Effect Of Probiotic Coconut Yogurt And Lactose Free Yogurt Consumption On Salivary Ph And Buffer Capacity In Children – An In Vivo Study

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To assess and compare salivary pH changes and buffer capacity of saliva after consumption of probiotic coconut yogurt and lactose free yogurt with that of regular yogurt.

Methodology: This double blind randomized clinical trial was conducted at the institution with 75 caries free patients belonging to the age group of 12-14 years who were allocated into three groups. Test group A, Test group B and Control Group consist of 25 subjects who consumed 90gm of probiotic coconut yogurt(PCY), probiotic lactose free yogurt(PLFY), regular yogurt(RY). Saliva samples were assessed at baseline, after ½ hour and 1 hour of intervention period using digital pH meter. All statistical procedures were performed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 25.0. One way ANOVA was done for multiple comparison and paired t test was used for association between variables within the group at different intervals. Probability value (p <0.05) was considered statistically significant.

Results: Study revealed an statistically significant increase in salivary pH in both test groups (group A and group B ) after ½ and 1 hour than control group with a p value <0.05. There was no statistically significant difference in buffering capacity between the groups at ½ and 1 hour.

Conclusion : Consumption of both probiotic coconut yogurt and probiotic lactose free yogurt for a short period of time showed marked elevation in salivary pH which may help in preventing dental caries.