Effect of probiotics intake on oral environment changes of the elderly in long-term care facilities

Abstract

Objectives: This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of changes in the oral environment of the elderly in long-term care facilities after the intake of Weissella cibaria. Methods: The test group ingested the W. cibaria strain Chonnam Medical University (CMU), and the control group ingested the control food. Of all randomized trial subjects, 62 were analyzed (32 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group). In this 8-week demographic study, we evaluated self-perceived halitosis, changes in halitosis, sensory test results, tongue plaque index scores, saliva buffering capacity, and the salivary flow rate. Results: The W. cibaria CMU intake in the elderly in long-term care facilities during the experimental period did not demonstrate statistically significant changes in the salivary flow rate. However, self-perceived halitosis, organoleptic test results, tongue plaque index scores, and salivary buffering capacity demonstrated statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups. These findings partially confirmed the beneficial effects of the W. cibaria CMU on the oral environment in the elderly. Conclusions: Research results on the role of probiotics in the oral cavity should be summarized, and utilization plans should be sought to obtain a clearer understanding of the clinical efficacy and related factors. The value of probiotic use may be high in improving the oral health of people by enabling treatment and prevention.

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