Efficacy of probiotic lozenges to reduce Streptococcus mutans in plaque around orthodontic brackets

Abstract

Background: Probiotics were defined as live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. The aim was to evaluate the effect of the application of probiotic lozenge on the Streptococcus mutans levels in the plaque of orthodontic patients. Materials and Methods: A sample of 30 randomly selected patients (14 females and 16 males) having orthodontic treatment were selected for the study. They were divided into two groups of 15 each. One group of patients (Group 2) was given the probiotic ( Lactobacillus brevis CD2) lozenges, and the other group (Group 1) was given the placebo lozenges. The lozenges were administered to the patients from day 1 after the first plaque sample had been assessed and continued until day 30. Plaque samples were again taken and evaluated at the end of day 30. The samples were placed into individual microcentrifuge tubes with anonymous coding and sealed for transport for real-time polymerase chain reaction to the 3B Blackbio Biotech India Ltd., Bhopal, India. Results: After the use of the probiotic lozenges, 14 of 15 subjects in Group 2 showed reduction in the S. mutans levels; in two subjects, there was no detectable S. mutans after 30 days. In Group 1 after use of placebo, 3 out of 15 patients showed a decrease in S. mutans levels. Conclusion: This indicates that daily short-term ingestion of a Lactobacilli brevis derived probiotic through a lozenge tablet could reduce the levels of S. mutans in plaque around orthodontic brackets.