title: Clinical changes in periodontal subjects with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis: a preliminary randomized clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effect of the administration of Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis as a probiotic agent in the treatment of initial to moderate chronic periodontitis. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the patient 'compliance' factor and to observe the potential side-effects of the probiotic agent.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty systemically healthy, non-smoking subjects with initial-to-moderate chronic periodontitis were enrolled in this 1-month double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive tablets containing Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis or placebo once a day for 30 days. Clinical parameters were collected at baseline and 30 days post-treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Periodontal clinical parameters were improved in the test group after a 30-day intervention. The test group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in all the periodontal parameters included in the study (plaque index, bleeding on probing and pocket probing depths), while the control group treated with placebo did not show any statistically significant change in periodontal parameters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data indicate that oral administration of Lactobacillus reuteri Prodentis improved the short-term clinical outcomes in non-smoking patients with initial-to-moderate chronic periodontitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periododontics, Universitat International de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain. mvicario@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vicario
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Violant
authors.forename: Jose
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nart
authors.forename: Lluis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Giner
mesh_terms: D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007778:Lactobacillus; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D010514:Periodontal Pocket; D010919:Placebos; D019936:Probiotics / Q000009:adverse effects; D013607:Tablets
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D013607:Tablets