Comparative evaluation of efficacy of kefir milk probiotic curd and probiotic drink on streptococcus mutans in 8–12-year-old children: An in vivo study

Abstract

Aim and objective: To compare the effect of probiotic products in reducing the levels of salivary Streptococcus mutans before and after their consumption. Materials and methods: Eighty school children with initial carious lesions in the age group of 8–12 years were selected and divided into four groups. Children in group I (control) were undergone with restorations without supplementation of probiotics. Children in group II (kefir milk), group III (probiotic curd), and group IV (probiotic drink) supplemented 100 mL of their respective probiotics for 1 month. Assessment of saliva sample was done at baseline, 1 hour after administration of probiotics followed by weekly intervals till 1 month. Results: The study showed a marked reduction in colony-forming units (CFUs) at a 1-hour time interval in all four groups when compared to baseline. On the 30th-day, children in group II and group III have shown an equal reduction of CFUs when compared to group IV and group I. Conclusion: Probiotic products like kefir milk and probiotic curd have shown an equal and marked decrease in CFUs when compared to the probiotic drink group. Clinical significance: The administration of probiotics along with dairy products can be used as an adjuvant to routine preventive treatment procedures in the prevention of dental caries along with the remineralization of the demineralized tooth structure.