Abstract
Early childhood caries (ECC) is still one of the many diseases found in children throughout the world. Cariogenic bacteria are a significant risk factor for ECC associated with early colonization and high levels of cariogenic microbes (Streptococcus mutans, S. mutans). Lymphocyte T (CD4+) cells known as helper T cells, are effector cells for mediated host immunity. Naive T cells (CD4+) must be activated to initiate effector function. This activation occurs through interaction with professional antigen- presenting cells (pro-APC), especially dendritic cells that lead to intracellular pathways that regulate T cell receptor (TCR) more specifically against antigen in T cells. Lymphocyte cells from samples were collected from severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) and Free caries aged 5 to 6 years. The subjects were instructed to gargle 10 mL of sterile NaCl 1.5% solution for 30 seconds, and expectorate it into a sterile glass then analyzing T lymphocyte cell (CD4+) expression using flow cytometry. Lymphocyte T (CD4+) cell expression at SECC (6.2525 ± 64482) while in free caries (8.4138 ± 1.10397) with P-value (P = 0. 000). Conclusion of lymphocyte T (CD4+) cells expression at S-ECC is lower than that occurring in free caries.