The impact of probiotic supplementation on dental and general health metrics in pediatric populations

Abstract

Relevance. Acute respiratory infections account for over 90% of infectious diseases in children. These children are classified as frequently ill, representing a significant concern in contemporary pediatrics. The presence of odontogenic infections further depletes their immunity and acts as a persistent source of sensitisation for the child's body.Materials and methods. A clinical-laboratory longitudinal prospective study was conducted on 477 children aged 12 and 15 years. The children were categorised into groups based on their risk of developing caries (minimal, moderate, high). Oral health status was assessed using the DMF index, oral hygiene was evaluated using the OHI-S index, and periodontal tissue condition was assessed using the PMA index. The activity of cariogenic flora aggression enzymes was measured by the level of salivary sialidase. The child's health status was evaluated using the infection index and the recurrence index. The schoolchildren were recommended a course of a preparation consisting of a combination of the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius M18 (at least 5 x 10^8 CFU) and vitamin D3 (320 IU or 8 µg of vitamin D3) at a dosage of one tablet per day, taken sublingually, for two months twice a year.Results. The study identified moderate correlations between salivary sialidase levels and several indicators, including the gingivitis index, the quantity of dental plaque, and the increase in sialidase activity in saliva. The level of salivary sialidase is regarded as a marker for plaque formation and the extent of periodontal tissue inflammation. Comprehensive oral sanitation, coupled with the strategic use of immunoprophylactic agents, resulted in significant improvements in oral health indicators (OHI-S, PMA, caries reduction) and specific child health metrics (infection index, recurrence index). Additionally, there was a notable reduction in salivary sialidase levels. The method demonstrated the highest efficacy in 12-year-old children who were at high risk of developing caries.Conclusion. The obtained data should be considered when planning individual therapeutic and preventive measures for schoolchildren with varying risks of developing caries and differing overall health statuses. Probiotic-based preparations should be incorporated into these measures.