ABSTRACT
Background: Caries is a multifactorial disease, microbes being an important etiological factor. “Probiotics” are nonpathogenic microbes which can stimulate health-promoting flora and suppress pathogens. It's the era of prevention, clinical approach toward prevention by altering bacterial ecology is the need of the hour. The aim of the study was to evaluate anticariogenic effect of probiotic curd (Amul's Probiotic Dahi) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus (La5) and Bifidobacterium lactis (Bb12) in 6–12 years of age group. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, nonblinded study conducted on school children aged between 6 and 12 years having Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth and/or deft ?2. Selected subjects were divided into two groups of 31 each, study group received probiotic curd (“Amul's Probiotic Dahi”) two times a day in a quantity of 100 g, respectively, for 21 days and control group did not receive any intervention. Salivary Streptococcus mutans count and salivary pH estimation were done at the baseline, after 7 days and at the end after 24 days, for comparison. Results: No statistical difference was seen in salivary S. mutans count between both groups, after intervention of 7 days. However, there was significant difference in salivary S. mutans count at the end of 24 days. There was no statistical difference in salivary pH between both groups. Conclusion: The present study concludes that probiotics substitute decreases salivary S. mutans count after continuous consumption for 3 weeks and there is no short-term effect on salivary pH.
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives : A positive correlation between Salivary characteristics and caries resistance in adults has been reported in literature. Such a correlation is also observed in Down’s syndrome population but lacks sufficient data support. AIM: The present study was conducted to Evaluate and correlate the Oral Health Status, S mutans level, Salivary Flow Rate, salivary pH, Buffering capacity, Calcium level, phosphorus level, IgA level of saliva, and Dental caries experience in Normal healthy children and Downs syndrome children. Methodology: The study population consisted of 60 subjects aged 8-14 years who were divided into two groups: 60 children (30 normal and 30 Down’s syndrome children). Clinical examination was done and the study population was examined for the assessment of dental caries status (WHO 2004) and oral hygiene status (OHI -S Index). Unstimulated total saliva samples were collected. Results & Conclusion: In DS subjects, oral hygiene status and dental caries were insignificant whereas other parameters were highly significant prevalence of dental caries was high and oral hygiene status was not properly maintained when compared to the normal subjects.