Usage of lactobacillus reuteri dsm 17938 and atcc pta 5289 in the treatment of the patient with black stains

Aim: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral probiotic, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and L. reuteri ATCC PTA 5289 (ProDentis®, BioGaia), to avoid the recurrence of black stains (BS) in children and young adults. The purpose of this work is also to propose an oral hygiene protocol that could hinder or slow down the formation of these pigments. Materials and methods: Twenty patients aged between 8 years and 24 years with extrinsic pigmentations on one or more dental elements and with black lines attributable to chromogenic bacteria were divided into two groups randomly: the first (group I with 10 patients, test group) received a professional oral hygiene session and a therapy with a probiotic food supply containing L. reuteri for a duration of 2 months. The second group (group II with 10 patients, control group) received only a professional oral hygiene session. Data were collected using the Lobene modified index. Results: The mean Lobene index is lower in the test group compared to the control group after both 1 and 2 months from the beginning of the treatment. Conclusion: Black stain formation could be prevented by administering an L. reuteri-based probiotic food supply. Clinical significance: The use of probiotics is a relatively undeveloped strategy for the prevention and treatment of BS.