Probiotic Yoghurt Effect on Experimental Gingivitis

Influence of Probiotics on Clinical Parameters and GCF Levels of Interleukin-1β in Experimental Gingivitis: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotic yoghurt on the development of gingival inflammation. Fifty-one periodontally healthy individuals were given standard oral hygiene instructions and randomly divided into two groups. The test group subjects (n=26) consumed probiotic yoghurt containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and the control subjects (n=25) natural yoghurt for 28 days. Following yoghurt consumption, mechanical plaque control was interrupted for the next 5 days in both groups. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples and clinical data (consisted of plaque and gingival indices, probing depth, bleeding on probing) were collected at baseline, after 28 and 33 days. Interleukin-1β levels were determined in GCF by ELISA.

Probiotics are viable bacteria with scientifically confirmed health benefits for gastrointestinal system. However, there is paucity of information on its impact in periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotic yoghurt on the development of gingival inflammation. Fifty-one periodontally healthy individuals were given standard oral hygiene instructions and randomly divided into two groups. The test group subjects (n=26) consumed probiotic yoghurt containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and the control subjects (n=25) natural yoghurt for 28 days. Following yoghurt consumption, mechanical plaque control was interrupted for the next 5 days in both groups. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples and clinical data (consisted of plaque and gingival indices, probing depth, bleeding on probing) were collected at baseline, after 28 and 33 days. Interleukin-1β levels were determined in GCF by ELISA.

Bleeding on probing is defined as presence of bleeding from gingival sulcus during the probing of this area via periodontal probe.

Each of the buccal, mesial, lingual and distal surfaces of the gingival tissues is given a score of 0-3. (0 = Normal gingiva. 1 = Mild inflammation - slight change in color, slight edema. No bleeding on probing. 2. Moderate inflammation - redness, edema and glazing. Bleeding on probing. 3. Severe inflammation -marked redness and edema.)

Each of the four surfaces of the teeth (buccal, lingual, mesial and distal) is given a score from 0-3. (0 = No plaque in the gingival area. 1 = A film of plaque adhering to the free gingival margin and adjacent area of the tooth. The plaque may only be recognized by running a probe across the tooth surface. 2 = Moderate accumulation of soft deposits within the gingival pocket, on the gingival margin and/or adjacent tooth surface, which can be seen by the naked eye. 3 = Abundance of soft matter within the gingival pocket and/or on the gingival margin and adjacent tooth surface. Tendency to spontaneous bleeding.)

Probing depth is defined as the distance from the free gingival margin to the bottom of the periodontal pocket.

Inclusion Criteria: No or minimal clinical signs of gingival inflammation Gingival Index ≤ 1 No probing depth (Probing depth > 3 mm) No approximal attachment loss > 2 mm Non smokers Exclusion Criteria: Systemic diseases Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs within 3 months before the study Untreated caries lesions or local retention factors Mouth-breathing Allergies Previous probiotic supplements in diet