Effect of chlorhexidine pre-treatment on the stability of salivary lactobacilli probiotic in 6 - to 12 year old children

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of chlorhexidine mouthwash (CHX) disinfection on the stability of probiotic. Methods: This study involved 105 children in three groups. Subjects in group 1 received CHX for 2 weeks; subjects of group 2 received probiotic yoghurt containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) at a concentration of 2 (10) 8 CFU/g for 3 weeks; and subjects in group 3 received CHX in the same manner as group 1 and after 24 hours they received probiotic yoghurt in the same manner as group 2. Salivary Streptococci mutans (SM) and LGG were counted at baseline, one day, one week, and five weeks after each intervention in groups. Results: SM count was reduced on day one in group 1 (P < 0.001), and was steady for five weeks (P < 0.05). In group 2, SM counts significantly decreased, and was steady for one week (P < 0.05); LGG counts increased (P < 0.001), but was not steady for next five weeks. In group 3, a significant reduction of SM count was recorded, and the reduced count was steady for five weeks; a significant increase in LGG counts was registered (P < 0.001), which was steady for five weeks. Inter-group comparison showed a significant increase in LGG counts in groups 2 and 3; however, this increase was not stable in group 2, chlorhexidine pre-treatment before consumption of probiotic established a stable colonization of lactobacilli strains in group 3 (p<0/05). Conclusion: pre-treatment CHX before consumption of probiotic increases colonization of Lactobacilli strains.