Comparative evaluation of different probiotic products on salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus level in caries risk population

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease with the main causative organism being Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. “Probiotics” are defined as living microorganisms, principally bacteria, which are safe for human consumption and when ingested in sufficient quantities, have beneficial effects on human health, beyond basic nutrition. These can be used to replace the pathogenic strains of bacteria with the nonpathogenic type in the oral cavity thus can help prevent dental caries. AIMS: To evaluate and compare the role of probiotic milk and lozenges on S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. count on patients who are exposed to probiotics continuously for 7 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty volunteers who were prone to caries were divided into three equal groups. Experimental groups were given probiotics daily for 7 days. In Group A, patients were given milk without any probiotics (control); in Group B, probiotic milk is given; and in Group C, probiotic lozenges are given. Saliva samples were assessed on the 1(st) day and after 7 days of intervention. The collected saliva samples were inoculated on the selected culture media and estimation was done by measuring the colony-forming unit. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was performed using Student's paired t-test and multiple comparisons by Tukey's honest significant difference test. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in salivary S. mutans level in both experimental groups after 7 days (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in Lactobacillus count before and after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics have a role in reducing salivary S. mutans count. Probiotics lozenges showed greater efficacy in reducing salivary S. mutans count than probiotic milk.