Impact of orally administered lozenges with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 on the number of salivary mutans streptococci, amount of plaque, gingival inflammation and the oral microbiome in healthy adults.

2014-03-18
Clinical oral investigations 19(1)

PubMed: 24638207
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-014-1221-6

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 31
Population: Healthy young adults
Methods: Randomised, controlled, double-blind trial. Healthy volunteers used lozenges containing a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (test group, n=29) or lozenges without added probiotics (control group, n=31) for 4 weeks. At baseline and at the end of the test period, the plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were determined, and stimulated saliva was collected.

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate the effects of orally administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) on the number of salivary mutans streptococci (MS), amount of plaque, gingival inflammation and the oral microbiota in healthy young adults.

Materials and methods

The study was a randomised, controlled, double-blind trial. Healthy volunteers used lozenges containing a combination of LGG and BB-12 (test group, n = 29) or lozenges without added probiotics (control group, n = 31) for 4 weeks. At baseline and at the end of the test period, the plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were determined, and stimulated saliva was collected. The microbial composition of saliva was assessed using human oral microbe identification microarray (n = 30). MS and lactobacilli (LB) were plate cultured.

Results

The probiotic lozenge decreased both PI and GI (p < 0.05) while no changes were observed in the control group. However, no probiotic-induced changes were found in the microbial compositions of saliva in either group.

Conclusions

The probiotic lozenge improved the periodontal status without affecting the oral microbiota.

Clinical relevance

Short-term consumption of LGG and BB-12 decreased the amount of plaque which was associated with a clinical impact: a decrease in gingival inflammation.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12	—	Reduced Gingival Inflammation	Beneficial	Small	View source The probiotic lozenge decreased both PI and GI (p < 0.05) while no changes were observed in the control group.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12	—	Reduced Plaque Accumulation	Beneficial	Small	View source The probiotic lozenge decreased both PI and GI (p < 0.05) while no changes were observed in the control group.