Clinical Evaluation of Smoker Periodontal Subjects After Lactobacillus-reuteri Probiotics and Antibiotics Therapy

It is a clinical trial conducted on smokers with chronic periodontitis in which the participants are divided into two groups and one group is provided with antibiotics while the other with probiotics as an adjunct to non-surgical therapy. The participants were assessed for change in probing pocket depths, attachment loss, bleeding on probing, plaque index and gingival index after 1-month and 3-month period.

Background:

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the supporting structures of the tooth which includes periodontal ligament, cementum, and bone. Conventional periodontal therapy involves a non-surgical and surgical method for mechanical debridement of supragingival and subgingival sites to eliminate the pathogens and reduce inflammation of the periodontium. Smokers respond less to conventional therapy and require antibiotics for additional benefits. Where the use of antibiotics provides benefits to the host, the increasing proportion of developing antibiotic resistance are a major concern. The introduction of "Probiotics" as a treatment option is under special consideration. According to WHO, Probiotics are defined as viable micro-organisms which when delivered in an appropriate dose, provides health benefits. Lactobacillus-reuteri has been considered as a reliable option in regards to safety with no reported adverse effects, in the treatment of periodontitis as an adjunct to Scaling and Root Debridement.

Objectives:

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the clinical improvement of Lactobacillusreuteri Probiotics in comparison to a combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole antibiotics in smokers with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis after non-surgical scaling and root debridement.

Method:

A total number of 60 Smokers with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were randomized into two groups after taking consent. Group 1 received amoxicillin and metronidazole for 7 days and placebo for Probiotics for 30 days. Group 2 was provided with 1 tablet of Lactobacillus-reuteri Probiotics (2x108CFU) twice daily after brushing for 30 days and a placebo for antibiotics for 7 days. At recruitment, scaling and root debridement were performed and change in pocket depth, attachment loss, gingival index, plaque index and bleeding on probing were recorded. The same outcomes were recorded again at 1 month and 3 months follow-up. Mean, standard deviation and confidence interval were reported using SPSS version-20.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* systemically healthy males or females.
* at least 35 years of age with minimal 3 natural teeth in each quadrant excluding 3rd molar.
* previously untreated moderate to severe generalized chronic periodontitis
* were current smokers having ≥10 cigarettes /day.

Exclusion Criteria:

* having periodontal therapy within the past 6 months.
* have undergone antibiotics or long-term NSAIDS therapy within the past 6 months.
* have an allergy to penicillin and metronidazole.
* having either fixed or removable prosthesis.
* pregnant or nursing females.