Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri as an adjunct to the treatment of periodontitis in smokers: randomised clinical trial

The aim of this randomised clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus reuteri in chewable tablets as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment of chronic periodontitis in smoking patients. 34 patient smokers were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The SRP group (n=17) received scaling and root planing (SRP) in one session and a placebo; the PRO group (n=17) received SRP in one session and 2 probiotic tablets 2x per day, for 21 days. Bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR), and pockets with PD >= 5 mm and bleeding were measured at baseline and 90 days. After 90 days of treatment, the PD and pockets with PD >= 5 mm and bleeding were significantly lower in both groups compared to baseline (P<0.05). In the PRO group, the BOP had significantly reduced at 90 days when compared with the baseline (P<0.05). There was statistically significant reduction in PD between baseline and 90 days in the PRO group in deep pockets (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the reduction in PD (P=0.95) or gain in CAL (P=0.97) in moderate and deep pockets. The adjuvant use of L. reuteri in the treatment of chronic periodontitis was effective in controlling gingival inflammation because reduced bleeding on probing which means reduced gingival inflammation and was effective in reducing deep pocket in manner clinically relevant.