Background:Stunting is defined as short stature for the age group, with a Z score less than −2 SD (standard
deviation). Stunting causes failure of body and brain growth in children, caused by chronic malnutrition. The highest
proportion of stunting comes from South Asia, including Indonesia. Stunting also affects the development and integrity
of the oral cavity and increases the risk of oral diseases, including caries. Probiotics are living microbes that can
provide health benefits to their host organisms. Few research has been done on the effect and potential of antibiofilm
from Lactobacillus casei on reducing Streptococcus mutans and increasing salivary pH. This study aims to analyze
the differences in plaque index, salivary pH, and quantification of Streptococcus mutans before and after consumption
of Lactobacillus casei in stunted children aged 3–5 years at Langensari 1 Health Center, Banjar City, West Java.
Materials and Methods:The design of this study was an experimental test, with 36 stunted children from
Langensari 1 Health Center, Banjar City, West Java, as subjects to examine the dental plaque index and acquire
unstimulated saliva to calculate salivary pH and quantify relative bacteria using the RT-PCR method to identify
Streptococcus mutans bacteria.
Results:There was a significant difference in plaque index from before and after consuming Lactobacillus casei
probiotics for 7 days (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in salivary pH and Streptococcus mutans
quantification between before and after consuming Lactobacillus casei probiotics for 7 days (p>0.05).
Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in the plaque index after the consumption of Lactobacillus casei
probiotic for 7 days. The salivary pH showed an increase, and the quantification of Streptococcus mutans parameters
showed a decrease, but neither of the differences was statistically significant. Thus, it can be concluded that the
Lactobacillus casei probiotic has a beneficial impact as an additional oral healthcare regimen, but future research is
recommended to incorporate additional parameters for a better understanding of probiotic efficacy.
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