Clinical and microbiological effects of Lactobacillus reuteri probiotics in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized placebo‐controlled study

Aim The aim of this randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri‐ containing probiotic lozenges as an adjunct to scaling and root planing ( SRP ). Material and Methods Thirty chronic periodontitis patients were recruited and monitored clinically and microbiologically at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks after therapy. All patients received one‐stage full‐mouth disinfection and randomly assigned over a test ( SRP  + probiotic, n  = 15) or control ( SRP  + placebo, n  = 15) group. The lozenges were used two times a day for 12 weeks. Results At week 12, all clinical parameters were significantly reduced in both groups, while there was significantly more pocket depth reduction ( p  < 0.05) and attachment gain ( p  < 0.05) in moderate and deep pockets; more Porphyromonas gingivalis reduction was observed in the SRP  + probiotic group. Conclusions The results indicate that oral administration of L. reuteri lozenges could be a useful adjunct to SRP in chronic periodontitis.