Objective: The predictive value of a single diagnostic test on an individual can be misleading in disease of a multifactorial nature such as dental caries. Hence this study was undertaken to seek the relationship of salivary microbiologic parameters. (Mutans streptococcus count) and salivary physiochemical parameters (flow rate, buffering capacity) and sucrose intake with the occurrence of dental decay on the primary dentition among 3-5 years old of preschool children. Materials and Methods: The present study comprised of 100 healthy children in the age group of 3-5 years, divided into two categories on the basis of their caries experience Group 1:50 children with no detectable caries & Group 2:50 children with caries. Children in caries group are categorized into Grade 1: 1 – 3 decayed teeth, Grade 2: 3 – 5, Grade 3: > 5. A questionnaire was specifically designed which sought to discover the frequency of sugar consumption rather than the total amount of sugar eaten. The Stimulated saliva was collected to determine Flow rate, buffering capacity and Mutans streptococci count. Results: There was a highly significant relation between frequency of sugar consumption, microbial parameter and the caries experience (P < 0.001) and an inverse relation between salivary parameters (salivary flow rate, buffering capacity) and the caries experience. (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, it is observed that there was a significant relation between caries experience and salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, salivary streptococcus mutans count, and sugar intake. This multifactorial approach of identifying high caries risk group children and implementation of preventive strategies represents an improvement over an approach that relied solely on single parameter.

Key words: Salivary flow; Buffering capacity; Dental caries; Streptococci mutans.