What is it about?
Mutans streptococci (MS) is a key bacteria in the cascade of events that determine the formation of cavities on teeth. This bacteria has been commonly targeted to prevent decay of tooth. Similar to antibiotics prescribed to manage gut infection, antimicrobial mouthrinses are recommended by Dentists to improve oral health. However, antibacterial mouthrinses kill an array of microbes essential for oral microbial homeostasis. On the contrary, Probiotic (PB) bacteria, repopulate the biofilm and regain health, also known as 'Bacteriotherapy'. This trial assessed the efficacy of three different mouthrinses, PB with two standard antibacterial mouthrinses (Chlorhexidine and Sodium Fluoride) against MS in 8 to 12 year-old children.
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Why is it important?
Through this crossover trial, it was revealed that PB mouthrinse was as efficacious as Chlorhexidine and Sodium Fluoride mouthrinses in reducing colony counts of MS in children of 8 to 12 years of age. This is the first randomized crossover trial in children that tested the three mouthrinses. Other than the primary results, we also were able to determine the efficiency of performing a randomized crossover trial in children, along with their preferences in taste and compliance to use through the secondary analysis.
Perspectives
Microbial dominance over the human health has gained wide recognition in the scientific world. This trial explores the extent of efficacy of Probiotic bacteria for improvement of oral health in children. Not only was it technique sensitive in terms of its methodology, target population and study design but also is a primary research that can serve as guide for future researchers when conducting trials in children owing to the limitations that were faced. We hope that this research poses as an impetus to future Probiotic research for oral and overall health.
Krutika Gedam
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Efficacy of Probiotic, Chlorhexidine, and Sodium Fluoride Mouthrinses on Mutans Streptococci in 8- to 12-Year-Old Children: A Crossover Randomized Trial, Lifestyle Genomics, January 2022, Karger Publishers,
DOI: 10.1159/000519916.
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