Effect of Lactobacillus brevis CD2 containing lozenges and plaque pH and cariogenic bacteria in diabetic children: a randomised clinical trial

Objective The short-term effect (60 days) of Lactobacillus brevis CD2 lozenges vs placebo on variables related to caries and gingivitis in type 1 diabetic children was evaluated. Material and methods Eight diabetics (4–14 years old) were assigned to two groups ( n = 34 subjects each), probiotic lozenges and placebo. Stimulated saliva for microbiological analysis and plaque pH were assessed at baseline ( t 0 ), 30 days ( t 1 ), 60 days ( t 2 ) and in the follow-up period (90 days from baseline, t 3 ). Gingival status was assessed at t 0 , t 2 and t 3 . Two-way ANOVA assessed differences between groups. Results In the probiotic group, Streptococcus mutans bacterial density mean scores dropped from 3.11 ± 1.13 at baseline to 1.82 ± 0.72 ( t 2 ) and to 2.06 ± 0.56 ( t 3 ), while in the placebo group, the scores were 3.09 ± 0.8 ( t 0 ), 2.82 ± 0.47 ( t 2 ) and 3.11 ± 0.43 ( t 3 ) ( p < 0.01). Lowest and maximum pH fall increased in the probiotic group, from 5.37 ± 0.41 at baseline to 5.49 ± 0.24 at t 3 ( p < 0.01) and from 1.20 ± 0.46 to 0.98 ± 0.29 ( p = 0.02). Bleeding score decreased significantly in both groups, showing a statistically significant lower bleeding score at t 2 in the probiotic group (25.6%, 95% CI 21.5–32.7 vs 29.5%, 95% CI 25.2–34.9, p = 0.02). Conclusions Lactobacillus brevis CD2 has shown to improve caries-related risk factors and gingival health in diabetic children. Clinical relevance Lactobacillus brevis CD2 might contribute to improved oral health in type 1 diabetic children.