The results of a randomized and controlled clinical trial, which evaluated the use of probiotics by people with periodontitis, with and without a personalized dietary intervention, were recently published in BMC Oral Health. One hundred twenty women between the ages of 20-60 and diagnosed with mild to moderate periodontitis were divided into 3 groups; one group received conventional treatment, one received a probiotic for six weeks (in addition to conventional treatment), and women in the third group received conventional treatment, a probiotic, and personalized dietary advice, consistent with the Mediterranean diet and rich in fiber, antioxidants, prebiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids (while restricting refined carbohydrates, sugary beverages, etc.). The probiotic contained 10⁹ colony-forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, dosed once per day following breakfast.
Women in both groups taking the probiotic had significant improvements in periodontal pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) by the end of 6 weeks, particularly those in the group that also received dietary guidance. In this combined treatment group, PD decreased from 5.3 to 3.1 mm (41.5%), and CAL from 5.6 to 3.2 mm (42.7%). In contrast, in the control group, PD decreased from 5.3 to 4.4 mm (17%), and CAL from 5.5 to 4.8 mm (12.7%). Analysis of 3-day dietary intake suggests that a higher consumption of protein and fiber correlated with greater improvement, while carbohydrate and sugar consumption had a negative effect. This supports previous clinical benefits with probiotic use, which have demonstrated multiple mechanisms of action, including inhibiting the growth of pathogenic species, reducing biofilm formation, and downregulating virulence-associated factors, suggesting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fiber and protein may enhance this benefit.