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. 2020 Dec 29:2020:8891708.
doi: 10.1155/2020/8891708. eCollection 2020.

Evaluation of the Effect of Probiotic Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 on Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli Levels in Saliva and Plaque: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study in Children

M Ratna Sudha  1 , Jayanthi Neelamraju  1 , M Surendra Reddy  2 , Manoj Kumar  2
Affiliations

Evaluation of the Effect of Probiotic Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 on Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli Levels in Saliva and Plaque: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study in Children

M Ratna Sudha et al. Int J Dent. .

Abstract

Background: Probiotic organisms are known to reduce caries causing microorganisms mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. Aim of the Study. To evaluate the effect of probiotic Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 on mutans streptococci and lactobacilli levels in saliva and plaque in children.

Introduction: Dental caries or tooth decay is because of the demineralization of the tooth enamel leading to the breakdown of the enamel causing cavities to be formed. Demineralization of the tooth happens because of the acid secreted by bacteria like mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. It is now suggested that probiotic usage prevents the overgrowth of these pathogenic microbes, thereby reducing caries activity. Methodology. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 48 children with ages ranging from 5 to 15 years were divided into two groups, the probiotic and placebo groups. Chewable tablets with and without probiotic Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 were administered for two weeks. Stimulated saliva samples and plaque were collected at baseline and at the end of 14 days to measure the pH, mutans streptococci, and lactobacilli count of saliva and plaque using chairside kits.

Results: A statistically significant reduction in mutans streptococci and lactobacilli counts of both saliva and plaque samples was observed in the B. coagulans Unique IS2 treated group after 14 days of administration compared to the baseline and placebo group (using paired t-test).

Conclusion: Probiotic Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2 (2 billion cfu) chewable tablet is effective in reduction and inhibition of caries causing mutans streptococci and lactobacilli levels in saliva and plaque in children.

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Conflict of interest statement

Two of the authors, RS and JN, belong to Unique Biotech Limited which manufactures probiotics including Bacillus coagulans Unique IS2. They state that the study was conducted independently at the Dental Institute with no intervention from them.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart of study design.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Salivary mutans streptococci scores at baseline and EOT. Values are mean ± s.d. ∗∗∗p value <0.001.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Plaque mutans streptococci scores at baseline and EOT. Values are mean ± s.d. ∗p value <0.05.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Salivary lactobacilli scores at baseline and EOT. Values are mean ± s.d. ∗∗p value <0.01. ∗∗∗p value <0.001.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Plaque lactobacillus scores at baseline and EOT. Values are mean ± s.d. ∗∗p value <0.01. ∗∗∗p value <0.001.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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