Prebiotic Arginine and Probiotics’ Impact on Children’s Caries Increment

CANADA: A randomised clinical trial has revealed the potential of a unique combination of prebiotic arginine and probiotics in significantly reducing caries increment in children aged 5–9 years. 

The trial, titled “The effect of a lozenge combining prebiotic arginine and probiotics on caries increment in children during 10–12 months,” unveils an innovative approach towards managing dental caries and improving oral health.

Methodology and Objectives

Conducted as a placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-grouped trial, the study involved 343 children randomly assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group, consisting of 172 children, received a lozenge containing a combination of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, LGG® (DSM33156), Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, L. CASEI 431® (DSM33451), and prebiotic arginine (2%). 

Anemia-Related Dental Caries Impacting Children’s Quality of Life

In contrast, the placebo group (171 children) received an identical lozenge devoid of arginine or probiotics. The study aimed to gauge the effect of using these lozenges daily over a period of 10–12 months on caries increment, gingivitis, and plaque occurrence.

Key Findings and Implications

The study, which saw a dropout rate of 15%, concluded that the use of the lozenge containing prebiotic arginine and two strains of probiotics led to a statistically significant reduction in caries increment. However, no notable differences were observed in terms of gingivitis and plaque occurrence. Importantly, no product-related side effects were reported.

The findings hold clinical significance as they suggest that the combination of prebiotic arginine and probiotics has the potential to serve as a supplementary approach to traditional caries management methods, such as toothbrushing with fluoride toothpaste. 

Water fluoridation offers “modest benefits” to children’s oral health

The study points towards a potential paradigm shift in caries prevention and management, emphasising the emergence of innovative solutions beyond conventional practices.

The clinical trial provides a promising foundation for further research and exploration into the combined impact of prebiotic arginine and probiotics on oral health. This approach opens doors to new avenues in managing dental caries and improving the overall well-being of children’s oral health.