Investigation and Comparison of the Effects of Two Probiotic Bacteria, and in Reducing Mutans Streptococci Levels in the Saliva of Children

BACKGROUND: Probiotic organisms Lactobacillus reuteri UBLRU-87 and Bifidobacterium bifidum UBBB-55 were proven to be acting against the caries causing organisms. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the influence of Lactobacillusreuteri, Bifidobacterium bifidum and their blend on Mutans streptococci count in the saliva of children, and also to appraise the sustainability of their action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study with 60 subjects (15 in each group) in 6–14 years of age group. The children consumed curd containing Bifidobacterium bifidum (UBBB 55, MTCC 5398) and Lactobacillus reuteri (UBLRu 87, MTCC 5403), and their blend once daily for 14 days. The control group received curd with no Probiotic in it. The saliva samples were collected just before the curd (T0) administration to establish baseline levels of mutans streptococci and after a day of the final consumption of the curd (T14). The follow-up samples at 21 days (T21) and 28 days (T28) after the baseline were also collected to know the sustainability of action probiotics on mutans streptococci if any. RESULTS: Statistically significant reduction of mutans streptococci is observed in the group administered with Lactobacillus reuteri and the effect lasted up to a minimum of 21 days. Mixed cultures are seemed to be not effective against the oral microorganisms. CONCLUSIONS: The probiotic organism Lactobacillus reuteri in Indian curd is effective on salivary mutans streptococci, and the effect was sustained for some period after the administration.