Evaluation of Streptococcus mutans Levels in Saliva before and after Consumption of Probiotic Milk: A Clinical Study.

Background: Probiotic bacteria are thought to reduce the risk of some infectious diseases. Recently, the probiotics and their effect on oral health have been a focus of numerous trials. The documented trials have been reported from developing countries, such as India, with its focus on pediatric population. This study was done to evaluate the effects of short term consumption of probiotic milk containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota, and its effects on the levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans in children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 20 healthy subjects and was followed for 7 days. The assessment of S. mutans in saliva was done at baseline, 1 h after consumption of probiotic milk and after 7-day of intervention period using mitis salivarius bacitracin agar. The colonies of S. mutans were identified and counted using a digital colony counter. Results: A statistically significant reduction of salivary S. mutans was recorded after consumption of the probiotic milk. The comparison between baselines versus follow-up salivary S. mutans count after consumption of probiotic milk was found to be statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Based on observations of this study - Short term consumption probiotic milk reduced the growth of salivary S. mutans levels. Efforts should be made to increase the awareness of the dental practitioners about this aspect of oral therapy and encourage the implementation of the concept of "food rather than medicine." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]