Use of the Probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri as an Adjunct to Subgingival Instrumentation in the Treatment of Periodontitis Patients With Diabetes: A Randomised Clinical Trial
(Journal of Clinical Periodontology; doi: 10.1111/jcpe.70035)
Rocío Bujaldón, Eduardo Montero, Juan Daniel Gamonal, Alejandro Abuelo, María José Marín, Margarita Iniesta, Mariano Sanz, David Herrera
Probiotics contain live microorganisms and are sometimes suggested as an addition to dental care.
This trial tested whether a particular probiotic gave extra benefits to people with diabetes receiving gum treatment.
Forty adults with diabetes and periodontitis received professional cleaning below the gumline and oral hygiene advice. They also took either probiotic or matching placebo tablets for three months. Researchers compared gum health and blood glucose over six months.
Gum health improved in both groups. Adding the probiotic did not produce a clear extra improvement in gum pocket depth or the other overall gum outcomes.
One analysis suggested better HbA1c with probiotics, but that finding was no longer clear when people with departures from the study plan were excluded. This makes the glucose result uncertain rather than a dependable treatment benefit.
The study does not provide a strong reason to add this probiotic specifically to improve gum health. It also cannot tell us that every probiotic product works in the same way. The main dental improvement occurred alongside professional treatment in both groups. If considering an additional product, it is useful to ask what benefit has actually been demonstrated, how uncertain it is and whether the evidence concerns that exact product.
The most useful comparison is the difference between the treatment groups, rather than improvement within just one group.
Results also depend on who took part, the comparison care and how long people were followed. A statistically uncertain difference does not prove two approaches are identical. Equally, a clear difference in a measurement may not show a lasting benefit for tooth retention or general health.
These findings need to be considered alongside other trials and your individual clinical needs when discussing treatment choices.
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Periodontitis is the 6th most prevalent condition globally
Periodontitis and diabetes are bidirectionally linked
Diabetic complications are increased if you have both diseases
Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control
Periodontitis is the 6th most prevalent condition globally
Periodontitis and diabetes are bidirectionally linked
Diabetic complications are increased if you have both diseases
Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control
