Assessment of Effect of Probiotics on Salivary Streptococcus Mutans

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the major pathogen involved in caries development which is the most common childhood infection. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are commonly used as probiotics and are added to fermented food such as yogurt and have been linked to reducing caries risk in children. This study was performed on 30 children; who were given yogurt containing probiotic (group 1) or control yoghurt (group 2) daily for a period of 6 weeks; Sreptococcal mutans count gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PI) were assessed throughout the 6 weeks of intervention and 2 weeks post-intervention. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis were tested against S. mutans invitro. There was a statistically significant decrease (p<0.001) in S. mutans count and GI in the intervention group as compared to the control group. The PI showed a statistically significant decrease in both groups 2 weeks after the intervention. Lactobacillus rhamnosus had an inhibitory effect whereas B. animalis had no inhibitory effect on the tested S. mutans strains invitro. The use of probiotic yogurt decreases the salivary S. mutans count and improves oral dental health in children.