries-free (DMFT = 0) recruits. The number of positive sites was greater in the caries-active subjects. The low percentage of false positive and false negative S. mutans isolations confirmed the value of the colorimetric test as a preliminary indicator of S. mutans.