| Effect | None |
| Trial Design | Randomized trial |
| Trial Length | 1-6 months |
| Number of Subjects | 45 |
| Sex | Both Genders |
| Age Range | 7-12, 13-17 |
S. mutans and lactobacilli are the main culprits in tooth decay. In this study, 45 children with fixed orthodontics were randomized into control, kefir (100 mL 2x/day) and special probiotic toothpaste groups. After 6 weeks, both the kefir group and special probiotic toothpaste group had significantly lower average S. mutans salivary counts than at the beginning, and both were reduced significantly compared to control. Neither group had significantly reduced lactobacillus counts compared to control. The special toothpaste group also saw a statistically significant increase in saliva buffering capacity, but the kefir group didn't.Funding issues for this study:
The kefir used in this study was provided by Ataturk Orman Ciftligi, Ankara, Turkey. It contained a mix of lactic acid bacteria (_L. lactis_ subspecies, _Leuconostoc_ species, _Lactobacillus_ species, and _S. thermophilus_) and yeasts isolated from kefir grains.
"All authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Po- tential Conflicts of Interest, and none were reported. Funded by Selcuk University Scientific Research Projects Foundation (project number 15102011)."
