A comparative study of synbiotic as an add-on therapy to standard treatment in patients with aggressive periodontitis

CONTEXT: The role of synbiotic in the management of aggressive periodontitis (AP) is not well established. AIM: We designed this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of synbiotic as an add-on therapy in the management of AP. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with AP were randomized to two groups of 30 each. Study group received standard treatment, i.e., scaling and root planing along with doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for the 1(st) day (loading dose) followed by 100 mg once daily for 1 week and synbiotic lozenge twice daily for 8 weeks, whereas control group received standard treatment for 1 week and placebo lozenge for 8 weeks. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 4(th), 8(th), and 12(th) weeks. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Pearson's Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze distribution of sex and age, respectively. Differences within the groups were analyzed by Student's paired t-test. Pearson's Chi-square test was applied to measure gingival bleeding index. RESULTS: On comparison at 12 weeks, there was a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.01) in probing depth, clinical attachment loss, oral hygiene index, and bleeding on probing in study group. No Adverse drug reactions were noted. CONCLUSION: Co-administration of synbiotic lozenge along with standard therapy is highly efficacious in improving periodontal health in patients with AP.