Background: Dental caries and periodontal diseases are commonly seen in adolescents due to neglected oral hygiene, improper dietary habits, and circumpubertal hormonal changes. Most of these problems could be reversed or prevented by improving oral hygiene measures together with the application of antimicrobial supplements such as probiotics in different ways of intake
Aim: This study aimed to compare the effect of live probiotic cultures present in fermented dairy products (yogurt) to the effect of freeze-dried probiotic supplied in sachets on gingival bleeding on brushing, dental plaque pH, and gingival condition in adolescents (12-15) years old.
Subjects and methods: This randomized pilot clinical study was conducted among twenty adolescents who were divided into two equal groups, group A received a fermented dairy product and group B received freeze-dried probiotic sachets. Gingival bleeding on brushing, gingival index (GI), and dental plaque pH were assigned and recorded at baseline and after four weeks.
Results: A statistically significant difference in the percentage of gingival bleeding on brushing and in GI scores before and after treatment in group A and B was found. while there was an insignificant statistical difference in dental plaque pH values before and after treatment in group A and B. Results also revealed that there was an insignificant statistical difference between the two groups after treatment regarding gingival bleeding on brushing, GI, and dental plaque pH.
Conclusions: The use of different forms of probiotics has a corrective effect on gingival inflammation and oral health in adolescents with gingival problems.