Effect of probiotic lozenges on inflammatory reactions and oral biofilm during experimental gingivitis

Abstract

Aim. Probiotic bacteria have been introduced for prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. The aim was to assess if daily oral administration of probiotic bacteria could influence the inflammatory response and the composition of supragingival plaque in an experimental gingivitis model. Materials and methods. Eighteen healthy female adults volunteered after informed consent. A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled cross-over design was used. The buccal surface of first molars was used as experimental sites. A mouth-guard covering the first premolar to second molar was used when brushing, preventing accidental cleaning during 3 weeks of plaque accumulation. Lozenges containing L. reuteri (ATCC55730 and ATCC PTA5289) or placebo were taken twice a day. During the run-in and washout periods, professional tooth cleaning was performed 5 days/week. At baseline and follow-up, plaque index, gingival index and bleeding on probing were recorded. Samples of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were analysed for concentration of seven inflammatory mediators. Bacterial samples were processed with checkerboard DNA/DNA-hybridization. Results. All subjects presented a local plaque accumulation and developed manifest gingivitis at the test sites during the intervention periods. The volume of GCF increased in both groups but was statistically significant only in the placebo group (p < 0.05). The concentrations of IL1-β and IL-18 increased significantly (p < 0.05), while IL-8 and MIP1-β decreased (p < 0.05). No differences were displayed between test and placebo. Likewise, the microbial composition did not differ between the groups. Conclusion. Daily intake of probiotic lozenges did not seem to significantly affect the plaque accumulation, inflammatory reaction or the composition of the biofilm during experimental gingivitis.

Key Words::

• bacteriotherapy
• cytokines
• gingival crevicular fluid
• lactobacilli
• plaque

Acknowledgements

The study was supported by a grant from the Council of Halland. The probiotic lozenges were manufactured and provided by Biogaia AB, Lund, Sweden.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.