Influence of mechanical debridement with adjunct probiotic therapy on clinical status and salivary cortisol levels in patients with periodontal inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

The null hypothesis is that there is no difference in periodontal parameters and salivary cortisol levels (CL) among patients with periodontal inflammatory conditions (PIC) who receive non-surgical mechanical debridement (NSMD) with or without adjunct probiotic therapy (PT). The aim of this study was to assess the influence of NSMD with and without adjunct PT on clinical status and whole salivary CL in patients with PIC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Participants were randomly divided into four groups: Group-1: NSMD alone (n=19); Group-2: NSMD + PT (n=18); Group-3: PT + oral hygiene instructions (OHI) (n=17); and Group-4: PT alone (n=18). Lactobacillus rhamnosus SP1 (2×107 colony-forming units/day) was used for PT. Plaque and gingival indices (PI and GI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (AL) were assessed, and whole salivary CL was assessed at baseline and at 6-week follow-up. Marginal bone levels were assessed at baseline and demographic data was collected using a questionnaire. Sample-size estimation was performed, and statistical significance was determined at p<0.05.

RESULTS

At follow-up, PI (p<0.01), GI (p<0.01), and PD (p<0.01) were significantly higher in PT + OHI and PT alone groups compared with individuals who underwent NSMD + PT and NSMD alone. At baseline and follow-up, there was no significant difference in CL in all groups. There was no statistically significant correlation between age, gender, PI, PD, GI, clinical AL, salivary flow rate, education status and salivary CL in all groups at baseline and follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

NSMD continues to be the "gold standard" and most reliable treatment strategy for managing PIC. It is imperative to reach a consensus regarding the duration, dosage, and frequency of PT that would yield optimal results for managing PIC.