Prebiotics-A Primeval Measure to Combat Dental Caries: A Short-term Clinical Study.

Abstract

BackgroundPrevention of dental caries is paramount in reducing the global burden of the disease. The consumption of probiotics as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for dental caries, has certain limitations. Prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients, that enhance the growth and activity of probiotic microorganism, thereby help in the establishment of a healthy oral environment.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on the salivary Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) counts and salivary IgA concentrations.MethodologyChildren of age-group 6–9 years with DMFT score of 5 and above were divided into three groups of 10 each: Group 1 (prebiotics), Group 2 (probiotics), and Group 3 (synbiotics). The functional food therapy was done for a period of 1 month twice daily. The S. mutans count and IgA concentrations were assessed pre- and postintervention. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis.ResultsA statistically significant reduction of S. mutans was seen in all three groups after 1 month. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the groups.ConclusionPrebitoics can serve as an unfortified and natural means of combating dental caries.How to cite this articleKonde S, Ravindran S, Agarwal M, et al. Prebiotics—A Primeval Measure to Combat Dental Caries: A Short-term Clinical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S234–S238.