To assess the effects of a probiotic upon oral health indices in adolescents and to establish relationships between these indices and dietary habits and oral hygiene. Twenty-seven adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age were randomized into two groups. The study group received tablets containing Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938/ATCC 5289 for 28 days, while the control group received tablets without any bacteria. Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus sp., and salivary pH were assessed at baseline and at 7, 14, 21, 28, and 45 days. The plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding indices were recorded at baseline and at 14, 28, and 45 days. Dietary and oral hygiene habits were also evaluated by means of a questionnaire. A less marked rise in S. mutans was recorded in the study group. Improvements were observed in terms of plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding, though statistical significance was not reached. Oral pH increased in the study group, though not to a significant degree. Poorer eating habits were significantly correlated to increased plaque. The study parameters decreased with the two strains of L. reuteri DSM 17938 and ATCC PTA 5289, though the results failed to reach statistical.

评估益生菌对青少年口腔健康指数的影响，并建立这些指数与饮食习惯和口腔卫生之间的关系。27 名 12 岁至 18 岁的青少年被随机分为两组。研究组服用含有罗伊氏乳杆菌 DSM 17938 / ATCC 5289的药片，持续 28 天，而对照组服用不含任何细菌的药片。在基线以及第 7、14、21、28 和 45 天时评估变形链球菌、乳杆菌属和唾液 pH 值。在基线以及第 14、28 和 45 天时记录牙菌斑、牙龈炎和出血指数。还通过问卷调查的方式评估饮食和口腔卫生习惯。研究组中变形链球菌的增加不那么明显。尽管未达到统计学显着性，但在牙菌斑、牙龈炎和出血方面观察到了改善。研究组的口腔 pH 值有所增加，但幅度并不显着。不良饮食习惯与牙菌斑增加显着相关。研究参数随着罗伊氏乳杆菌 DSM 17938和ATCC PTA 5289两个菌株的增加而降低，但结果未能达到统计学意义。