Effect of freeze dried powdered probiotics on gingival status and plaque inhibition: A randomized, double-blind, parallel study

• Main Authors: Asif Yousuf, Mohsin Sidiq, Shravani Ganta, Anup Nagaraj, Preeti Vishnani, Iram Jan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2017-01-01
• Series: Contemporary Clinical Dentistry
• Subjects: Bacteriotherapy; Bifidobacteria; Lactobacillus; oral ecology; probiotic
• Online Access: http://www.contempclindent.org/article.asp?issn=0976-237X;year=2017;volume=8;issue=1;spage=116;epage=121;aulast=Yousuf
• ISSN: 0976-237X; 0976-2361

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of freeze dried powdered probiotics on gingival status and plaque inhibition among 12–15-year-old schoolchildren. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted among 12–15-year-old schoolchildren in Jaipur. Commercially available freeze dried probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium lactis (Prowel, Alkem Laboratories), lactic acid bacillus only (Sporolac, Sangyo), and a placebo powder calcium carbonate 250 g (Calcium Sandoz, Novartis) were assigned to two intervention groups and a placebo group each comprising 11 schoolchildren. All subjects were instructed to mix the powder in 30 ml of water and swish once daily for 3 min, for 3 weeks. Periodontal clinical parameters were assessed by examining the subjects for Turesky-Gilmore-Glickman plaque index (PI) (Modification of Quigley-Hein PI) and gingival index at baseline, 7th day, 14th day, and 21st day. Results: For both the probiotic groups, a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05) in gingival status and plaque inhibition was recorded up to 2nd week of probiotic ingestion. However, no significant difference was observed in the placebo group. Conclusion: The use of probiotic mouth rinses improves the oral health in children by significantly reducing the plaque and gingival scores. Further studies are warranted to prove or refute the long-term effects, means of administering probiotics and the dosages needed to achieve different preventive or therapeutic purposes.