Effects of Probiotic Short-Term Regiment on Oral Health Parameters in Children: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

No statistically significant differences were found in any clinical or microbiological parameter between probiotic and placebo groups.

• All comparisons yielded p > 0.05 across all outcome measures
• Parameters assessed included Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), ICDAS, salivary pH, buffering capacity, and salivary S. mutans concentration
• The trial was double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled with 1:1 allocation
• 40 children aged 6-14 years participated from a community setting

Trends toward improved oral health parameters were observed in the probiotic group despite lack of statistical significance.

• Trends were observed toward higher salivary pH in the probiotic group
• Trends toward improved buffering capacity were noted in the probiotic group
• Trends toward reduced S. mutans counts were observed in the probiotic group
• These trends did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05)

The probiotic intervention was well tolerated with high participant acceptability and no adverse events.

• No adverse events were reported during the 30-day intervention period
• High participant acceptability was reported for the probiotic lozenges
• The intervention involved a multi-strain probiotic containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium administered as lozenges
• The duration of supplementation was 30 days

The study was designed as a pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate a multi-strain probiotic as an adjunct for caries prevention in children.

• Streptococcus mutans was identified as the primary cariogenic bacterium of interest due to its role in biofilm acidogenicity and enamel demineralization
• The probiotic contained multiple strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium
• Participants were 40 children aged 6-14 years randomly allocated 1:1 to probiotic or placebo
• The study was preregistered (10.17605/OSF.IO/GKVUW) and ethically approved
• Conventional caries prevention relies mainly on mechanical plaque control and dietary modification, with probiotics investigated as potential adjuncts

The authors concluded that larger, longer-term trials are needed to clarify the potential role of probiotics as adjuncts in caries prevention.

• The 30-day intervention period may have been insufficient to detect statistically significant changes in oral health parameters
• The pilot findings highlight the feasibility of probiotic use in pediatric populations
• The authors support the need for larger trials beyond the 40-participant pilot sample
• Probiotics are positioned as potential adjuncts rather than replacements for conventional caries prevention strategies