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Clinical Oral Investigations

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01-07-2014 | Review

Probiotics reduce mutans streptococci counts in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Isabelle Laleman, Valentine Detailleur, Dagmar Else Slot, Vera Slomka, Marc Quirynen, Wim Teughels

Published in: Clinical Oral Investigations | Issue 6/2014

Abstract

Objectives

Systematically review the available literature regarding the caries-preventive effect of probiotics.

Data, sources and study selection

An electronic search was conducted in three databases (PubMed MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science and Cochrane Library) to identify all suitable studies. The outcomes had to be presented as the effect of probiotics on the incidence of caries or on the levels of mutans streptococci and/or Lactobacillus species. Human studies, written in English, with at least 15 participants, comparing a probiotic product with a placebo/no probiotic were included. Where possible, a meta-analysis was performed to obtain quantitative data.

Results

Since only two articles presented useful data on the caries incidence, we focused on the surrogate endpoints: mutans streptococci and/or Lactobacillus counts. The meta-analysis showed that when the probiotic and control group are compared after treatment, significantly more patients in the probiotic group had low mutans streptococci (<10⁵ CFU/ml) counts and significantly less patients had high (>10⁶ CFU/ml) counts. Regarding the Lactobacillus counts, comparing the probiotic and control group at the end of the probiotic use, no significant differences could be observed, neither in low (<10⁴ CFU/ml) nor in high Lactobacillus (>10⁶ CFU/ml) counts.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the available data, it may be concluded that probiotics decrease the mutans streptococci counts. This suggests that probiotics could have a positive effect in the prevention of caries.

Clinical relevance

There is insufficient evidence that probiotics can prevent caries, but they can reduce the mutans streptococci counts.

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Title: Probiotics reduce mutans streptococci counts in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Isabelle Laleman
Valentine Detailleur
Dagmar Else Slot
Vera Slomka
Marc Quirynen
Wim Teughels
Publication date: 01-07-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Clinical Oral Investigations / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 1432-6981
Electronic ISSN: 1436-3771
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-014-1228-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Probiotics reduce mutans streptococci counts in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives

Data, sources and study selection

Results

Conclusions

Clinical relevance

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Data, sources and study selection

Results

Conclusions

Clinical relevance

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