Consumption of Lactobacillus reuteri-containing lozenges improves periodontal health in navy sailors at sea: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

The objective of this trial was to evaluate whether the regular consumption of probiotics may improve the known deterioration of periodontal health in navy sailors during deployments at sea.

METHODS

72 healthy sailors of a naval ship on a practicing mission at sea were recruited and randomly provided with a blinded supply of lozenges to be consumed twice daily for the following 42 days containing either the probiotic strains Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938 and L. reuteri (ATTC PTA 5289) (test n = 36) or no probiotics (placebo n = 36). At baseline, at day 14 and day 42 bleeding on probing (primary outcome), gingival index, plaque control record, probing attachment level, and probing pocket depth were assessed at the Ramfjord teeth.

RESULTS

At baseline there were no significant differences between the groups. At day 14 and day 42 test group scores of all assessed parameters were significantly improved (P < 0.001) compared to baseline and to the placebo group which by contrast showed a significant (P < 0.001) deterioration of all parameters at the end of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of probiotic L. reuteri-lozenges is an efficacious measure to improve and maintain periodontal health in situations with waning efficacy of personal oral hygiene.