Effectiveness of Lactobacillus reuteri Probiotics on Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and Bleeding on Probing in Adolescents with Betel Quid Chewing Habit: Study in Children Aged 13-15 Years in Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

2026-02-12
International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry 19(2)

PubMed: 41800014
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-3411

Study Design

Type: Observational
Population: 16 male and 16 female students aged 13-15 years from Probur State Junior High School, Alor Regency, NTT, with betel quid chewing habits
Methods: Observational study; subjects were divided into two groups: an experimental group given Lactobacillus reuteri probiotics twice a day for 14 days and a control group not given the intervention; dental health education, ultrasonic scaling, and instructions to continue daily betel quid chewing habits were given; PI, GI, and BOP were assessed at baseline, on days 7 and 14

Aims and background

Betel quid chewing is commonly practiced by adolescents in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). A combination of areca nut, betel inflorescences, and slaked lime induces inflammation in the oral cavity. Recently, Lactobacillus reuteri has been used as an adjuvant therapy in managing periodontal tissue inflammation. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of probiotic consumption on plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding on probing (BOP) in adolescents with betel quid chewing habits in Alor Regency, NTT.

Materials and methods

In an observational study, 16 male and 16 female students aged 13-15 years were recruited from Probur State Junior High School, Alor Regency, NTT. Subsequently, subjects were divided into two groups: the experimental group that was given L. reuteri probiotics twice a day for 14 days, and the control group that was not given the intervention. Dental health education, ultrasonic scaling, and instructions to continue daily betel quid chewing habits were given. Gingival inflammation was examined using PI, GI, and BOP at baseline, on days 7 and 14.

Results

There was a significant difference in PI, GI, and BOP scores before and after consuming L. reuteri for 7 and 14 days (p < 0.05). There was also a significant difference in GI and BOP between both groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Consuming L. reuteri probiotic for 7 and 14 days effectively reduces gingival inflammation, as assessed by PI, GI, and BOP, in adolescents with betel quid chewing habits.

Clinical significance

L. reuteri probiotic consumption reduces gingival inflammation in adolescents with betel quid chewing habits.

How to cite this article

Marjani LI, Suharsini M, Fauziah E. Effectiveness of Lactobacillus reuteri Probiotics on Plaque Index, Gingival Index, and Bleeding on Probing in Adolescents with Betel Quid Chewing Habit: Study in Children Aged 13-15 Years in Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(2):177-182.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 5289	—	Reduced Bleeding on Probing (BOP)	Beneficial	Moderate	View source There was a significant difference in GI and BOP between both groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05).
Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 5289	—	Reduced Gingival Index	Beneficial	Moderate	View source There was a significant difference in GI and BOP between both groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05).
Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 5289	—	Reduced Gingival Inflammation	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Consuming <i>L. reuteri</i> probiotic for 7 and 14 days effectively reduces gingival inflammation, as assessed by PI, GI, and BOP, in adolescents with betel quid chewing habits.
Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 5289	—	Reduced Plaque Index	Beneficial	Moderate	View source There was a significant difference in PI, GI, and BOP scores before and after consuming <i>L. reuteri</i> for 7 and 14 days (<i>p</i> < 0.05).