Clinical effect of Lactobacillus on the treatment of severe periodontitis and halitosis: A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical association between Lactobacillus and the efficacy of adjuvant treatment of severe periodontitis, periodontal parameters, and halitosis. METHODS: 60 healthy volunteers with severe periodontitis were randomized into two groups to receive periodontal therapy in a single session and lactobacillus or a placebo for 90 days. The test group received Lactobacillus reuteri, salivarius and acidophilus, and the control group received placebo with xylitol. RESULTS: There was a reduction in the depth levels of the probing pocket and the level of relative attachment after 90 days (P< 0.01). Regarding bleeding after pocket probing, the full-mouth with lactobacillus groups also showed more reduction than the placebo group (P< 0.01). The same results were observed with the halitosis parameters (P< 0.01). Oral administration of lactobacillus reduced periodontal parameters and halitosis and could contribute to the beneficial effects on periodontal conditions and halitosis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Oral administration of lactobacillus reduced periodontal parameters and halitosis. At the dental office, dentists can consider using the beneficial effects of the probiotics on periodontal conditions and halitosis.