The Effect of Probiotic Streptococci and pH-rising Components on the Oral Microbial Flora

The Effect of Probiotic Streptococci and pH-rising Components on the Oral Microbial Flora in Subjects With Reduced Salivary Secretion Rate

The test group consisted of eighteen subjects with hyposalivation used probiotic tablets (≥ 4/day) and gel (once a week) (streptococci, bicarbonate and carbamide) for 3 months and 9 used placebo tablets and gel. The salivary secretion rates were measured and microbial samples collected and analysed using cultivation technique twice both at baseline and at the 3-month follow up (1-2 weeks between the appointments).

The aim was to analyse the effect of daily intake of probiotic alpha-haemolytic facultative anaerobic streptococci (Streptococcus oralis), pH-rising components and Stevia on the oral microflora in hyposalivated subjects.

Material and methods: Subjects with hyposalivation (unstimulated secretion rate of < 0.1 ml/min and/or a stimulated secretion rate < 0.7 ml/min) and ≥ 10 000 cfu/ml of mutans streptococci and/or lactobacilli on the tongue or in the supragingival plaque were included. Eighteen subjects used probiotic tablets (≥ 4/day) and gel (once a week) for 3 months and 9 used placebo tablets and gel. The salivary secretion rates were measured and microbial samples collected and analysed using cultivation technique twice both at baseline and at the 3-month follow up (1-2 weeks between the appointments).

Inclusion Criteria:

• No open wounds in the oral cavity
• ≥ 10 own teeth
• Experienced dry mouth for at least 1 year
• An unstimulated salivary secretion rate < 0.1 ml/min
• A stimulated secretion rate < 0.7 ml/min and high numbers (≥ 10000 cfu/ml) of lactobacilli and/or mutans streptococci on the tongue and/or in dental plaque

Exclusion Criteria:

• Removable prosthesis
• Reduced immune defence
• Serious heart diseases
• Implanted joints or heart valves
• Lactose intolerance (the probiotic streptococci are freeze-dried in skim milk)