Effect of probiotic milk on the levels of Streptococcus mutans in children: An in–vivo clinical study

Dr. Gulerana Gab; Dr. Dinesh Rao. B; Dr. Sunil Panwar

Volume : IX, Issue : III, March - 2020

Effect of probiotic milk on the levels of Streptococcus mutans in children: An in–vivo clinical study

Dr. Gulerana Gab, Dr. Dinesh Rao. B, Dr. Sunil Panwar

Abstract :

Background: Dental caries is one of the most common diseases of childhood, characterized by an increased number of S. mutans in the mouth. Adaptation of Hippocrates �let food be your medicine� falls true for the probiotic foods. Probiotic bacteria are thought to reduce this infectious disease. Introduction of live microbial food supplement benefits the host and works as an alternative to eradicate the infection. Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity of children, before and after the consumption of probiotic milk. Materials and Method: In this cross–sectional study, 50 healthy, school going children, aged between 7–10 years, free from dental caries were selected. Evaluation was done and followed up for 5 days. Assessment of S. mutans count was done at baseline after one hour and at an intervention period of 5 days, of the probiotic and plain milk consumption, using blood agar. Results: A statistically significant reduction in the S. mutans level was seen in children after the probiotic milk consumption.