Salivary mutans streptococci levels after supplementation with L. reuteri

A prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled study with the aim to investigate the effect on mutans streptococci and lactobacilli of a probiotic delivered by two non-dairy delivery systems.

The study included 120 young adults (21-24 years) with overall good health, including the oral cavity status. The study used parallel arms where the subjects were randomly assigned to four equally sized groups (n=30): group A drank 200 ml of water through a prepared straw containing Lactobacillus reuteri once daily for 3 weeks, while group B took 200 ml of water through a placebo straw during the same period. Group C was given one tablet containing the same probiotic once daily for 3 weeks, while group D received placebo tablets without bacteria. Salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli were enumerated with chair-side kits at baseline and 1 day after the final ingestion.

A statistically significant reduction of the mutans streptococci levels was recorded after ingestion of the probiotic bacteria via the straw and the tablet, compared to the placebo controls. A similar but non-significant trend was seen for lactobacilli.

Conclusion: A short-term daily ingestion of Lactobacillus reuteri delivered by drinking straw or tablets reduced the levels of salivary mutans streptococci in young adults. 

Reference

Salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli levels after ingestion of the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 by straws or tablets. Caglar E, Cildir SK, Ergeneli S, Sandalli N, Twetman S. (2006) Acta Odontol Scand 64:314-318.