The effect of a 3-month oral probiotic (Streptococcus salivarius strain K12) administration on dental health indicators. (A randomized clinical trial)

Background. The majority of dental diseases develop as a result of an imbalance in the oral microflora. One of the promising approaches for its prevention is to re-balance the microflora by administering pre- and probiotics - medications that promote the replacement of opportunistic microorganisms with commensals. Objective. Assessment of the impact of a 3-month oral probiotic (Streptococcus salivarius K12 strain) supplementation on salivary secretory immunoglobulin a (sIgA) concentration, salivation rate, and oral hygiene index values. Materials and methods. Fifty-nine subjects participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Twenty-eight participants were randomly assigned to the probiotic group and 31 to the placebo group. For 12 weeks, participants took 1 lozenge per day. This was followed by a 4-week washout period. Salivary sIgA concentration and salivation rate were considered primary outcomes, and the Turesky index was considered secondary outcome. None of the participants reported any adverse events. Results. A total of 59 participants completed the study protocol. We observed an increase in salivary sIgA concentration, salivary flow rate and a decrease in plaque formation rate in the probiotic group. Mean sIgA values at baseline and after 12 weeks of probiotic/placebo administration were 206.97±104.86 and 248.55±103.68 in the probiotic group and 206.54±87.15 and 192.09±94.79 in the placebo group, respectively. The salivation rate increased statistically significantly after 12 weeks of probiotic supplementation, but the result was not stable by the end of the washout period. A statistically significant decrease in the rate of plaque formation was observed after 12 weeks of probiotic supplementation, but the result was not stable after 4 weeks of the washout period. Conclusion: probiotic supplementation for 3 months increases the concentration of sIgA in saliva, salivary flow rate, and decreases the rate of plaque formation.