Antimicrobial effect of toothpastes containing fluoride, xylitol, or xylitol-probiotic on salivary <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> and <i>Lactobacillus</i> in children

Abstract

Aim: This in vivo study was designed to compare the antimicrobial effect of toothpastes containing fluoride, xylitol, or xylitol-probiotic on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in 13-15-year-old children.

Materıals and Methods: The study consisted of 60 pediatric patients who were randomly divided into three groups of 20 each. Group 1 recieved fluoride toothpaste (Colgate Max Fresh), group 2 used xylitol toothpaste (Xyliwhite), and group 3 used xylitol-probiotic toothpaste (PerioBiotic). Participants were asked to use the allocated dentifrice two times a day for 6 weeks. We performed tests on the saliva samples at the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks’ duration following the use of toothpaste. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 15 software and chi-square test were used for data analysis.

Results: PerioBiotic toothpaste and Colgate Max Fresh toothpaste showed significant reduction in the number of participants who, prior to commencing the study, were diagnosed with a high number of cariogenic bacteria. On the contrary, no significant changes were observed with respect to the number of participants with a very high number of S. mutans and Lactobacillus on Xyliwhite toothpaste group.

Conclusion: In the light of the data obtained in this in-vivo study, a new innovational aspect has been reached in the use of probiotics to ensure the balance between bacterial flora in the oral cavity. In daily routine, the administration of probiotics to children is difficult. The toothpaste can be used as a vehicle to transport probiotics to children’s mouth.

Keywords: Lactobacillus, Streptococcus mutans, toothpaste