L. reuteri lozenge effect on salivary mutans streptococci

A randomised, double blind placebo-controlled clinical study involving 20 women with high counts of salivary mutans streptococci, but otherwise healthy.

During the study course over 10 days, the subjects either received one lozenge daily containing either 2 x 10⁸ CFU of L. reuteri Prodentis (ATCC 55730 + ATCC PTA 5289) (n=10) or the corresponding placebo lozenge (n=10). Both study treatments were administered via a medical device, which released the contents of the lozenge over a 15-minute period. Salivary samples were collected immediately before treatment and then again after 10 days. The samples were analysed for load of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli.

Counts of lactobacilli remained unchanged in both groups during the study period. However, mutans streptococci load was significantly decreased in the group receiving L. reuteri Prodentis but not in the placebo group. The decrease was significant both versus the initial load and against the placebo group.

Conclusion: The probiotic lozenge containing Lactobacillus reuteri significantly reduced salivary mutans streptococci.

Reference

A probiotic lozenge administered medical device and its effect on salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. Çaglar E, Kuscu OO, Kavaloglu SC, Kuvvetli SS, Sandalli N. (2008) Int J Pediatr Dent. 18:35-39.