RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The access to probiotics should be facilitated in order to encourage their usage. We evaluated the effect of consumption of two experimental probiotic-containing cheeses on the oral colonization of Candida in denture wearers. METHODS: Sixty denture wearers harboring oral Candida were randomly allocated in groups who received cheese supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (T1) or Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lr-32 (T2), daily for 8 weeks, and a control group (C) who received a control cheese. Oral samples were obtained through a mouthwash, and Candida levels were determined (CFU/mL) at baseline and after the 8-week experimental period. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean levels of Candida spp. (log CFU/mL) were similar among the groups. However, the mean levels of Candida were significantly reduced in groups T1 and T2 but not in C (Tukey, p<.05). The reduction in Candida oral levels occurred independently on the colonizing Candida species, participant age, and use of bi- or unimaxillary dentures. CONCLUSIONS: Daily consumption of cheese supplemented with probiotics, with either L. acidophilus NCFM or L. rhamnosus Lr-32, was able to reduce the colonization of oral Candida in complete denture wearers, suggesting its potential in reducing the risk of oral candidiasis in this highly susceptible population.