Mutans streptococci estimation in saliva before and after consumption of probiotic curd among school children

According to the World Health Organization, probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts and confer a health benefit to the host. Use of probiotics in children to improve oral health may lead to non-pathogenic bacteria replacing cariogenic bacteria. Dairy foods like cheese, curd, and milk are considered useful vehicles for probiotic bacteria.

To compare the levels of salivary mutans streptococci before and after consumption of probiotic curd.

Thirty school children of Mathura city who were caries free, in the age group of 12-14 years, were selected and divided equally into group I and II which were given 200 ml probiotic curd and normal curd for 7 days, respectively. Assessment of saliva samples was done at baseline, 1 h after consumption, and on the 7(th) day. Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin Agar was used for analysis. The number of colonies was counted and subjected to statistical analysis using unpaired Student's t-test.

The study showed mark reduction in salivary mutans streptococci counts in saliva after 1 h and on the 7(th) day in the probiotic group. Results were found to be statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) when the differences in the reduction of mutans streptococci counts with probiotic curd and normal curd at 1 h and on the 7(th) day were compared.

Pathogenic microorganisms could be displaced by probiotic bacteria. Thus, use of probiotic products could be exploited for the prevention of enamel demineralization.