Effect of a Short-Term Intervention with Lactobacillus salivarius Probiotic on Early Childhood Caries—An Open Label Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

ECC is a significant therapeutic and social problem and a global burden on public health. The aim of this clinical trial was to test whether a 2-week daily consumption of chewing tablets containing thermally inactivated L. salivarius reduces the 12-month caries increment compared to the control group. The investigation was a single-center, randomized, controlled open-label, blinded end-point evaluation trial in two parallel groups. At baseline, 140 generally healthy children between 3 and 6 years of age with or without ECC were randomly assigned to the probiotic test group (n = 70) or to the treatment as the usual control group (n = 70). The primary outcome measure was the 1-year increment in caries incidence and prevalence. Secondary endpoints assessed were the initial, cavitated and obvious dentinal caries increment as well as the measurement of dental plaque accumulation, as an indicator of the ECC risk. Data were collected through the clinical assessment of the children’s caries (dmft and ICDAS II) and oral hygiene status (DI-S of OHI-S index). Caries incidence and prevalence were statistically significantly lower in the probiotic group versus the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.0075). The initial and final mean OHI-S scores in the probiotic group did not show any significant differences. In conclusion, the regular short-term intake of probiotics may reduce caries development. Our findings suggest that self-administered probiotic therapy may provide a good complement to increase the effectiveness of individual preventive home care in preschool children. This is the first clinical study evaluating the effect of a short-term probiotic intervention on reducing early childhood caries with 12 months of follow-up.

Relationship between dental caries experience and the levels of Streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus in saliva of pregnant women

“…As the amounts of these bacteria increased, so did the risk of caries. Other studies have also shown a link between these bacteria and the development of caries (1,48,49).…”

The Benefits of Probiotics on Oral Health: Systematic Review of the Literature

“…Lee et al (2021) conducted a double-blind study indicating that oral probiotic tablets might contribute to reducing halitosis and improving quality of life related to oral health [34]. Staszczyk et al (2022) showed that consistent short-term probiotic consumption might slow dental caries onset in children [35]. Laleman et al (2019) reported that probiotic lozenges significantly reduced pocket depth in patients with periodontitis, particularly in deeper pockets [36].…”

Comparative Evaluation of Three Probiotics for Streptococcus mutans Prevention in Plaque Around Orthodontic Braces

“…Even though few studies have been performed to date, the findings show that probiotics are effective in preventing and treating oral infectious diseases, such as tooth decay, gingival problems, and bad breath. According to research, consuming probiotics reduces the S. mutans population in the body [ 18 ]. Few studies have been conducted to evaluate the outcomes of giving probiotic medicine locally.…”