Background: Prevention of dental caries is paramount in reducing the global burden of the disease. The consumption of probiotics as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for dental caries, has certain limitations. Prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients, that enhance the growth and activity of probiotic microorganism, thereby help in the establishment of a healthy oral environment.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on the salivary Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) counts and salivary IgA concentrations.
Methodology: Children of age-group 6–9 years with DMFT score of 5 and above were divided into three groups of 10 each: Group 1 (prebiotics), Group 2 (probiotics), and Group 3 (synbiotics). The functional food therapy was done for a period of 1 month twice daily. The S. mutans count and IgA concentrations were assessed pre- and postintervention. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis.
Results: A statistically significant reduction of S. mutans was seen in all three groups after 1 month. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the groups.
Conclusion: Prebitoics can serve as an unfortified and natural means of combating dental caries.
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