Probiotics
are live microorganisms that upon administration in adequate amounts
provide various health benefits to the host. Probiotics are “lactic
acid-producing bacteria” as they release large amounts of organic acids,
particularly lactic acids, in their surrounding environment. Although
the acids produced by probiotics are beneficial for gastrointestinal and
vaginal health, the acidogenic nature of probiotics has raised concerns
among dental professionals, especially concerning their effect on the
enamel and dentin. Previous studies have found that probiotics can lower
the pH of the saliva and cause essential elements like Calcium and
Phosphorus to leach from the enamel. This can alter the surface
topography of enamel and increase the risk of enamel defects. Studies
have also noted that probiotic bacteria can replace cariogenic bacteria
and lower the risk of tooth decay. However, the effect of acid produced
by probiotics on the enamel surface remains unclear. Hence, the present
study aims to evaluate the effect of probiotics on the surface
roughness, microhardness, and elemental composition of enamel compared
to 0.1 M Lactic acid (demineralizing agent). Twenty enamel sections were
randomly divided into groups and subjected to a pH cycling model using a
probiotic suspension and 0.1 M lactic acid. The changes in the surface
roughness, microhardness, surface morphology, and elemental composition
of the enamel with regard to Carbon, Oxygen, Sodium, Hydrogen,
Magnesium, Phosphorus, Fluoride, Chlorine, and Calcium of the enamel
were evaluated before and after the emersion in both the groups. The
results showed a significant increase in the mean surface roughness in
the probiotic group before and after the exposure. The microhardness of
the enamel decreased along with altered arrangement of the enamel
prisms, increased striations, scratch marks, and pitting after exposure
to the probiotic group. A decrease in the atomic/weight% for Calcium,
Phosphorous, Fluoride, Aluminium, and Oxygen and an increase in the
weight/atomic% for Carbon, Nitrogen, and Sodium were noted compared to
the baseline in the probiotic solution. The results in the probiotic
group were comparable to the 0.1 M lactic acids. The pH changed from
5.78 to 3.06 at the end of 24 h in the probiotic group. Based on these
findings, we conclude that exposure to probiotics can affect
microhardness and surface roughness and cause leaching of essential
elements like Calcium and Phosphorous from the enamel.
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