Clinical effect of Lactobacillus on the treatment of severe periodontitis and halitosis: A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical association between Lactobacillus and the efficacy of adjuvant treatment of severe periodontitis, periodontal parameters, and halitosis.

METHODS

60 healthy volunteers with severe periodontitis were randomized into two groups to receive periodontal therapy in a single session and lactobacillus or a placebo for 90 days. The test group received Lactobacillus reuteri, salivarius and acidophilus, and the control group received placebo with xylitol.

RESULTS

There was a reduction in the depth levels of the probing pocket and the level of relative attachment after 90 days (P< 0.01). Regarding bleeding after pocket probing, the full-mouth with lactobacillus groups also showed more reduction than the placebo group (P< 0.01). The same results were observed with the halitosis parameters (P< 0.01). Oral administration of lactobacillus reduced periodontal parameters and halitosis and could contribute to the beneficial effects on periodontal conditions and halitosis.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Oral administration of lactobacillus reduced periodontal parameters and halitosis. At the dental office, dentists can consider using the beneficial effects of the probiotics on periodontal conditions and halitosis.