Knowledge and attitude of probiotics among outpatients visiting dental operatory.

Introduction: The word probiotics have been given a number of different definitions over the years, with the current definition being "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a medical advantage on the host." Most probiotic products contain bacteria from the genera Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, although other genera, including Escherichia, Enterococcus, Bacillus, Propionibacterium, and Saccharomyces (a yeast), have been developed as probiotics. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was prepared with 15 questions. It was circulated to the patients and attenders visiting dental operatory of Saveetha Dental College. The survey was conducted among various age groups not <16 years of age. The questions are framed based on their knowledge and perception toward probiotics. Results: About 76% were aware of probiotics and its uses and effects, in which 90.5% were aware that food they consume contains probiotics. Moreover, 85.2% of the population identified that probiotic is a constituent of living microorganisms. Different sources of probiotics were consumed, of which majority was yogurt (32.4%), milk (27%), apple (12.2%), cucumber (10.8%), soup (9.5%), and brown rice (8.1%). Probiotics are used as therapeutic drug for mostly gastrointestinal condition (63%). Conclusion: Most of them knew the beneficial effects of probiotics to human body in terms of food digestion and immunity. Furthermore, in general, they were aware that dairy products were food source of probiotics. However, they still lack on information on the other health benefits of probiotics as well as food source of probiotics aside from dairy foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]