Lactobacillus reuteri to the treatment of periodontitis in smokers

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this randomized 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. METHODS: 34 smoking patients were selected and randomly divided into two groups. SRP group received scaling and root planning (SRP) in only session and placebo; PRO group received SRP in only session and Lactobacillus reuteri during 21 days. Full mouth plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival recession (GR) and pockets with PD≥5mm and bleeding were measured at baseline and 90 days. RESULTS: After 90 days of treatment, the measured PD, PI and pockets with PD≥5mm and bleeding were significantly lower in both groups compared to baseline (p<0.05). While in the PRO group, BOP had significantly improved compared to baseline (p<0.05). PRO group presented a higher reduction of PD, GR, BOP, PI and pockets with PD≥5mm and bleeding when compared with SRP group, at 90 days (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, the adjuvant use of Lactobacillus reuteri in treatment of chronic periodontitis has not promoted clinical benefits in clinical attachment gain. However, it was effective in controlling gingivitis and in reducing the number of patients requiring periodontal retreatment.