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Does Streptococcus Salivarius Strain M18 Assumption Make Black Stains Disappear in Children?
Insights
This study found that the oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius M18 (SsM18) can help prevent the reformation of black stains (BSs) in children. Administering SsM18 daily significantly reduced BS recurrence compared to no treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
Background:
- Black stains (BSs) are a common concern in pediatric dentistry.
- Understanding preventative strategies for BSs is crucial for maintaining oral hygiene in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius M18 (SsM18) in preventing the recurrence of black stains (BSs) in children.
- To assess the long-term impact of SsM18 supplementation on BSs formation.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 58 children (aged 4-10 years) with pre-existing BSs.
- Participants received either daily SsM18 or no treatment after professional BS removal.
- BSs assessment occurred at 3 and 6 months post-intervention.
Main Results:
- After 3 months, BSs recurrence was significantly lower in the SsM18 group (21.2%) compared to the control group (50%) (p < 0.05).
- At 6 months, the SsM18 group continued to show a lower rate of BSs detection (32.1%) versus the control group (53.8%).
Conclusions:
- Oral administration of Streptococcus salivarius M18 is effective in preventing the reformation of black stains in children.
- SsM18 represents a promising probiotic intervention for managing pediatric BSs.
Purpose:
This randomised controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of an oral probiotic, Streptococcus salivarius M18 (SsM18), in children with black stains (BSs) in order to counteract their reformation.
Materials And Methods:
Fifty-eight children (aged 4-10 years) presenting with BSs were enrolled. They were randomly divided into two groups: group A (n = 29) included children who were given the test product containing SsM18 once a day for 3 months; group B (n = 29) included children who did not receive any treatment. Before beginning the study, all the children underwent professional removal of BSs. The assessment of BSs was done after 3 months (T1) and after 6 months (T2).
Results:
Four patients (1 belonging to group A and 3 to group B) were excluded from the study because they started antibiotic therapy. After 3 months (T1), BSs were detected in 6 of the 28 children (21.2%) from group A and in 13 out of the 26 (50%) children from group B (p < 0.05). After 6 months (T2), BSs were detected in 9 out of the 28 (32.1%) children from group A and in 14 of the 26 (53.8%) children from group B (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
BSs formation in children could be prevented by administering S. salivarius M18.

