Effect of Probiotic Toothpaste on Enamel Mineralization and Streptococcus mutans Levels in Cleft Orthodontic Patients-A Randomized Clinical Trial.

ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of probiotic and fluoride toothpaste on enamel mineralization and Streptococcus mutans levels in cleft lip and/or palate patients undergoing fixed orthodontic appliance therapy.DesignA randomized comparative trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio.ParticipantsThirty-two patients with cleft lip and/or palate undergoing fixed orthodontic appliances were recruited.InterventionsCleft lip and/or palate patients undergoing fixed orthodontic appliances were randomized into Group 1 (probiotic toothpaste) or Group 2 (fluoride toothpaste). The toothpaste was given to the patient after oral prophylaxis. The patients were advised to use the toothpaste two times a day (morning and night) for a period of 4 weeks.Main outcomesEnamel mineral content was assessed before intervention (T0) and after 4 weeks of intervention (T1) using DIAGNOdent. Streptococcus mutans levels were assessed after 4 weeks of intervention (T1) for both the groups using real time-polymerization chain reaction (RT-PCR). Paired t-tests and t-tests were used for intragroup and intergroup comparisons, respectively. A P-value < .05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsBoth the groups showed improvement in enamel mineral content after 4 weeks of intervention. Streptococcus mutans levels in the probiotic-containing toothpaste were lesser when compared to the fluoridated toothpaste group. No statistically significant difference was found between probiotic toothpaste and fluoridated toothpaste in both the assessed parameters.ConclusionsProbiotic toothpaste is as effective as fluoride toothpaste in enamel remineralization. Probiotic toothpaste showed greater inhibitory effect on Streptococcus mutans than the fluoridated toothpaste.