Retrospective Review of Oral Probiotic Therapy

  • Feb 06 2024

Authors: Mark L. Cannon, Ashlee Vorachek, Catherine Le, Kevin White — Northwestern University and Ann and Robert Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL

Journal: The Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry | Published: 2019 | Volume 43, Number 6

Purpose

To conduct a retrospective review of the clinical records of patients enrolled in a probiotic therapy study, assessing current caries activity status relative to baseline and to published national norms.

Study Design

Dental records of 60 patients enrolled in an IRB-approved study were reviewed. Current oral health status was measured using the Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and Caries Management By Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) determination, then compared to pre-enrollment status. Statistical analysis was performed by a blinded biostatistician.

Subjects had been assigned to one of two probiotic groups:

  • PerioBalance (Lactobacillus reuteri)
  • EvoraKids (ProBiora3® blend: S. uberis KJ2, S. oralis KJ3, S. rattus JH145)

Results

Of the 53 subjects available for follow-up:

  • Only 4 had remained caries active, with a grand total of 27 carious lesions detected and restored
  • Of the original 60 patients with 292 initial carious lesions, only 78 total restorations were placed over the following three years after probiotic therapy and dental restoration
  • 24 subjects did not present with any further carious involvement
  • 25 subjects were classified as caries static — restorations required were substantially fewer than before probiotic therapy
  • The F-ratio of 51.3313 (p < 0.05) confirmed a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-probiotic caries experience at the 95.0% confidence level

Conclusion

The tested probiotic supplements — including the ProBiora3® blend — had a statistically significant effect on the caries experience of the enrolled subjects. This retrospective review provides real-world clinical evidence supporting the long-term effectiveness of oral probiotic therapy as an adjunct to standard dental care in reducing caries activity in pediatric patients.

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