Evaluation of salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans pre- and post-probiotics use

Abstract

Background: Probiotics are “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefi t to the host.” They are thought to play a role in the maintenance of oral health. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the eff ect of probiotics on the salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans. Materials and Methods: Fifty subjects within the age group of 18-30 years were selected for study. 2 ml of unstimulated saliva was collected before and after 7 days of administration of probiotic (65 ml once daily) to the participant. Mitis salivarius bacitracin agar was used as culture media. Yakult probiotic, fermented milk containing over 6.5 billion Lactobacilli casei strain was used. The colony forming unit of S. mutans was calculated by surface count method, and the total colony count was calculated by consideration of the dilution factor. The mean salivary levels of S. mutans pre- and postprobiotics use were calculated. Paired sample t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study revealed a statistically signifi cant reduction in the salivary levels of S. mutans after the use of probiotics. Conclusion: This bacterio-therapy, which is a novel concept, is a non-invasive method for combating infection and dental caries. More research is needed to evaluate the eff ect of Probiotics on oral health.