Probiotic Therapy as an Adjunct Treatment in Periodontitis Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth, leading to tissue destruction and potential tooth loss. It is a significant public health concern, particularly in individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as diabetes exacerbates the progression of periodontal disease due to impaired immune responses and delayed wound healing.1

Diabetic patients often exhibit poor response to conventional periodontal treatments, such as scaling and root planing (SRP), which remain the standard approach for managing periodontitis.2 Despite this, many diabetic patients experience recurrent or persistent periodontal breakdown, necessitating the exploration of adjunctive therapies. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of probiotics as a supplementary treatment for periodontal diseases. Probiotics have demonstrated potential benefits in modulating the inflammatory response, improving oral health, and reducing pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity.3

Several studies have shown that probiotic therapy can help lower inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-4, which are implicated in the development of periodontitis.4Additionally, probiotics have been suggested to improve glycemic control in diabetic patients, which may, in turn, enhance periodontal health outcomes.5

The study will evaluate use of adjunct probiotics with SRP on clinical outcomes contributing to evidence supporting probiotics in diabetic periodontal care and improved glycemic control.