Effect of Probiotic Product on Salivary Cariogenic Bacterial Counts Among a Group of Preschool Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: The Purpose of the study was to evaluate the consumption effect of probiotic “Lactobacilli reuteri” lozenges on caries-associated salivary bacterial counts (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus), dental plaque accumulation, and salivary buffer capacity in a group of healthy preschool children.
Methods: The study group consisted of 178 healthy children (aged 3 - 6 years) who met the inclusion criteria. children recruited from specialty clinic of pediatric dentistry at King Abdul-Aziz University. After enrollment, subjects were randomly grouped into experimental (n=90) received the L. reuteri probiotic lozenges and control group (n=88) received placebo lozenges, twice daily for a 28-day total period. The salivary counts of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and buffer capacity were assessed using chair-side caries risk test (CRT®) kits at the baseline (T0) and after 28 days (T1). Simplified Oral Hygiene index (OHI-S) was used to assess dental plaque accumulation at the baseline (T0) and after 28 days (T1).
Results: Participants receiving the L. reuteri probiotic lozenge had a statistical significant reduction of S. mutans after 28 days (T1) (p=0.000) There were significant changes in lactobacilli levels in the experimental group (p=0.020). The experimental and control group had less plaque accumulations compared with their baseline scores. While buffer capacity in experimental group increased more than in control group, no statistically significant difference found between the two study groups at T1 (p=0.577). Lozenge consumption compliance was 90% with no adverse events were observed in the experimental group.
Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, it could be concluded that consumption of probiotic lozenge containing L. reuteri reduce caries-associated bacterial counts significantly. Probiotics consumption might have beneficial effect on the salivary buffer capacity.