Objectives: A rapid screening method of high-risk patients of caries among large population has been desired. Although mutans streptococci (MS) is one of the most related bacteria for causing initial caries, it has not been possible to estimate the level of MS rapidly and not easy to introduce such a test as a screening tool. Saliva-check SM (SCSM, GC Corp.), an immunoassay using species-specific monoclonal antibodies enables to estimate S.mutans level in human saliva within 30 minutes. The aim of present investigation was to assess the effectiveness of rapid diagnostic materials as a screening method of high-risk patients. Methods: Subjects were 147 sdults aged 40 years and over. Slivary level of S.mutans and MS were estimated by SCSM and Mucount (MU, Showa Yakuhin Kako Co.,Ltd). Results: The number of subjects was 63 at level 1 (low), 59 at level 2 (midium) and 11 at level 3 (high) devided by SCSM. DMFT index of the level 1, 2 and 3 were 15.9, 15.1, 22.1 respectively. DMFT at level 3 was statistically different from level 1 or 2 (p<0.05 by Dunnett's t test). For the relation between SCSM and MU, the proportion of level 2 and 3 of SCSM was 20%, 64% and 68% at score +, ++ and +++ of MU level. Conclusions: These results indicated that the level of SCSM was well related to DMFT index. The correlation between SCSM and MU was observed. SCSM is promising as a screening test of caries risk.

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