Comparing the Effectiveness of Different Probiotic Vehicles Containing Fermented Milk on Streptococcus Mutans: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the influence of two probiotic vehicles on mutans streptococci in oral cavity which is primarily responsible for causing dental caries.

Materials and Method: A randomized clinical trial was carried out to investigate the effect of probiotic products on salivary mutans streptococci among 30 volunteered, aged 18 to 22 years. There were two probiotic vehicles given to each participant for 18 days. the density of the colony forming units (CFU/ml of saliva) was calculated at baseline, one hour after and 18 days after consuming the product which was cultured on Mitis salivarius bacitracin agar.

Results: The mean values of follow up in group I (2.19 X10⁵) was significantly less compared to baseline (8.16X10⁶) and after 1 hr (6.51X10⁶). The results were similar in Group II also, the mean value of follow up (3.22X10⁶) was less significant to baseline (8.7X10⁶) and after 1 hr (6.5X10⁶).

Conclusion: Short term consumption of probiotics may reduce salivary levels of the number of mutans streptococci.