Probiotic Compared with Standard Milk for High-caries Children: A Cluster Randomized Trial

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Microbiology
• Pediatric Dentistry

Background:

• Dental caries is a prevalent issue in preschool children.
• Early intervention strategies are crucial for preventing caries progression.
• Probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus species, show potential in modulating oral microbiota.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of milk supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 in preventing dental caries increment in preschool children.
• To compare caries development between children consuming probiotic-supplemented milk and standard milk over a 10-month period.

Main Methods:

• A triple-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial was conducted with 261 preschool children (aged 2-3 years).
• Participants were assigned to receive either 150 mL of milk with Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 (10(7) CFU/mL) or standard milk on weekdays for 10 months.
• Caries increment was assessed using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS).

Main Results:

• The probiotic group had a lower caries prevalence (54.4%) compared to the control group (65.8%) after 10 months.
• Significantly fewer children in the probiotic group developed cavitated lesions (9.7%) versus the control group (24.3%).
• The odds ratio for caries increment favored the probiotic group (0.35, P < 0.05), with fewer new lesions per child (1.13 vs. 1.75, P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Regular, long-term intake of probiotic-supplemented milk can significantly reduce caries development in high-caries risk preschool children.
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 in milk demonstrates a protective effect against the increment of dental caries.
• Probiotic milk intervention represents a promising strategy for pediatric caries prevention.