A comparison of the efficacy of a probiotic toothpaste, a fluoridated toothpaste in management of Streptococci mutans in plaque around orthodontic brackets- An in vivo study

Abstract

The objective of study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Probiotic toothpaste, fluoridated toothpaste and non-fluoridated toothpaste (control) on the levels in the plaque surrounding orthodontic brackets. The randomly selected patients are divided into 3 groups (20 each) on the basis of type of toothpaste given to them. The patients in groups were asked to brush twice daily with given toothpastes and to discontinue using their normal toothpaste. Plaque specimens were collected from the labial surfaces immediately surrounding the orthodontic brackets of the maxillary lateral incisors by four passes, each along the tooth at the bracket inter-face at the gingival, mesial, distal, and occlusal aspects. The isolated plaque is sent to Microbiology laboratory soon after collecting in a sterile container. The presence of was evaluated in colony forming unit through culture formation and statistical analysis was performed, and comparisons were made. After one month application of a probiotic containing toothpaste (group 3), a fluoridated containing toothpaste (group 2) and a non-fluoridated toothpaste(group 1) the level of significantly reduced in group 2 (non-fluoridated toothpaste) and group3 (Probiotic toothpaste) & minimal reduction is shown in gruop 1. Conclusion: The use of probiotic toothpaste causes a significant decrease in the levels in the plaque around orthodontic brackets in orthodontic patients.